The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella's response was polite and distant. "Thank you."

With that topic wrapped up, she turned her attention to Aurora, who was still lying in the hospital bed.

"How are you feeling now, Ms. Williams?"

Stella could call Skyler and Jonathan "Dad" and "Jonathan" without hesitation, but she just couldn't bring herself to call Aurora "sister." The word felt too fake, too forced.

Aurora didn't seem to care what Stella called her. She smiled. "I'll be fine. With a bit of rest, it shouldn't affect the competition."

Stella nodded. "That's good to hear."

She turned to Skyler next. "If there's nothing else, I'll head out now."

Skyler nodded. "You've had a long day. Go get some rest."

Once Stella left, Jonathan finally spoke up.

with us. When you said you took the hit for Simone,

looked helpless. "No, I meant it. Every

sharp and probing. He searched Aurora's face for any sign of evasion, but when she met his gaze steadily, he finally looked

Outside the hospital room.

entered with the Williams family, finally giving her a chance to

we could go to the club for some

before. Previously, even though she'd shown an interest

manner.

glanced at her and

been treated

eyes. Why was he acting like this? Did he somehow know she was faking it? She was starting to lose

family, she'd considered him already in her grasp. The thought of him belonging to anyone else had

she reached out and tugged at Joshua's sleeve. "Joshua, what's going

finish, the hospital room door

paused, a little startled to find the two of them in such a close, awkward moment. Had she interrupted something? Stella looked over at Joshua, but the second their eyes met, he quickly looked away,

Seriously? Was Simone so jealous she couldn't even stand him looking