The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 402

Foreman stood up with a warm smile, pulling out the chair for Stella in a gentlemanly gesture.

“You’re not late—it’s me who’s early.”

Stella had never been in a romantic relationship before. The man she’d spent the most time with in the past was Antoney Watson.

But they’d known each other for so long that meals between them were casual affairs, devoid of any such niceties.

After marrying Haynes, Stella rarely went out to eat. And even on those rare occasions, Haynes never once pulled out a chair for her.

Now, faced with Foreman’s thoughtfulness, she found herself a little caught off guard by his chivalry.

She called over the waiter and turned to Foreman with a smile. “Order whatever you like—don’t hold back. Dinner’s on me.”

Foreman’s smile was gentle. “Alright, thank you.”

A short distance away, two young women watched the scene unfold, their faces falling in disappointment.

“So he’s already got a girlfriend… Looks like I never stood a chance,” one sighed.

“His girlfriend’s beautiful, too. Honestly, they look perfect together,” the other replied.

“Why is it that all the handsome guys are taken?” the first girl complained.

Stella couldn’t help but chuckle at their conversation.

She’d noticed the pair as soon as she walked into the restaurant. They’d spent the whole time sneaking glances at Foreman and whispering things like, “You go,” “No, you go,” clearly working up the nerve to ask for his number.

Stella’s long lashes fluttered as she glanced up at the man across from her, who was now looking over the menu.

If Haynes was a distant, cold moon, then Foreman was the gentle warmth of spring sunshine—soft, comforting, and easy to be around.

Since becoming a mother, she’d almost forgotten what it was like to think about herself.

Foreman’s gaze was gentle, deep as the sea, as he looked at her. “Star, are you really able to let go of Keen?”

Her hand tightened around her water glass, almost unconsciously. She lowered her eyes, hiding her thoughts.

“He’ll probably be happier without me hovering over him all the time.”

Foreman sighed softly. “Star, Keen’s still young. He needs guidance. Haynie is always swamped with work and rarely has time for him. And Rachel Pearce…”

Foreman’s voice paused, his tone growing heavier.

“She’s always taking Keen out, letting him stay up late. In fact, last night, he was out so late he just spent the night at her place.”