The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

She knew that if she wanted to reach the finish line, it would take twice as much effort as anyone else.

But for them, with all those advantages on their side, maybe they'd only need to give half as much to get there.

Stella hadn't expected Haynes to comfort her like this.

This was something she used to long for, something she'd never been able to get, no matter how hard she tried.

Even though she no longer loved Haynes, hearing those words still stirred something inside her that she couldn't quite suppress.

Softly, she said, "Thank you, Haynes."

Haynes studied her face, now noticeably thinner. "You used to tell me not to push myself too hard, to take care of my health. You should do the same now."

"I know," Stella replied quietly.

Just then, someone knocked gently at the office door.

A young man-handsome, impeccably dressed-walked in, carrying a stack of folders.

"Star, here's your schedule for next week. Take a look and let me know if there's anything you'd rather skip."

It was Joshua Gardner.

"Mr. Richards's company is on the brink of collapse, and yet Mr. O'Brien still has the

were

back to Stella. "That's basically the situation on his end. If I

schedule from Joshua. "Thank you. I appreciate

for just a moment. "Star, I'm looking forward to

saying goodbye to Stella,

well enough to understand she couldn't stand men who clung and pestered

cling-but be also wouldn't

she could hold onto a marriage for five long years,

elevator when Joshua's calm voice sounded behind

turned. "What is

tonew

his words were sharp. "There's something

all rights,

only

friendship, MO O'Brien So why is it that when Leonard made his move, he targeted Foreman first and

narrowed slightly

"Who are

feeling that the man before him was anything but a simple assistant or