The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 141

No one could say exactly how long it had been when Haynes' voice, clear and cool, finally cut through the biting wind.

"Regardless of everything, Rachel and I...well, that's in the past. Rachel doesn't have much time left, and discussing this now is pointless. Stella, don't you want to give Keen a complete family?"

Haynes didn't deny it. That was as good as admitting it.

Stella never imagined she'd end up being Rachel's stand-in in such a twisted way.

It was almost comical, thinking back to those countless lonely nights when she lay awake, feeling Haynes' neglect like a cold shadow. She used to remember how he once protected her, stood by her side, and showered her with affection.

She tried to believe Haynes had loved her—but now even those memories felt like a sick joke.

Stella spoke up, "So because Rachel doesn't have much time left to play mom for Keen and wife for you, that's why you haven't filed for a divorce, right?"

If Rachel had years ahead of her, those two would likely have kicked her to the curb in no time.

She was merely the fallback option for Haynes and Keen.

Haynes finally lost his patience. "Stella, can you stop being so unreasonable?"

"If you think I'm unreasonable, then just go ahead and divorce me."

It was hard to believe that just a month ago, she was tormented by sleepless nights over him and Rachel. Even when she watched Haynes and Rachel hold their so-called "mock wedding" to make up for lost time, she had gritted her teeth and endured it.

She thought she couldn't leave Haynes, who had given her a home, nor Keen, whom she had risked everything to bring into the world.

She'd lied to herself: So what if he didn't love her? At least Keen would have the best life she could provide. For her child, she'd swallow every humiliation.

In her darkest moments, she had even counted down the days, wickedly hoping Rachel would pass on sooner.

She deceived herself into believing that once Rachel was gone, things would go back to the way they were.