The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 159

Stella let out a laugh that sounded like she'd just heard the punchline to a great joke. "He's so fond of Rachel, he's probably been hoping for our divorce, waiting for you to give him a new mom. Do you think...he'd stop us from splitting up?"

Haynes sighed deeply, his voice heavy with frustration. "Stella, could you please stop letting your imagination run wild all the time?"

"My imagination?" Stella smirked, turning her gaze to Keen. "Keen, why don't you tell your dad, between Mom and Rachel, who do you like more?"

The mention of his parents divorcing threw Keen's mind into chaos. Divorce? His mom and dad...breaking apart? It was a thought he'd never entertained. He always believed, no matter what, his mom would never leave him, never leave dad.

"Keen." Stella's voice pulled him back from his spiraling thoughts.

He stared blankly at Stella, confusion written all over his face, having missed the conversation between his parents.

Stella repeated her question, "Between me and Rachel, who do you prefer?"

Even though Keen was just a kid, he knew he should say he liked his mom more. But as he looked into his mom's bright, clear eyes, the words stuck in his throat, refusing to come out.

"Is it such a tough question?" Stella asked, her voice laced with a light, teasing laugh.

Haynes stepped in front of Keen protectively. "Stella, why are you putting him on the spot like this?"

"Asking a question is putting him on the spot?" Stella's voice was practically dripping with amusement. "Alright, I won't put him on the spot. I'll ask you instead. Haynes, between Rachel and me, who do you prefer?"