The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Rachel Pearce didn't bother chasing after Haynes O'Brien; she seemed lost in her own thoughts, but no one really noticed her.

After leaving the gym, Stella Cameron decided to head straight home instead of making any detours-she wanted to avoid any further encounters with Haynes. When they passed by a supermarket, Stella stopped to pick up some groceries. As her assistant, Joshua naturally went along.

Haynes, who had been tailing them in his car, saw them get out and followed them inside.

When they left, Rachel tried to hitch a ride with Haynes, but he turned her down. For once, the usually persistent Rachel didn't insist; she simply walked away on her own.

Inside the supermarket, Haynes spotted Stella pushing a cart, carefully selecting vegetables.

Joshua wasn't hovering at her side; instead, he was walking behind Stella with Keen O'Brien.

Keen was beaming, telling Joshua something exciting-every now and then exclaiming, "That's awesome!" or "Really?" The difference between this lively, exuberant boy and the well-behaved, steady child Keen usually was around Haynes was striking.

Watching his own son chat so comfortably with another man, Haynes felt a pang of something he didn't expect. For the first time, he truly understood what it was like to see your child bonding with someone you can't stand.

Stella of being petty and jealous, unable to accept anyone else caring

Joshua, he doubted he could have handled it as calmly-he'd

over.

for a moment, a wave of regret washing over him. He realized just how much he'd neglected because

didn't approach or interrupt, just quietly followed Stella

methodically picking out vegetables. From where Haynes stood,

in the

the window. For

he felt his long-numb heart

Stella looked up in his direction. When she saw Haynes, her brow furrowed slightly. She'd known

him off-the supermarket wasn't her turf— Stella simply ignored him and went back to choosing

Joshua,

vegetables Stella picked were crisp and fresh, catching the

the best ones. I bet

the cooking myself. That way,