The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 9

Haynes furrowed his brow and asked, "What are you doing here?"

Antoney, Stella's childhood friend, was someone Haynes had seen numerous times. Stella often spoke about Antoney, detailing his life story to him.

Stella had told him that Antoney had lost his parents at a young age and lived with his grandparents. By middle school, his grandparents had passed away, too, leaving Antoney all alone.

Stella's mom discovered Antoney's musical talents and took him under her wing during that period. But Antoney was a withdrawn and melancholic boy and ignored everyone around him.

It took Stella three years to break through his shell and become his friend.

Yet, for some reason, Haynes couldn't shake the feeling of dislike he felt towards Antoney from their very first meeting.

"You can meet your ex-girlfriend, so why is it strange for Star to dine with her childhood friend?" Antoney's voice was calm, yet each word was sharp, dripping with sarcasm.

He had effectively ripped away the facade Haynes and Rachel had been hiding.

Haynes' face darkened, his handsome features set in a stern expression. "Stella, go home with me."

Stella responded coldly and indifferently, "No, I haven't finished my dinner with Antoney."

Haynes' voice took on an icy edge. "Stella, this is the last time I'm asking. Come with me."

Stella recognized it as a sign of his rising anger. If Stella didn't relent immediately, it would lead to a confrontation far beyond a silent standoff. He had his ways of making her submit.

She would always remember that stormy night—soaked and desperate, kneeling at his feet as she begged him to return Keen to her.

He had looked down at her, asking, "Do you realize your mistake?"