The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

"Then there's Haynes," Rachel drawled, her voice as smooth as silk but with a bite that could cut glass.

"Whenever | call, no matter what he's doing-whether he's at work or, you know, otherwise engaged he drops

everything and comes running. Even if..."

Rachel's smile was like a snake, poised and ready to strike, venom dripping from the corners of her lips.

"Even if you two are having sex, he'll leave you high and dry to answer my call."

Stella's fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms, though she felt no pain. The sting of Rachel's words cut

deeper.

Yes, that was true. More than once, Haynes had left her during their intimate moments to rush to Rachel's side.

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She had pleaded with him not to go. But Haynes would just shoot her a look and say, "Stop being childish,"

before calmly walking out the door, leaving behind the warmth they'd shared as if it were nothing but a mirage,

leaving her alone and humiliated.

Stella forced a smile as she met Rachel's gaze. "So, after he ditched me, did he jump into bed with you?"

Rachel's expression faltered for a second before she regained her composure. "Haynes and I... it's not how you

think."

Rachel could lie about many things, but not this. Despite being Haynes' first love, who lingered in his memory

like a haunting melody, she had no legitimate claim, not while Stella was still his wife.

Besides, she knew well enough what the intewould say about her: a homewrecker, a bitch without morals.

"Not how | think?" Stella echoed, her voice calm and steady. "If there's nothing between you, what are you proud

of? Proud that you're just friends, haven't given him a family, or never got to marry him?"

Rachel's smile vanished, replaced by a flicker of pain that flashed across her face. "So, what if | didn't marry him

or have his children? If | wanted the moon, Haynes would find a way to bring it down for me."

Rachel's smile returned as if she had remembered something that pleased her. "Oh, and by the way, that

wedding you had with Haynes? It was supposed to be mine. The gown? Exactly my style. After all these years,

Haynes still remembers what | like..."

Stella raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "A mock wedding is enough to make you so gleeful, Ms. Pearce? If you're so

capable, why not have Haynes divorceand marry you?"

Her gaze was steady, her words deliberate. "Or is it that you don't want that?"

A flash of bitterness crossed Rachel's eyes. Her smile turned icy. "No wonder Haynes' family can't stand you. His

friends dislike you. And even Haynes and your son keep their distance. Ms. Cameron, maybe it's tyou did

ssoul- searching."

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Stella chuckled softly. "Ms. Pearce, | can't compare to your charm. Haynes' sister adores you. His friends are

smitten. And even Haynes and Keen can't resist you. Heck, even God seems to favor your type. Ms. Pearce,

should | congratulate you on being so... well-loved?"

Rachel caught the sarcasm dripping from Stella's words. Stella was mocking her, hinting at her impending

downfall.

Both women were skilled at striking where it hurt most.

Stella might have held her tongue before, but now, she understood. Why should

she suffer in silence while her adversary enjoyed the upper hand?

She'd fight fire with fire. Why exhaust herself trying to keep the peace when others had no qualms about

disturbing it?