The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

She and Karl had been together for so long, their lives had tangled up with the same group of friends.

It was through these friends that she heard all about Karl and that so-called "first love."

They told her that Karl cared most about her, that he barely spared a kind word for that other woman. They urged her to go back to him.

After all, it was Candida who'd stood by his side during his darkest days, tending

to him, supporting him. Now, just as she was about to finally "reap the rewards," why should she let someone else swoop in and take it all away?

Their arguments made sense.

But Candida didn't want to go back.

It wasn't pride, or some lofty refusal to accept a comfortable life. If not for Karl's accident, with her background, the Burtons never would have let her into their family in the first place.

She'd even considered turning a blind eye to Karl's affairs and just focusing on building her own wealth. Maybe that was enough.

But she couldn't do it.

The very thought of it made her sick-physically ill.

them, even for money? No matter how

a bit about her story

was foolishly in love. She'd left because she was repulsed-down to her

memory of it could make someone feel queasy. Who would willingly leave their own child behind and run,

that the same mouth which once kissed

made Candida's skin crawl. The idea of spending a lifetime

spotted her and immediately strode over.

instinctively backed up a few steps, her face

don't see what there's left to talk

shocked by how guarded

for? What, do you think

lightbulb went off, he turned sharply to

said something to her,

the crossfire, could only stare back in

in the entire Burton family besides

earth are you talking about? This has nothing to

it

finger, doing everything she can to get her hands on our family shares. Now she's driving a wedge between us. If it weren't for

you should take a book in the mirror before blaming innocent people. Karl, do you