The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

A moment later, he opened his eyes again.

"Woof! Woof woof!"

The whole auditorium erupted with laughter.

"Hahaha!"

Even those who had tried to stay neutral-some of whom had felt Stella had gone too far-couldn't hold back anymore after witnessing this scene.

It was simply too funny to resist.

The entire hall buzzed with laughter, as if they were watching a comedy show rather than a violin recital.

The audience was thoroughly entertained.

Well, everyone except Mr. Walden and his group.

Their expressions were downright miserable, as if wishing they could disappear

into the floorboards. If slipping out unnoticed had been an option, they wouldn't have lasted another minute in that room.

Every sideways glance thrown at Mr. Walden felt like a needle pricking the skin, making it impossible to sit still.

The looks-half pity, half ridicule were like invisible slaps landing squarely on his face.

Was it anger, or regret? Even he couldn't tell anymore.

After all, if even Harry had lost to Stella, what was left to say?

Once the farce ended, the crowd reluctantly drifted out of the hall, still buzzing with excitement as they chatted about the spectacle they'd just witnessed.

Gossip and drama-those were universal pleasures.

By now, not only had the story exploded across social media at home, but videos

of Harry barking like a dog had gone international.

Violinists who'd once left the scene after being humiliated by Harry found themselves delighting in poetic justice.

Within mere hours, photos and videos of Harry were everywhere, remixed and lampooned across the internet. Some particularly creative souls had

photoshopped Harry's face onto a dog's body, set to absurdly catchy music that had people doubled over with laughter.

Soon, those memes became must-have reaction images.

But that, of course, is another story.

...

After the competition, Stella slung her violin case over her shoulder and headed off to find Abby and the others.

Just as she stepped out the door, a tall, striking figure appeared in front of her.

The man's handsome features

2da touch softer than usualet

his eyes unusually gentle as he held out a single red rose to Stella.

"That was a brilliant performance."

Stella glanced at the flower but didn't accept it, her tone cool. "Did you need something?"

Haynes didn't seem bothered by her indifference. "Keen heard you were performing tonight and took time off just to

fo see you. He's waiting outsidenoveldrama

for you now."

Keen O'Brien had watched Stella's entire performance from start to finish.

Haynes, tied up with work, had arrived late and only caught the end. But even that brief glimpse had left him reeling.

For a moment, it was as if someone had plucked at the strings of his heart.

Not even Rachel had ever made him feel quite this way.

It was unfamiliar, and yet-impossibly compelling.

།

Stella replied, "I'll see Keen in a bit. Would you mind bringing him in?df

Mr. O'Brien doesn't need anythi

She can leave-I'll look after

him."

With that, Stella walked off toward the door.

Haynes, still holding the rose, followed after her.

Just then, a delighted voice called out.

"Haynie, did you come to see me?!"

Rachel, spotting the rose in Haynes' hand, beamed with joy.

She snatched the flower from him. “Haynie, thank you! I love it.”

Stella shot Rachel a glance, but didn't break stride.

Seeing Stella leave, Haynes hastily muttered, "The flower wasn't for you," and hurried after her.

As Stella stepped outside, Joshua approached, cradling a bouquet of baby's breath.