The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 225

"Rachel's checkup is going to take quite a while. Stay with her for now; I'll be back later," Haynes said, glancing at his watch.

Jasper, who could never keep his thoughts to himself, let out a dry laugh. "Haynie, we both know why Rachel's in this condition. You promised me you'd take care of her, and look where that got us. And now, with Rachel at death's door, you're off having lunch with Stella?"

Haynes shifted his gaze towards Jasper, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Jasper softened his tone, sensing the tension. "Haynie, if it wasn't for Rachel pulling me out of the fire that time, I wouldn't be here. She loves you, and I was willing to step aside for that."

He paused, remembering the past. "When Deanna disapproved of you two and you broke it off, I didn't blame you. I just want Rachel to spend her last days without regrets."

Jasper and Haynes had been like brothers since childhood, bonded by more than just friendship. Jasper had once put himself in harm's way to save Haynes, nearly paying the ultimate price. Rachel had swooped in just in time, saving his life.

Rachel, he chose to support her happiness with Haynes. He understood why Haynes had married Stella, given the circumstances with their child.

afternoon, Haynes still hadn't shown

To her

Haynie's with Rachel

"You

wanted to steal Haynie away today, didn't you? Well, I made sure that won't happen. Does it make you

phone, Stella could picture Jasper's self-satisfied grin. She couldn't help

even know why I wanted to meet Haynes?" Stella asked, amused

"Why should I care? All that matters is Haynie's not leaving

clueless as Jasper. She knew that if