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."

she realize

she was about to hang up,

paused. "What is

me.

off guard by the sudden gravity in his

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

abruptly, a

her phone for a long time before she could

He's gone

worry. "He's not calling to say goodbye for good,

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

a long sigh, visibly

about to say more when

was startled to

his deep, reserved voice, "I came

Haynes cut her off. "And I thought should let Star know-the culprit behind the acid

pretty much been

Abby's retort caught in her

from within.

stepped inside, Stella noticed he was carrying