The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Thunk!

Rachel Pearce's phone slipped from her hand and clattered to the floor.

There was only one thought screaming in her mind-It's over.

Completely over.

She'd been exposed.

Panic surged through her as she scrambled to pick up the phone. "Haynie, please, listen to me! I never meant to deceive you! I—I just loved you so much... Please, don't be angry with me, okay?"

"Loved me?" Haynes O'Brien cut her off sharply, his voice dripping with contempt. "You destroyed my marriage, kidnapped my son, and tried to kill my wife—all in the name of love? If that's how you love, Rachel, then it's nothing short of terrifying."

"No, it's not like that... Haynie, please, just hear me out—"

But Haynes had run out of patience.

"Everything you stole from Stella Cameron, you'll return. As for organizing the kidnapping and trying to run someone down with your car, I'll be calling the police. Whether Stella forgives you or not-that's her business."

"Haynie!" Rachel tried to protest, but the line went dead with a cold click.

She tried calling back, but only got his voicemail.

was frantic, pacing the room

knew the truth, he'd never help her again.

name off those trending scandals,

supposed to do

spun

her phone rang. Jasper Wilkinson's name lit

calling to accuse her

a few seconds,

"Jasper..."

was shock in Jasper's voice when he

hadn't even come up with an excuse.

she could say

his voice

relief. "Rachel,

terminally ill? That's incredible!"

was stunned. She'd expected him to be angry at her for lying,

who truly cared about her would be relieved, not angry,

continued, "Why didn't you tell me sooner? I've been worried sick about you for so long.

matters. Hanget honestly, as long as

to call Haynie and

call him. Haynie...

he knows? So? Was