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-"

the face she saw made

What are you

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

her, and in the silvered night, it almost felt...

just got in from the airport. I stopped

music conference, so I came

seen Neville. The unexpected reunion

eyes dropped to her broken shoe,

get me another pair, but he's been gone

to go

across from her, an amused,

think you should

frowned in confusion.

hero, rescuing none other than Simone Lerman, the eldest Lerman

gaze lingered on Stella. "Are

she'd seen Joshua and Simone chatting, how well they seemed to get along. "I guess