The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

It was Stella's first time at Joshua's apartment.

Even though she'd had Abby help her find the place, and they lived practically next door, Stella had never actually been inside before.

Joshua's home was minimalist to the extreme-everything in black, white, and shades of gray, giving the space a solemn, almost heavy atmosphere.

It was hard to reconcile this austere decor with Joshua's usual bright and easygoing personality.

Stella headed to the bathroom to grab Joshua's usual toiletries, then opened the closet to pick out some clothes for him.

She quickly noticed how few personal belongings Joshua kept here. If he ever decided to leave, she doubted he'd even fill a single suitcase.

It was obvious-he never planned to stay long.

Once his memory returned, he'd move on. It was only natural that he hadn't settled in.

After gathering the essentials, Stella left the apartment.

She hadn't snooped through his things, and so she never noticed the single earring resting on his nightstand.

Back at her own apartment, Stella packed up some things she'd need for the next few days.

Since Joshua was hurt because of her, she planned to stay at the hospital for a while to take care of him.

As she was leaving, her eyes landed on a jar of ointment sitting on the coffee table-a gift from Keen.

day, and her wound had healed in record time. The scab had already

Still...

at the

it was so new, the mark hadn't faded

for a moment, then tossed the ointment into her bag.

head straight to the hospital. Instead, she went to the mall and bought two

even had a chance to look

She answered.

heard about the accident. Are you

you hurt? What

Stella reassured him. "Just a

sounded so rattled, he was practically

are you now, Star? I'll come

about to tell him not to worry, when Foreman's assistant spoke up in

is at the

there. I'm coming

"Star, wait

you,"

hung

up.

phone and let out a quiet

Foreman arrived, Stella was waiting for him

rushed in, breathless, and hurried to her table. "Star, are you