Ste sat in silence, unsure of what to say.


    Once upon a time, there was always something she couldn''t wait to share with him. Now, all that remained was a heavy, awkward silence between them.


    Without Rachel, they didn''t even have arguments anymore.


    Haynes didn''t seem to notice her quietness. He spoke up, "Star, you''ve changed a lot.


    I used to think that as long as we had a child between us, if I swallowed my pride and tried to make things right, we could go back to how things were.


    I even tried using Keen, hoping it would soften your heart. But Keen told me that you''re happier now than you ever were before.


    I didn''t get it back then. Isn''t having your mom around supposed to be the best, happiest thing for a child?


    But looking at it now, I''m not even as perceptive as a five-year-old."


    He caught a glimmer in Ste''s eyes, something he hadn''t seen in years.


    It reminded him of when they first got married her eyes had sparkled then, too.


    He hadn''t married her just for the child. He genuinely thought she''d make a good wife. He didn''t dislike her; if anything, he''d felt a certain fondness. After all, no one would nearly break ties with their own mother just to marry someone they hated. But somewhere along the way, that light in her eyes had faded.


    Haynes couldn''t even remember when it happened.


    He''d gotten used to overlooking her, letting her fade into the background. She''d grown more and more withdrawn, her smile appearing less and less often.


    She was like a rose slowly withering, losing its color and life day by day.


    Loving someone is like tending a flower; however you care for it, that''s what it bes.


    Suddenly, Haynes reached out and took Ste''s hand. "I used to believe that loving someone meant passion—a wild, reckless kind of love that could make you give up everything.


    But who says love has to be fireworks? Maybe the quiet, steady kind is love, too.


    Star, since the divorce, I''ve done a lot of thinking.


    I realize now that I didn''t fight to stay married just because you''re Keen''s mother


    or because you were a good wife.


    The real reason was because I actually—"


    Before he could finish, the door swung open.


    A tall, sharply dressed man strode in.


    bet<fnb60e> Th?s chapter is updated by Find★Novel</fnb60e>


    "Star, have you eaten yet? I brought you some breakfast," he announced, but his voice trailed off as his eyesnded on their joined hands.  s


    Joshua''s lips curled into a half-smile, half-smirk. "Am I... interrupting something?"


    He didn''t look the least bit apologetic, nor did he make any move to leave.


    Ste instinctively pulled her hand away, meeting Joshua''s gaze with the flush of someone caught in an awkward,promising moment.


    Haynes''s expression hardened. "If you know you''re intruding, then why don''t you leave?"


    Joshua replied coolly, "Sorry, but you''re not my boss. You don''t get to order no


    e around, and I have t


    listen to your


    belongs to s


    Haynes was left speechless. So much for that so-called apology-what a joke.


    Ste didn''t want to argue anymore. She quickly changed the subject.


    "Joshua, how''s Keen?"


    "He''s fine. He''s back at the manor now," Joshua replied.


    Maybe it was a grandparent''s affection, but while Skyler could be cold to Ste, he absolutely adored Keen Every day, it was all about his grandson-never mixing the child up in adult affairs.  s


    Joshua nced at Haynes. “Mr. O''Brien, thanks for looking after Star for so long. Now that I''m here, you can head home."


    The words were polite, but the tone made it clear Haynes wasn''t wee.


    Haynes''s voice was icy. "Star''s Keen''s mother. Taking care of her is my responsibility. I don''t need your gratitude."