The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 16

Stella turned her head and spotted a rebellious-looking young man swaggering over with a group of his rowdy friends. She recognized him instantly - Jasper Wilkinson.

He was Haynes' friend and one of Rachel's most devoted admirers. From the first day Stella dated Haynes, Jasper made it clear that he didn't think much of her, constantly mocking and belittling her.

When Rachel returned, Jasper was the most enthusiastic go-between, ferrying messages between Rachel and Haynes. If Rachel had so much as a sniffle or a hair out of place, Jasper would be on the phone to Haynes, urging him to rush to her side. More than once, he'd suggested Stella step aside for Rachel.

Jasper sauntered to Stella, a mocking grin on his face. "Hey there, the housewife. Shouldn't you be at home learning to be the perfect homemaker and keeping your husband happy? What are you doing out here, showing your face in public? That's not how a good housewife behaves."

Stella was the sort of woman who could host a dinner party with grace and whip up a mean apple pie without breaking a sweat. She was so adept at it all. So, Jasper had nicknamed her "Housewife." From then on, anyone in Haynes' circle who saw Stella would greet her with that same derisive title.

Jasper's attitude and tone were grating, and Abby furrowed her brow in annoyance. Stella maintained composed, her expression turning icy.

Seeing this, Jasper didn't back down. Instead, he whistled, feigning surprise. "Oh, come on, the housewife. Don't tell me you can't take a little joke?"

His buddies interrupted, egging him on. "Yeah, Mrs. O'Brien, lighten up! Don't be so uptight. You'll embarrass Haynes!"

"Besides," one of them added, "Jasper's right. Aren't you just a housewife, looking after your husband and child?"

"You think you can compare to Rachel?" another sneered. "Rachel graduated from the prestigious Neo-Vespera University, in case you didn't know."