The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

They'd come to this amusement park because Stella had told Rachel about it.

The fact that she'd dared to tell Rachel meant she clearly wasn't worried about her meddling. Or perhaps, she was more than prepared for whatever Rachel might do.

Stella offered a faint smile, neither confirming nor denying anything.

She said lightly, "Honestly, they shouldn't have come with us in the first place. It's probably for the best that they're leaving."

It was clear Stella had orchestrated things this way. She knew Rachel would find a way to cause a scene-so be it. If Haynes had insisted on tagging along, then he could leave the same way.

Neville wasn't sure if "they" included Keen, but he didn't press the issue.

Instead, he asked, "So, do you still want to ride the pirate ship, or would you rather try something else?"

Stella glanced around, then turned to Marvin. "Marvin, do you want to try the bumper cars?"

Marvin, now that the annoying Mr. O'Brien and his son were about to leave, beamed with delight. "Yes! I want to!"

Stella took Marvin's hand. "Alright, let's go, then."

They were just about to head off when Keen, sharp-eyed as ever, noticed Stella slipping away.

He called out, "Mom, where are you going?"

Stella paused and looked back at him. "Rachel needs to go to the hospital, so you and your dad should go with her. I'll stay here."noveldrama

Keen's breath hitched as the realization hit him-he'd come today just to spend time with his mom. After all the waiting and hoping to have a day out together, was it really going to be ruined just because Rachel was being carted off to the hospital?

He remembered how, when he'd been in the hospital, Rachel had never stayed the night or taken care of him. She'd only stopped by during the day, always leaving early, claiming she wasn't feeling well.

It had always been his mother who cared for him when he was sick.

So, if he had to choose, being with his mom was far more important than accompanying Rachel to the hospital.

With that thought, Keen made up his mind.

He looked up at Haynes, who was about to scoop Rachel into his arms, and said, "Dad, you go with Rachel to the hospital. I want to stay here with Mom."

Haynes hesitated, only now remembering Stella and Neville were here, too. He glanced over, seeing Stella holding Marvin's hand, clearly about to leave.

If he took Rachel to the hospital, wouldn't that mean leaving Stella and Neville alone together? Even if Keen stayed behind, it wouldn't stop anything.

Vel

Keen was still a child and couldn't understand the complicated games adults played. Marvin, though younger, was far more cunning Judging by how familiar Stella and Neville were, Marvin had probably helped them spend time together before.

After thinking for a moment, Haynes settled on a compromise. "Alright, you go

stay with your mom. I'll make sure Rachel gets into the ambulance and then come find you."

Rachel's pained expression nearly slipped.

Neville, casting a sidelong glance at

Rachel's theatrics, pretended to

disagree. "Mr. O'Brien, isn't it a bit heartless to leave Ms. Pearce alone like that? What if she needs emergency treatment and there's no one to sign the paperwork? That would be terrible for her. You really ought to go with her.

As for young Keen..." Neville looked down at Keen, giving him a reassuring wink. "Star and I will take good care of him. He and Marvin are friends from preschool- they'll get along just fine. Don't worry."

The more Neville spoke, the darker Haynes's expression grew.

Rachel, realizing Haynes actually intended to leave her alone in the ambulance, turned pale. She clutched desperately at his sleeve and, following Neville's lead, pleaded, "Haynie, please don't go. What if... what if something really happens to me and I can't see you one last time? Can you stay, just this once? Please don't leave me alone."

The onlookers around them began to chime in as well.

"Your wife's in this state and you're not going with her to the hospital? What could

possibly be more important than your wife's health?"