The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

He wracked his brain, but no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't recall where he'd seen that face before.

By all rights, a young man with such striking features should have left a deep impression on him.

In the end, he could only chalk it up to old age-his memory wasn't what it used to be.

Just then, faint threads of music drifted from the dimly lit stage.

As the melody began, the stage lights slowly brightened.

A single beam of pure white light fell across the woman standing at center stage.

The beautiful music filled the entire hall.

Marvin snapped to attention and blurted out, almost without thinking, "That's Moonlight-Stella's own composition!"

Neville recognized the violin in Stella's hands and smiled. "Nocturne Stella," he said quietly.

Mr. Burton nodded in agreement. "It's been ages since Stella performed with Nocturne Stella."

Neville added, "Nocturne Stella holds a special meaning for her."

The group soon fell silent, giving themselves over to the performance.

Listening to Stella play the violin was a rare pleasure.

Her technique, her ability to pour emotion into every note-both were simply beyond compare.

Joshua had listened to Stella play more times than he could count.

the sound

years, he'd suffered from

the tension melt away, and sleep would come

Abby had curated-recordings of Stella's performances to help him drift off at

to hearing her

cherished, and he no longer

he had in

quite explain

talent was simply extraordinary-greater than anyone he'd

his old insomnia had all but

moods weren't as volatile as

to listening to

he treasured her

anyone to

her ability to play.

MS

on stage, graceful and poised as she

vu washed over him-like he'd seen

if the melody belonged to some distant

of that dream, or the shadowy figure in it, for a

the woman before his eyes seemed to merge

breath caught,

did-but he

Yes, just admiration.

telling himself