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.

he was always by Rachel's side instead of mine-I

I've been more

never tried to understand

I had to constantly give in and swallow my

point of

live alone and do

things

stubborn enough as it was, but I never

froze for a moment, and

stood up. "Star, I've

it. If you eed anything, just

s

that, Skyler strode

stared blankly after

after Rachel's true colors were exposed, at least Haynes knew to

mother had already passed away, and yet he still dismissed her as

Rachel's pregnancy vanished almost

was not

knew better than anyone what he had or

his final

show any

could see he meant

longer trusted her, none of her tricks

else to turn, Rachel sought

should I do? You always