The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Haynes's voice was low and hoarse. "That's not what I meant. You misunderstood. I just..."

He looked as if he wanted to explain, but in the end, he gave up.

He simply said, "I'm sorry. It's my fault."

Stella glared at him with undisguised contempt. "Haynes, when are you finally going to stop showing up just to bother me? Is divorce not enough to get rid of you? Or do I have to leave this world entirely before you'll let me go?"

A flicker of wounded disbelief crossed Haynes's eyes.

"Star, do you really hate me that much?"

Stella's lips curled in a cold, careless smile. "Haynes, is this the first time you're realizing it? This past year, you and Rachel haven't just disgusted me-you've made my skin crawl. The mere sight of you two makes me sick to my stomach."

Her words hit Haynes like a slap, and for a moment, anger flashed in his eyes. "So who is it you like? Neville? Is that why you'd rather walk out on your husband and your child just to get away from me?"

never once believed he'd done anything wrong; never

and distant. "Whoever it is, it's

dangerous flush crept into Haynes's gaze.

anger twisting his features, Stella

worth, at least I waited until we were divorced to let anyone else into my life. You, on the other hand,

between me and her. I've explained this to

and you

his

was already watching him with a mocking,

not long ago, he'd carried Rachel in his arms when she'd fallen ill. At the time, it hadn't

ver

being petty

others had started to get under his skin. Had

I'll be more careful from now on. But Star, you don't

stared at