The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Before the international competition, Abby decided to stop by Joshua's place— only to find the house empty.

She relayed this to Stella. "Star, I knocked for ages, but no one answered. It looks like Joshua hasn't been home at all. Do you think... could he have just left without saying goodbye? I asked the doorman, and he said Joshua left early the day before yesterday and hasn't been back since."

Abby had wanted to try to persuade Joshua to stay. She hadn't expected him to disappear so quickly.

Stella listened and said gently, "He's just regained his memories. I imagine there's a lot he needs to deal with, so he probably left in a rush. But knowing Joshua, I doubt he'd just vanish without a word."

Truth be told, their time with Joshua lately had been enjoyable. Abby wanted him to stay, but she wouldn't force it.

She sighed. "I just wish he hadn't left like this."noveldrama

No sooner had the words left her mouth than Stella's phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID, and her eyes flickered with surprise.

It was Joshua.

She answered. "Star," came his voice, weary and distant.

"Sorry. There's some trouble at home. I need to go back and take care of it."

Even through the phone, Stella could hear chaos in the background-a heated argument, by the sound of it.

"It's alright," she said. "Take care of what you need to. I told you before, you deserve some time off."

Hearing Joshua's voice, Stella finally felt herself relax. Only now did she realize she'd been as worried as Abby that he might leave without a word.

Just as she was about to hang up, Joshua's voice stopped her. “Star."

She paused. "What is it?"

"Wait for me. I'll be back."

Stella froze, caught off guard by the sudden gravity in his words.

In the next moment, she heard someone shouting furiously on the other end: "Joshua, today's the day I finish you—!"

The call cut off abruptly, a harsh beep echoing in Stella's ear.

She stared at her phone for a long time before she could gather her thoughts. Abby asked, "Was that Joshua?"

Stella nodded. "Yeah. He's gone home to deal with something."

Abby's voice was tight with worry. "He's not calling to say goodbye for good, is he?"

Stella smiled reassuringly. "No. He said he'll be back. He just has things to handle right now."

Abby let out a long sigh, visibly relieved.

She was about to say more when the studio door was knocked on.

Abby answered, and was startled to see Haynes standing outside.

Her expression immediately soured. "What are you doing here?" Haynes replied in his deep, reserved voice, "I came to check on Star." "She doesn't want to see you "

But Haynes cut her off. "And I thought should let Star know-the culprit behind the acid attack on

Aurora has pretty much been identified."

The rest of Abby's retort caught in her throat.

Stella's voice sounded from within. "Abby, let him in."

As Haynes stepped inside, Stella noticed he was carrying a bouquet of baby's breath.

Before she could say anything,

Joke. "Keen told me you

breath. He wanted me

breath. He

these to you."

Mentioning Keen made it difficult for Stella to refuse.

She wasn't about to argue with Haynes over a bouquet of flowers.

She got straight to the point. "Who's responsible for the acid attack on Aurora?"

Haynes answered, "It appears to be Rachel."

He'd already learned about the attack through Keen.

Stella's eyebrows shot up. "Rachel?"

Haynes's voice was low and cold. "From the security footage, it looks like she was aiming for Simone Aurora was just in the wrong place

at the wrong time."