The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

The next morning, Haynes was once again waiting outside Stella's apartment.

Last night, he'd already confirmed with Keen that Stella was taking her to the sports club today to practice shooting.

She wouldn't bring Marvin just the two of them.

Haynes, hoping for a chance to reconcile, wasn't about to let this golden opportunity slip by.

He'd stayed up late finishing his work, so he could arrive at her place extra early.

He hadn't told Keen about his plans.

Keen was too young to keep a secret; Haynes didn't want her to accidentally mention something and prompt Stella to change her mind.

Not long after, the apartment doors swung open and two figures—one tall, one small-stepped out.

It was Stella and Keen.

Relief softened Haynes's tense expression. He was just about to approach them when a third figure appeared in the doorway-a man, tall and composed, following close behind.

Haynes froze in place.

Stella and Keen didn't even notice him.

Keen glanced back and called, "Mr. Joshua, do you really know how to shoot?"

The man laughed. "Shooting and darts aren't so different. I've been practicing these past few days—shouldn't be a problem."

Keen, who'd been learning to shoot for a while now, brightened. "Then I want to compete with you, Mr. Joshua!"

Keen had a great impression of Joshua Gardner.

Last time at the club, Mr. Joshua was the one who found his mom's locket and brought him home safely.

Afraid he'd catch cold, Joshua had even given him his own jacket.

Keen disliked Marvin and, by extension, wasn't fond of Mr. Connolly either.

He hadn't spent much time with Joshua, but he really liked him.

Joshua grinned. "Alright, let's have a competition. But... I won't go easy on you."

Keen beamed. "I don't want any grown-ups letting me win anyway!"

Stella turned to Joshua. "Thank you for helping out today."

Joshua flashed a warm smile. "After enjoying Ms. Cameron's delicious breakfast, helping out is the least I can do."

He hefted the bag in his hand.

"Can't just eat and run-wouldn't feel right not to pitch in."

Keen rarely got to stay at Stella's place for a few days, so she insisted on cooking instead of ordering takeout.

That morning, Stella had woken up early to prepare a hearty breakfast for Keen.

As it happened, Joshua had stopped by to drop something off for Abby, so Stella invited him to join them and made extra pastries.

Stella said nothing more.

The group headed out, only to spot Haynes standing off to the side.

Keen stared in surprise. "Dad? What are you doing here?"

Haynes's face was clouded and harsh; his words, sharp.

"What, I'm not welcome? You spend one night at your mom's and suddenly you

don't want to acknowledge your father?"

Stella frowned, about to speak, but Joshua stepped forward.

"Mr. O'Brien, no matter how upset you are, it's not right to take it out on your child."

exit Stella's home

Seeing Joshua exit

early in the morning, the three of them laughing together-Haynes could hardly stand it. They looked more like a family than he ever had with them. The scene left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Why did Stella always attract these annoying hangers-on?

Haynes shot Joshua a cold glare. "I'm his

doll can talk to my own

child. You're just an outsider this isn't your business."

Joshua's good humor didn't falter.

don't think that's fair, Mr. O'Briennoveldrama

When Ms. Cameron and Keen falk,

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in."

He tilted his head, smiling. "If you say I'm an outsider and have no right to step in,

then why does Ms. Pearce get to interfere?"