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 of

he'd suffered from

feel the tension melt

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

compared to hearing

cherished, and he no longer limited himself

he had

quite explain

extraordinary-greater than anyone

old insomnia had all

moods weren't as

was thanks to

he

to harm her, or to

her ability to play.

MS

and poised as she played, Joshua felt

wave of déjà vu washed over him-like

was as if the melody

hadn't thought of that dream, or the shadowy

woman before his eyes seemed to merge with that figure from his

caught, turning

did-but he told himself

Yes, just admiration.

telling himself