The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"I was born my mother's daughter, and there's nothing shameful about that."

"If you want to talk, go ahead and tell them. All that 'first lady' nonsense is just an empty title. I'm not about to deny my own mother for the sake of a reputation."

For the first time, Leonard heard someone speak so candidly, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words. He'd always assumed Aurora cared deeply about her image, but now he realized she didn't care at all.

Aurora continued, "You heard what I said to my uncle just now. My mother saved my father's life. After my father lost his memory, he fell in love with her. My mother didn't know he already had a family. And besides, my parents were married legally. I don't consider myself illegitimate."

Her honesty struck Leonard. She was unlike anyone he'd ever met.

Two strangers, and somehow, they fell into conversation.

Leonard confided in Aurora that his childhood dream had always been to become an artist. But growing up in a family like the Lermans, that dream was always out of reach.

achieve. Once you're strong

about painting, and to Leonard's surprise, Aurora

wealthy heiress wasn't all privilege and ease. Aurora was different from anyone he

felt like he couldn't go on, he'd remember her words, and they gave him the strength

become who he was. After his mother died, Aurora became the

Leonard heard Simone's words, anger and

possibly

a cold laugh. "Why wouldn't she? She stole Aurora's fiancé, disgraced herself, got thrown out of the Williams family, and she's been holding a grudge ever

icy.

cared about their family bond, so she never had the heart to cut Stella off

how could someone cast out from her own family possibly threaten

is Haynes, and she has Neville chasing after her. Somehow, she's even gotten close to Mr. Burton. And even Joshua..." Simone paused for a moment. "No