The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

As the car pulled away from the curb, Haynes glanced at Stella in the rearview mirror.

"So, home or the studio?"

"The studio," Stella replied without looking up.

He nodded and turned the wheel, steering them in a new direction.

From the mirror, he studied her a moment longer. "You don't look like you're in the best mood."

Stella's answer was cold, tinged with biting sarcasm.

"That's none of your business. If you're so eager to worry about something, focus on Rachel's health. If she gets sick again before her concert, everything you've done for her will be for nothing."

Haynes heard the edge in her voice; the underlying mockery was unmistakable.

Eyes fixed on the road ahead, he said quietly, "Yesterday, I had Rachel go through another full checkup."

Stella turned to him, expression unreadable. "And? Is she getting worse, or better?"

He was silent for a moment. "Dr. Burton's medication seems to be working."

A wry smile tugged at Stella's mouth. "So, she's improving?"

"Rachel has weekly checkups," Haynes explained. "At first, I couldn't believe she was really that sick. I even brought in specialists for second opinions. But every result came back the same."

Stella caught his meaning immediately. "Are you suggesting Dr. Burton lied to help me?"

"That's not what I'm saying."

She let out a cold laugh, then fell silent.

There was no waking a man who only pretended to sleep. Even if she threw the truth about Rachel's illness in his face, he'd just find another excuse for her.

The car grew quiet.

Keen, sitting between them, looked from his mother to his father, lips parting as though he wanted to say something-but thought better of it.

After a while, Haynes broke the silence, his voice low and heavy.

"Whatever the truth is whether Rachel's really sick or not-once the concert is over, my debt to her will be paid in full."

Stella gave no reaction, staring out the window as the city passed them by.

Haynes opened his mouth, as if to speak again, but said nothing.

Finally, it was Keen who broke the tension.

"Mom, can I stay with you for a while?"

Stella turned, surprised. "Why all of a sudden?"

"Dad's barely ever home, and I don't want to stay in the house by myself. And...”

His voice grew softer, almost shy. "I miss you, Mom."

There was a vulnerability in his eyes that Stella hadn't seen in so long-

something achingly familiar, yet distant.

She'd almost forgotten the last time Keen had said he missed her.

A strange ache rose in her chest.

She'd raised Keen herself. When was little, he'd cling to her at the preschool gates, sobbing and

refusing to let go. Somewhe

along

the line, he'd drifted away from her.

After a brief pause, Stella said gently, "I'm busy preparing for the concert right

now. I'm afraid I won't have much time to take care of you."

Keen hadn't expected her to say no-especially since she'd invited him over just days ago.

His eyes filled with tears, the hurt plain on his face.

"Mom..." His voice trembled, barely more than a whisper.

Stella looked away, her heart twisting as she avoided his gaze.

Haynes spoke up, his tone even. "Keen, your mom has a lot on her plate right now. Why don't you wait until the concert is over, then you can stay with her?"

He turned to Stella. "Does that sound alright to you?"

Keen's eyes lit up with hope, staring at her with silent pleading.

Meeting that gaze, Stella hesitated, then gave a small, reluctant nod.

The sadness melted from Keen's face, replaced by a shy, glowing smile.

Soon, Haynes pulled up in front of Stella's new studio.

She wasn't surprised he knew the address; with Rachel and Jasper monitoring her every move, it wouldn't be long before they tried to take this place from her too, if they thought it was nicer than the last.

Stella opened the car door. "I'll go ahead."

But just as she started to close it, something occurred to her. She looked back at Haynes.noveldrama

"Haynes, I hope you'll take Keen's safety more seriously."