The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 1172

Stella frowned, struggling to open her eyes.

A few feet away, a campfire crackled and glowed, its warmth filling the small cave. Suspended above the flames hung a battered little pot, steam billowing from its bubbling contents.

Joshua stood with his back to her, stirring the pot with a spoon.

Stella coughed softly, her voice hoarse. "What are you doing?"

At the sound of her voice, Joshua turned around.

"You're awake, good. Here-try to eat something first."

She blinked in surprise. "Eat something?"

Joshua ladled a bowl of soup from the pot and brought it over to her.

Only as he drew closer did Stella realize what it was—a bowl of mushroom soup.

The earthy aroma drifted through the cave, and even though her body still felt dull and weak, a faint hunger stirred within her.

She looked from the soup to Joshua, curiosity overcoming her. "Mushrooms? Where did you find them?"

-probably leftovers from that abandoned campsite they'd

picked the mushrooms

asking. Maybe her fever

something hot in your system if you want to get your strength

her any good right now. Judging by her state, she probably

little more than clear broth and mushrooms, the fresh, wild scent

her hesitation and guessed at the source of her worry. "Don't worry—I checked them. None of these are

from his hands, wrapping her fingers around its warmth,

The soup was unexpectedly

Maybe it was just that she hadn't eaten anything in so

soup tasted like a

carefully, trimming away every bit of dirt, even the roots. The bowl and spoon, too-she realized he must have

a gentle warmth had spread through her, clearing the fog in her mind more

bowl. "Want some more? I can get you

shook her head. "No, that's

still sick, after all-her appetite wasn't likely to be much

press her. Instead, he poured himself a bowl and sat down to eat as

to darken; another day was

the gloom beyond the cave entrance. "Looks like it'll gain again tonight. I'll