The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Rachel walked over with a bright smile. "Haynie, what brings you here today? Are

you here with Keen for target practice too?"

Haynes responded with a curt, indifferent nod, clearly in no mood for

conversation.

As Rachel drew closer, she seemed to only then notice Stella standing nearby. Her voice softened as she greeted her.

"Ms. Cameron."

Without hesitation, she settled herself right next to Haynes.

Rachel didn't seem the least bit bothered by Haynes's coldness; she jumped right

into chattering about anything and everything.

At first, Haynes managed a word or two in reply.

But as time went on, his expression grew colder, and he barely bothered to respond at all.

pretending not to notice, began

you used to love hearing me play the violin for you. Every time we met, you'd

at first. If it hadn't been for that time when a few guys started bothering me and you stepped in, saying you were my boyfriend, I might never

on, her voice filling

without much thought, maybe

he only felt a growing

Stella, almost unconsciously. To

of annoyance

his lips pressed into a thin

couldn't take it anymore and cut Rachel

"The past is in the past. Let's leave

I didn't mean anything

think those were the happiest, simplest

share every last detail of her romance with Haynes. She wasn't just trying to stir up old memories for him she was making sure Stella heard every word,

right

friends-talked about the old

If anything, she found the whole thing

Stella who spoke up, her voice gentle but