The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1

"Stella, I didn't forget your birthday. I've had your gift ready for a while."

"My gift?" Stella chuckled softly. "Didn't you give my mother's necklace to Ms. Pearce?"

That necklace was the last thing Stella's mother left her before she passed away. But on the day Stella gave birth to Keen, it went missing. Haynes had promised to find it for her. He did find it, but he gave it to Rachel.

Haynes' expression remained calm, showing not a hint of embarrassment at being caught. His deep eyes seemed even darker than usual. "I only lent the necklace to Rachel. I'll get it back for you soon."

"How soon?" Stella asked, her voice steady. "When she dies?"

"Stella!" His voice was cold and piercing, slicing through the silence. For once, the anger in his deep-set eyes revealed a depth of feeling beneath his usual indifference. "That's enough."

Enough was right. Stella had had enough of living with a husband whose heart was elsewhere, raising a child who felt distant, and enduring the disdain of her in-laws.

Haynes sighed, "Rachel only has six months left. Even Keen understands compassion. Why can't you?"

At that moment, Stella realized she couldn't hold back any longer.

Her voice was icy as she replied, "What does the time she has left have to do with me? She's not my family. Why should I put up with her?"

Haynes seemed stunned, unprepared for such harsh words from Stella, who was usually so mild-mannered.