The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1336

Her words struck Joshua like a tidal wave, stirring a fierce current within his chest.

Stella walked over to the window and opened it, letting in the crisp morning air. She turned back and offered him a small smile. "If every action has to be weighed for its pros and cons, if you can never live spontaneously, what's the point of living at all?"

His pupils reflected her image. The soft morning light streamed through the clean glass, enveloping her in a golden halo, making it seem as if she had stepped directly out of the sun. Years later, he would still remember this morning.

*Someone I care about...*

Had he become someone she cared about?

Despite his words of caution, he couldn't deny the strange sense of satisfaction settling in his chest.

Noticing the soup had cooled enough, Stella said, "You should eat something. Mr. Burton said you can have soft foods now."

The aroma of the soup filled the room, a comforting scent distinct from typical hospital food.

"It's okay," Joshua said. "I'll just have some water."

Stella looked at him, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Is it not to your liking? If there's a restaurant you prefer, I can go buy something for you."

"No, I love the things you cook," he clarified. "It's just that... in my current state, I don't think I can manage it."

He was still incredibly weak, struggling even to sit up, let alone feed himself.

"It's alright," Stella said gently. "I can feed you."

Joshua's long lashes fluttered. "You'll... feed me?"

Keen's voice had recovered, and Haynes had come to tell Stella the good news. He had called ahead to get her permission and had undergone a rigorous security check before being allowed into the hospital. The thought of Stella caring so deeply for another man left a sour taste in his mouth. He knew she had already classified Joshua as one of her own—so much so that she was willing to burn bridges with the Williams family for him. Haynes couldn't quite decipher the nature of her feelings for Joshua.

He knocked softly. Stella's familiar voice came from within. "Come in."

As he entered the room, the first thing he saw was Stella, spoon in hand, feeding Joshua. The sight was like a physical blow, stinging his eyes.

Joshua turned his head slightly. Seeing Haynes's grim expression, a faint, triumphant smirk played on his lips.

"Mr. O'Brien. What brings you here?"

Haynes knew Joshua had saved Stella and Keen, but he couldn't bring himself to like the man.