The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Joshua's dark, probing gaze settled on Stella.

"You were preparing for your concert back then-practicing the violin every day. Whenever I heard you playing, it was the only time I could sleep."

Stella had already begun to suspect the truth, but hearing Joshua say it aloud still cast a shadow over her face.

After a pause, she asked gently, "If someone else played for you, would it help? Would their music ease your symptoms?"

Joshua shook his head. "No one else plays like you. Their music doesn't help."

Stella had defeated Harry, earning recognition as a master violinist. There were only a handful of violinists in the world who could surpass her, and most of them were notoriously proud-none would agree to play for Joshua every day, much less to help treat his illness.

"It's a kind of psychological therapy," Stella said thoughtfully. "But there are other approaches we could try. Have you tried anything besides music?"

He shook his head. "No."

Stella nodded. "Alright. Let's see if something else works."

Suddenly, she remembered how she used to help Keen fall asleep-reading him stories every night. Maybe Joshua could benefit from something similar.

watching her too, silent and intent. Ever since that night in the woods, when they'd been attacked, his

up, and

voice came low and

Acting out is normal in your condition.

eyes met his, clear and unwavering-free of

many people around Sometimes, teaching someone a lesson

s

eyes flickered. He murmured, "So making him wish he

been even worse than

never been

the Gardner family had only reinforced his habit of cutting problems off

Serving his enemies a

second chance. s

own loss of control

regret it. A man like Stuart-he could never have

voice was soft. "There are plenty of

nodded in agreement. "You're