The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 3

"Star, have you decided to go through with the divorce?"

Stella gave a gentle nod. "Yeah, I've made up my mind."-

"But what about Keen?"

"Even if I tried to fight for custody, I wouldn't stand a chance against the O'Brien family. Besides..." Stella's face twisted into a bittersweet smile, "Keen might not even want to be with me. To him, Rachel is likely the best thing right now."

Abby frowned in disapproval. "You went through hell to bring Keen into this world, laboring for a day and a night. You've been there for him every single day, sacrificing so much. How could he prefer the woman who tore his parents apart over you?"

Stella replied calmly, "This just proves they're father and son. Even their taste in women is the same."

"And what about Haynes? Does he know you're leaving?"

Stella shook her head. "He's probably busy tending to his 'dream girl' right now."

Before marriage, Stella owned a cozy little apartment, but it had been ages since she lived there. After cleaning up the place, Abby suggested they hit the town.

Abby said, "Star, we haven't gone shopping together since you had Keen. How about a little retail therapy?"

That was true. Since Keen was born, Stella's life had been about family and childcare. She had lost herself, her life, and her time.

Watching Abby's eyes sparkle, Stella remembered she used to be—full of life and energy. Five years of marriage had aged her too quickly, making her feel like a mere shadow of who she once was.