The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Haynes noticed Rachel staring at Aurora, her gaze lingering a bit too long. He spoke up softly, “Rachel?"noveldrama

Startled, Rachel snapped out of her daze. She quickly masked her shock and offered a friendly smile. "Hello, Ms. Williams."

Aurora didn't seem the least bit offended by Rachel's lapse in manners. With a warm smile, she replied, "Ms. Pearce, it's lovely to meet you."

After a few moments of casual conversation, everyone found their seats around the table.

Both Rachel and Aurora played violin, giving them plenty of common ground. The two soon fell into an easy, engaging discussion.

Rachel was surprised to discover that, although Aurora hadn't attended Neo- Vespera University, her violin skills were outstanding-her insights on music even surpassed Rachel's own. It was clear that the kind of resources available to someone from an elite family like Aurora's made all the difference.

Yet, Rachel didn't feel even a hint of jealousy-only admiration. The gap between them was just too wide. In looks, poise, education, and refinement, Aurora outshone her in every way. The reputation of the city's leading socialite was, it seemed, well-deserved.

They enjoyed a pleasant lunch together, laughter and conversation flowing easily.

As the meal was winding down, Haynes suddenly spoke up. "Ms. Williams, I wonder if I could ask a favor."

Aurora turned to him with a gentle smile. "Mr. O'Brien, you don't need to be so formal. You've helped me before it's only right that I return the kindness. If there's anything I can do, I'll do my best."

Haynes nodded. "I heard Mr.

Jonathan is getting engaged to Miss Chapman from the Chapman family. In three months, Rachel will be. hosting a concert, and we'd love to invite Miss Chapman as a special quest. I was hoping you might put in a good word for us."

Over the years, Haynes had owed the Williams family a favor, but he'd never asked for anything-until now. Though he didn't spell it out, everyone at the table understood: he was finally calling in that debt.

Aurora thought for a moment before responding, choosing her words with care. Rachel felt her heart leap into her throat.

After a few seconds, Aurora finally said, "My brother is indeed planning to get engaged to Ms. Chapman, and the arrangements are still underway. I can mention your request to him, but I can't make any

promises. I'm not sure if Ms.

Chapman will be available around that time."

Haynes didn't hide the truth. "She's already scheduled as a guest at another concert during that period. If she's willing, we'll reschedule Rachel's concert to avoid any conflicts, so she won't be put in a difficult position."

Aurora nodded. "Alright, I'll do my best to help. Whether I hear anything or not, I'll be sure to let you know."

As always, Aurora was impeccably polite, never making promises she couldn't keep-even if she was almost certain of success. The fact that she agreed to help at all was already a great courtesy to Haynes.

After lunch, as they stepped out of the restaurant, Rachel couldn't hold back her curiosity any longer. "Ms. Williams, if you don't mind me asking-where did you get your earrings?"

Aurora remembered how Rachel had fixated on her earrings when she first walked in. She smiled. "Ms. Pearce, do you like these earrings?"

Rachel nodded. "It's just that, not long ago, I accidentally lost one of a friend's earrings. I wanted to replace it for her, but I have no idea where it came from. Yours are exactly the same as hers, so I was hoping you might tell me where you found them."

Aurora looked genuinely surprised. "These earrings? They were a custom birthday gift from my father. I'm afraid you won't find them anywhere else."