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.

can't achieve. Once

Leonard's surprise, Aurora had a remarkable understanding of

they talked, the more Leonard realized that being a wealthy heiress wasn't all privilege and ease.

many encouraging things to him. Whenever Leonard felt like he couldn't go on,

wouldn't have become who he was. After his mother died, Aurora became the most important person in his life— even Simone came

Simone's words, anger and disbelief

could Stella possibly

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

voice turned icy. "Is that

bond, so

could someone cast out from her

Stella. Her ex-husband 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