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.

not to notice, began reminiscing about

forgotten? When we first started dating, you used to love hearing me play the violin for you. Every

feelings? You were so vague about it! I completely missed the point 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

on and on, her

without much

now, he only

unconsciously. To his surprise, she was

showing the slightest sign of annoyance or impatience-in fact, she

his lips pressed

he couldn't take it anymore and

enough." His voice was cool, almost icy. "The past is in the past. Let's leave

I didn't mean

those were the happiest, simplest

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, hoping to get under her skin.

saw right through

old friends-talked about the old days, Stella always felt like an outsider, cut off from

loneliness. If anything, she found the whole thing rather

it was Stella who spoke up, her voice gentle but unmistakably