The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

The next morning, Haynes was once again waiting outside Stella's apartment.

Last night, he'd already confirmed with Keen that Stella was taking her to the sports club today to practice shooting.

She wouldn't bring Marvin just the two of them.

Haynes, hoping for a chance to reconcile, wasn't about to let this golden opportunity slip by.

He'd stayed up late finishing his work, so he could arrive at her place extra early.

He hadn't told Keen about his plans.

Keen was too young to keep a secret; Haynes didn't want her to accidentally mention something and prompt Stella to change her mind.

Not long after, the apartment doors swung open and two figures—one tall, one small-stepped out.

It was Stella and Keen.

Relief softened Haynes's tense expression. He was just about to approach them when a third figure appeared in the doorway-a man, tall and composed, following close behind.

Haynes froze in place.

Stella and Keen didn't even notice him.

Keen glanced back and called, "Mr. Joshua, do you really know how to shoot?"

The man laughed. "Shooting and darts aren't so different. I've been practicing these past few days—shouldn't be a problem."

now, brightened. "Then

had a great impression of

the club, Mr. Joshua was the one who found his mom's

cold, Joshua had

and, by extension, wasn't fond

with Joshua, but he really

"Alright, let's have a competition. But... I won't

don't want any grown-ups letting me

turned to Joshua. "Thank you for helping

Cameron's delicious

bag in

eat and run-wouldn't feel right not to pitch

got to stay at Stella's place for a few days,

up early to prepare

to drop something off for Abby, so

Stella said nothing more.

out, only to spot Haynes

"Dad? What

and harsh; his

one night

want to acknowledge

to speak, but Joshua

upset you are, it's not right to take it out