The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"Having a job is great-you can earn your own money and don't have to put up with men mocking us, saying women only live off them."

Keen thought of the healing meals his mother used to make for him, and the special dishes she always prepared just for him.

In a quiet voice, he murmured, "Mom, I'm sorry."

Stella shook her head gently. "Alright, we're done picking out the vegetables. Let's

head over to the snacks aisle and grab some of your favorites."

The little group made their way toward the snacks section.

Haynes followed along behind them.

For Haynes, this was a strangely new experience.

He'd always considered shopping with women to be a waste of time-tedious and inconvenient.

But now, not only did he not feel annoyed, he actually found himself wanting to walk beside Stella and help her pick things out.

Once they'd finished shopping, the group left the supermarket.

Joshua drove them back to the apartment building, and when he parked the car, Stella turned to him. "Joshua, thank you for all your help today. You should get some rest."

She didn't invite him upstairs for dinner.

She had no intention of giving Haynes an excuse to linger around her.

on my way, then. If you need anything, Ms. Cameron, just

He left soon after.

Haynes finally walked

"Keen."

surprised. "Dad, you're still

glanced at the grocery bags in Stella's hands. "Let

step back, neatly sidestepping

"No, thank you."

"Your hands are for playing the violin. You shouldn't carry anything too

day, and my hands are just fine.

why

"It's okay, Dad. I

clear

could sense that his mother's mood always soured whenever

Haynes fell silent.

already gone, Haynes had no choice but to leave as

he knew he

with

first. Only

could he hope for

a chance

Stella back

called Jasper Wilkinson