The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1396

A sweet smile bloomed on Simone's face, and her voice softened unconsciously. She pushed the menu toward him. "Joshua, what would you like to drink?"

Joshua didn't take the menu. "Aurora mentioned the latte here is their specialty. I'll have that."

Simone's smile froze. "Aurora… how would she know to tell you that?" This cafe was, in fact, a place Aurora used to frequent.

"She mentioned it last time we had dinner together," Joshua said casually. He wasn't lying; during their meal, they had made a lot of meaningless small talk, much of it about recommending restaurants and cafes.

Simone's mind flashed back to a picture she'd seen on social media, and the sharp sting of betrayal grew more intense. "Joshua, why were you having dinner with Aurora?" she asked before she could stop herself.

Realizing how presumptuous the question sounded, she quickly backtracked, afraid of annoying him. "I just mean, Ms. Cameron and Aurora don't seem to get along. Are you sure it's okay for you to be seen with Aurora? Won't Ms. Cameron mind?"

"Whatever issues they have, Stella and Aurora are still sisters," Joshua said lightly. "Sisters don't hold grudges forever. Aurora told me it's all just a misunderstanding that will be cleared up soon."

Simone couldn't force a smile any longer. "Aurora told you that? She even told you about her family issues?"

Simone clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms so hard they broke, but she felt no pain. All she could hear was Joshua's crisp, clear voice.

"Miss Lerman, you've known Aurora for years. Could you tell me what she likes? I want to buy her a gift to apologize for wrecking her car. By the way, are you free later? Maybe you could come with me and help me pick something out?"

He called her Miss Lerman. But he called Aurora by her first name.

The difference in intimacy was painfully obvious. Simone bit her lip, tasting blood. She had been the first to fall for Joshua. Aurora knew it; she had even given her advice on how to win him over.