The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 225

"Rachel's checkup is going to take quite a while. Stay with her for now; I'll be back later," Haynes said, glancing at his watch.

Jasper, who could never keep his thoughts to himself, let out a dry laugh. "Haynie, we both know why Rachel's in this condition. You promised me you'd take care of her, and look where that got us. And now, with Rachel at death's door, you're off having lunch with Stella?"

Haynes shifted his gaze towards Jasper, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Jasper softened his tone, sensing the tension. "Haynie, if it wasn't for Rachel pulling me out of the fire that time, I wouldn't be here. She loves you, and I was willing to step aside for that."

He paused, remembering the past. "When Deanna disapproved of you two and you broke it off, I didn't blame you. I just want Rachel to spend her last days without regrets."

Jasper and Haynes had been like brothers since childhood, bonded by more than just friendship. Jasper had once put himself in harm's way to save Haynes, nearly paying the ultimate price. Rachel had swooped in just in time, saving his life.

Despite Jasper's feelings for Rachel, he chose to support her happiness with Haynes. He understood why Haynes had married Stella, given the circumstances with their child. But now, with Rachel terminally ill, he couldn't stand the thought of Haynes abandoning her.

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By two in the afternoon, Haynes still hadn't shown up.

Stella, not one to wait around, dialed Haynes' number. To her surprise, the call was quickly answered—not by Haynes, but by Jasper.

"Stella," Jasper said smugly, "you can stop trying. Haynie's with Rachel and won't be coming to meet you."