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?"

hesitated, unsure how to respond. He chose his words carefully. "In the past, sir, as Ms. Cameron's husband, you were often nowhere to be found when she needed you most. It left people with the

glanced 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 time to accompany her to all her doctor's appointments, yet you never seemed to have time for your wife or your son... The contrast

"I thought

terminally ill doesn't mean you can do

caught himself before saying anything too harsh. After a moment, he added, "Ms. Pearce deliberately 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 killed Ms. Cameron, as long as she

was all his doing. He'd let Rachel and

felt a deep, inexpressible regret for how he'd treated Stella-all for Rachel, who

"If I try to make it up

take it anymore-let alone now, after everything had come to light. Especially after that wedding... He

say any of this out loud. Instead, he replied, "If you show Ms. Cameron how sincere you are, I'm sure... she'll be

she'd be willing to get back together, though-that