The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella's expression relaxed. "Alright."

She turned her head, her gaze landing on Joshua, who stood quietly nearby.

They'd arrived together, after all-it would feel rude not to invite him along. But then again, it was Neville's birthday, and showing up with Joshua in tow felt awkward. The two barely knew each other.

Stella hesitated, uncertain, when Neville's deep, magnetic voice cut through the moment.

"Joshua, I'm taking Star out for dinner. I'll see her home myself tonight."

He didn't bother to hide the hint of finality in his words.

Joshua's tone was neutral, betraying nothing. "In that case, happy birthday, Mr. Connolly."

Neville twirled the keychain in his hand with a careless air. "Thanks. I have to say, getting a gift from Star herself on my birthday really does make it a good one."

Joshua's eyes flicked to the keychain dangling between Neville's fingers, and his own hand tightened at his side.

"Then I won't intrude on your celebration any longer," he said.

Neville gave a lopsided smile. "Come on, Star. Let's go."

Joshua and left with

time, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever. Yet Simone, for reasons she couldn't quite explain, had the impression his mood was

up beside him. "Joshua, I haven't

cut short by his crisp,

Helping you was the least I

flickered with uncertainty. "But...I can't remember what happened back then. What

answer was cool and even. "If I made

beginning to relax when Joshua suddenly changed tack, his voice tinged with a rare note

it's entirely possible I've got the wrong person. Just matching a single

smile faltered. "You're

Joshua went

went on,

"The

person I'm

rescuer-she played the violin beautifully. She performed 'Moonlight' that night, and I'll never forget how moving it was.

"If you have time one of these

She'd been practicing 'Moonlight'

The violin was