The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Before the international competition, Abby decided to stop by Joshua's place— only to find the house empty.

She relayed this to Stella. "Star, I knocked for ages, but no one answered. It looks like Joshua hasn't been home at all. Do you think... could he have just left without saying goodbye? I asked the doorman, and he said Joshua left early the day before yesterday and hasn't been back since."

Abby had wanted to try to persuade Joshua to stay. She hadn't expected him to disappear so quickly.

Stella listened and said gently, "He's just regained his memories. I imagine there's a lot he needs to deal with, so he probably left in a rush. But knowing Joshua, I doubt he'd just vanish without a word."

Truth be told, their time with Joshua lately had been enjoyable. Abby wanted him to stay, but she wouldn't force it.

She sighed. "I just wish he hadn't left like this."

No sooner had the words left her mouth than Stella's phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID, and her eyes flickered with surprise.

It was Joshua.

She answered. "Star," came his voice, weary and distant.

"Sorry. There's some trouble at home. I need to go back and take care of it."

Even through the phone, Stella could hear chaos in the background-a heated argument, by the sound of it.

"It's alright," she said. "Take care of what you need to. I told you before, you deserve some time off."

herself relax. Only now did she realize she'd been as worried as Abby that he might leave

she was about to hang up, Joshua's voice stopped

paused. "What is

me. I'll be

caught off guard by the

moment, she heard someone shouting furiously on the other end: "Joshua, today's the day I

abruptly, a harsh beep echoing in

before she could gather

He's gone home

tight with worry. "He's not calling to say

smiled reassuringly. "No. He said he'll be back. He just has things

let out a

more when

was startled to

are you doing here?" Haynes replied in his deep, reserved voice, "I came to check on

off. "And I thought should let Star know-the culprit behind the acid attack

has pretty much

Abby's retort caught in

within. "Abby, let

he was carrying