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.

frantic, pacing the room

truth, he'd never help her

off

was she supposed to do

spun with

then, her phone rang. Jasper Wilkinson's name lit

he calling to accuse

hesitated for a few seconds, then

"Jasper..."

Jasper's voice when he

fast, Rachel hadn't even come up

she could

off his voice

"Rachel, you're

terminally ill? That's incredible!"

be angry at her for lying, but instead,

would be relieved, not angry, to learn she

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

all that matters. Hanget honestly, as

to call Haynie and tell

call him. Haynie... Haynie already

paused, sounding surprised. "Oh, he knows? So?