The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Now that Stella had brought this up herself, Skyler sensed it was the perfect

moment to strengthen the bond between father and daughter.

With a gentle tone, he asked, "Star, could you tell your father everything? I want to understand."

Stella began, "He and his so-called soulmate, Rachel, were torn apart by Haynes's mother years ago. Rachel ended up overseas, sank into depression, and now she doesn't have much time left.

When Haynes found out, he was overwhelmed by guilt. Knowing Rachel's days were numbered, he wanted to make it up to her-do whatever he could to ease her regrets.

How he chooses to make amends with Rachel, that's his business, not mine.

But what I can't accept is him sacrificing me just to atone for his debts.

He owes Rachel, but I owe her nothing.

To me, Rachel is just the woman who stole my husband's attention.

Whenever Rachel and I had disagreements, he always took her side-without a moment's hesitation.

'Hate' might be too mild a word for how I feel about her.

So, after she showed up-barely half a year-Haynes and I divorced."

Stella looked at Skyler with a wry smile. "Dad, do you think I did the right thing?"

Skyler's eyes flickered. "Marriage is about mutual understanding, you know." Stella gave a small, resigned laugh. "You're right, Dad. There has to be understanding.

That's why I understood when he spent a fortune buying Rachel a house, and finding her the best doctors money could get.

him most, and he was always by Rachel's

I've been

seems he never tried to understand

meant I had to constantly give in

was the point of

to live alone and

things harder for

head and sighed. "Your mother was stubborn enough as it was, but

expression froze for a moment, and then

up.

so I'll leave you to it. If you eed anything, just let

s

that, Skyler strode

stared blankly after

at least Haynes knew to

Skyler-her own mother had already passed away, and yet he still dismissed her

news about Rachel's pregnancy

world was not a place Rachel could cause

better than anyone what he

Rachel his final warning:

he wouldn't show

see he meant

Haynes no longer trusted her, none of her tricks

Rachel

should I do? You always have