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.

loved the sound of

he'd suffered from

play, he'd feel the tension melt away, and

a playlist Abby had curated-recordings of Stella's performances

compared to hearing

he cherished, and he no longer

as he had in the

quite explain

extraordinary-greater than anyone

old insomnia had

weren't as volatile

it was thanks to listening

that, he treasured

would never allow anyone to harm

her ability to play.

MS

graceful and poised as she played,

déjà vu washed over

melody belonged

hadn't thought of that dream, or the shadowy figure in it, for a

eyes seemed to merge

breath caught,

admired Stella's violin skills-truly, he did-but he told himself that was all it was:

Yes, just admiration.

kept telling