The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella froze, every hair on her body standing on end.

A primal instinct warned her of imminent danger-an overwhelming sense she'd only ever felt at the edge of life and death.

She stopped in her tracks, rooted to the spot as if nailed to the floor.

Joshua's eyes flickered when he finally recognized her.

"It's you," he murmured.

Snapping out of her daze, Stella stepped closer to his side. "Joshua, you should eat something."

Joshua rubbed his brow unconsciously. "My head is killing me. I'll pass for now."

"You really shouldn't," Stella insisted gently. "If you don't eat, your headache will only get worse. It's not good for your recovery. Please, try a little?"

His pupils trembled, and for a moment, it was as if he was trapped in a world washed in blood. Everything around him blurred into nothingness—except for the worried light in Stella's eyes, shining through with vivid clarity.

Joshua clawed his way back to rationality, just barely.

He lowered his gaze. "...Fine."

Stella helped him sit up.

of his hands stood out in stark relief, his breath heavy,

him, only to meet his gaze— his eyes were rimmed

harsh, raw. "...Star, you need

himself together, his features twisting with the effort. Just keeping control was draining every ounce of his strength. The last thread of his sanity felt stretched to

lose himself completely. Anyone nearby would be in

Stella's face paled. "Joshua"

finish, his hand shot out

ice, sending an involuntary shiver down her

eyes bloodshot, seething with violence. "Didn't I tell you

"Joshua, snap

harder. "So, you really do have a

searching his clouded gaze for any sign of the man she knew.

reach him. His

next instant, the bedside lamp crashed down

Bang!

Silence.

Joshua sprawled on the floor,

God. Did I just... kill

some force behind the swing, but

misjudged it and

Stella leaned in to check for a