The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

After Joshua left, Stella sat alone on the stone bench, quietly taking in the scenery around her.

She had to admit, this place really was beautiful-there was even a touch of romance in the air. Even by herself, she didn't feel the least bit bored.

Resting her chin in one hand, her elbow propped on the stone table, Stella let herself relax. The tranquility here was almost hypnotic, and she realized just how tired she'd been lately with everything going on.

She lay her head down on the table and, before she knew it, drifted off for a few minutes.

A cool breeze swept past, stirring her awake. With a start, she checked her phone and realized she'd been out for over twenty minutes.

The banquet hall wasn't far-ten, maybe fifteen minutes round trip at most. Surely nothing could have happened, right?

Still, a faint unease crept in. She grabbed her phone and called Joshua.

The line rang and rang, but no one picked up. Stella's concern deepened.

She slipped off her shoes, deciding to go look for him herself.

Just then, footsteps sounded behind her.

over her-Joshua must be

She turned around. "Joshua-"

she saw

What are

the soft glow of the streetlamp, every gesture radiating an effortless elegance and nobility. There was a rebellious spark in his eyes, and those dazzling hazel irises

moment, his gaze rested on her, and in

his lips. “I just got in from

the music conference, so I came to

seen

her broken shoe,

pair, but he's been gone a while. I'm starting to worry something happened, so

go check." fo

down across from her, an

I actually just saw him. But honestly, I don't think you should go looking for him

frowned in confusion. "What

none other than Simone

Stella. "Are he

chatting, how well they seemed to get along. "I guess they hit