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.

veins on the backs of his hands stood out in stark relief, his breath heavy, as if he was fighting an inner war just to keep himself

only to meet his gaze— his eyes were rimmed in red, a murderous glint flashing

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

he struggled to hold 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 the breaking point-one

Anyone nearby would be

Stella's face paled. "Joshua"

could finish, his hand shot out and

sending

seething with violence. "Didn't I tell you

frowned. "Joshua, snap

squeezed harder. "So, you really do have a death

sign of the

reach him. His eyes wavered,

the next instant, the bedside lamp crashed down

Bang!

Silence.

Joshua sprawled on the floor, blood trickling from his

God. Did I

put some force behind the swing, but she hadn't meant to go

it and actually killed

Stella leaned in to check