The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

She had long since seen through their favoritism-it barely stirred a ripple in her heart anymore.

To Skyler, there wasn't much difference between the two of them; both were his daughters.

Considering he'd lived with Aurora for so many years and poured his care into raising her, it was hardly surprising that he sided with Aurora. After all, there was Aurora, the daughter who'd been at his side for over twenty years, and then there was Stella-practically a stranger, someone who'd only shared his roof for a

handful of years.

There was simply no comparison.

Stella's car moved steadily through the darkened streets.

She wasn't driving fast. Not since her accident. Ever since that crash, she'd been careful to keep her speed in check.

At an intersection, the traffic light switched from red to green, and Stella eased the car forward.

That's when her eyes widened in shock. Out of nowhere, a pedestrian darted across the road, jaywalking right as the light changed.

Stella's foot slammed down on the brakes, instinct taking over.

But she was too late the car clipped the man squarely.

Thankfully, she hadn't been speeding, and her quick reaction had slowed the impact. Even so, the man crumpled to the ground and lay motionless-out cold.

Heart pounding, Stella rushed from the car to check on him, her hands shaking as she dialed for an ambulance.

***

At the hospital, Stella waited anxiously outside the emergency room.

A few minutes later, a doctor emerged, addressing her in a calm, professional tone. "The patient has a minor concussion, but he's stable now. He should wake up soon."

Stella exhaled, relief washing over her. It wasn't her fault-he'd crossed on a red light—but she'd still been terrified something worse might happen to him.

She exchanged a few more words with the doctor before quietly slipping into the patient's room.

The man lay unconscious, pale and still, a faint trace of blood smeared along his jaw. It was only now, in the quiet aftermath, that Stella got a good look at his face and froze.

It was him.

Even battered and bloodied, his striking features were unmistakable. She'd seen him before-at Mr. Burton's gala not long ago.

Stella pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed, waiting in silence for him to wake.

About half an hour passed before the man's long lashes fluttered and he slowly opened his eyes.

Noticing the movement, Stella stood and stepped closer. "You're awake. How are you feeling?"

His eyes, dark and unfocused, drifted uncertainly to her face. "Who... are you?” His voice was hoarse, his gaze distant, as if he was still piecing together what had happened.

Stella collected herself. "Sir, I'm so sorry. I was driving and I hit you. But-" she paused, then continued

firmly you did walk across when the light was red, so you're mostly at fault here." noveldrama

She softened her tone. "Still, I did hit you. I've already covered your hospital bills, and you don't need to pay me back. If you need anything else, you can contact me through the police."

Better to get everything out in the open. If he tried to claim damages or cause trouble, she didn't want to be dragged into a messy dispute. She'd already called the police, and had handed over dashcam footage to clear her name. Covering his medical expenses was just a gesture of guilt for being involved at

all.

The man said nothing, just stared at her in silence.

Stella checked the time. "It's getting late. I should go. You should call your family

-have someone come look after you."

She turned to leave, but his voice suddenly stopped her.

"I was... hit by a car?"

Stella paused mid-step, turning back in disbelief. "You don't remember?"