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.

wound had healed in record time. The scab had

Still...

down at the faint

was barely visible, but since it was so new, the

bag.

didn't head straight to the hospital. Instead, she went to the mall and

moment she turned her phone on, a flood of texts and messages popped up. She hadn't even

She answered.

you alright?" Foreman's voice

you hurt? What

fine," Stella reassured him. "Just a few scrapes,

rattled,

now, Star? I'll come to

to tell him not to worry, when Foreman's assistant

Ms. Cameron is at the mall

coming to g said,

"Star, wait

you,"

hung

up.

and let out a quiet

arrived, Stella was waiting for him in a

breathless, and hurried to