The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"Whoever makes the claim, bears the burden of proof."

Haynes was never one for words, nor was he any good at defending himself. Faced with such "conclusive" evidence, there was nothing left for him to say.

At last, Haynes spoke. "I'll find proof that I wasn't the one who did this."

With that, he turned and walked away, not lingering a moment longer.

It was only then that Haynes realized just how little he meant to Stella now-how far he'd fallen in her eyes. He'd always believed that as long as Keen was around, and if he sincerely admitted his mistakes, Stella would take him back. Now, he saw just how wrong he'd been-how foolishly confident.

As he stepped out of the studio, Haynes suddenly turned to Benson.

"Was I really that terrible to Stella before?"

husband, you were often nowhere to be found when she needed you most. It left people with the impression that... well, whether she had a husband or not didn't make

at Haynes' face, and when he saw no sign of anger, he continued, "Before Ms. Pearce returned, it was still understandable-you really were busy. But after Ms. Pearce came back, you found

"I thought Rachel was terminally ill,

ill doesn't mean

hit Ms. Cameron with her car, and in the end, nothing happened to her. Don't you think... Ms. Pearce might start to believe she could get away with anything? That even if she actually

silent. Yes, this was all his doing. He'd let Rachel and Jasper get away

inexpressible regret for how he'd treated Stella-all for Rachel, who turned out

I try to make it up

now, after everything had come to light. Especially

loud. Instead, he replied, "If you show Ms. Cameron how sincere you are, I'm sure... she'll be able

back together, though-that was