The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1995

By the time the final competition wrapped up in the afternoon, the event was officially over.

Oblivious to the adult tension, Keen was on top of the world. Gripping Stella's hand on one side and Haynes's on the other, he beamed. "This is the first time I've ever done this with both of you! I wish we could do this every time!"

Stella and Haynes both stiffened, exchanging a brief, complicated look.

He was right. In all of Keen's life, this was the very first time they had attended a school event as a united front.

Looking down at his son's radiant smile, Haynes's voice softened. "I'm sorry I was always so busy before. Mom and Dad will make sure to spend much more time with you from now on."

He glanced reflexively at Stella.

She merely smiled and squeezed Keen's hand, offering no confirmation.

Riding high on adrenaline, Keen ran off to join his classmates, eagerly showing off his parents. The other children clustered around him, their eyes wide with envy. Among the sea of parents, Stella and Haynes were undeniably the most striking, both in looks and presence.

Keen's innocent vanity was thoroughly satisfied.

Just then, Stella's phone rang. It was Abby Murphy.

Excusing herself, Stella moved to a quiet corner of the playground to take the call. "Abby, is everything okay on your end?"

"Everything's fine here, I'm just a little worried about you," Abby said. "You've been in Novaris for days, and Joshua hasn't reached out to me at all. I wanted to see if anything happened."

"Joshua is already in Novaris," Stella replied.

Abby paused. "Wow, okay. I thought he was still in the dark. I didn't realize he flew out so fast."

They chatted for another ten minutes before Stella hung up.

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