THE WIFE HE COULDN’T KEEP

Chapter 5

Stella Hayes walked through the ballroom with confidence. People turned to look at her and whispered as she passed. The Ice Queen. The hotel magnate.

She didn't acknowledge them.

She was mid-conversation with a councilman when she felt it. A prickle at the back of her neck. The awareness of being watched.

She turned.

Joshua Sterling stood across the room, his eyes locked on her.

Stella's heart stopped. Then it started again, pounding.

Of course. Of course he's here.

Her fingers tightened around her glass. She forced herself to look away, to focus on the councilman's words, to smile when he made a joke she didn't hear.

Her voice was steady. Her hands didn't shake.

But inside, she was screaming.

Across the room, another man watched her.

Bryan Taylor stood near the bar, a glass of wine in his hand. He'd been watching Stella Hayes since she walked in.

She was magnificent. Commanding. Every inch the Ice Queen the magazines described.

He'd wanted to meet her at the last gala. He'd been too late. Tonight, he'd planned to approach her, to introduce himself.

But she looked busy. Distracted. Her eyes kept drifting toward the terrace.

Bryan stayed where he was. He watched from a distance. Admired her from afar.

He saw her excuse herself. He saw her walk toward the terrace. And he saw a man follow her.

The man's face was familiar. Someone important. Someone who looked determined.

Bryan frowned. Something about the way the man moved made him uneasy. He had an instinct about these things. The man didn't look like he was there for a business conversation.

Bryan took a step forward. Then stopped.

It wasn't his place. He didn't know Stella Hayes. He had no right to interfere.

He stayed by the bar, his eyes on the terrace doors.

Stella stepped onto the terrace and let out a long breath.

The cool night air hit her face. She closed her eyes.

Just breathe. Just breathe.

"Stella."

His voice. Deep. Familiar. Devastating.

She stopped. Her eyes snapped open. She didn't turn around.

"Mr. Sterling," she said, her voice ice. "This is neither the time nor the place."

Joshua stepped closer. "I don't care about the time or place. I need to talk to you."

"There's nothing to talk about."

"There's everything to talk about." His voice cracked. "You disappeared for six years. And now you won't even look at me."

Stella turned.

She met his eyes. Cold. Empty.

"I looked at you for three years, Mr. Sterling." Her voice was quiet, but it cut like a blade. "I looked at you while you destroyed me. While you called me ordinary. While you threw me out like garbage."

She stepped closer. "I'm done looking at you."

Joshua flinched. "Stella, please"

"Don't." She held up a hand. "Don't you dare say please. You don't get to beg. You don't get to apologize. You don't get anything from me."

He stepped closer. "Then why is the hotel group called Sterling"

"It's called Hayes." Her voice was sharp. "It's always been Hayes. I erased you from my life. You don't exist to me anymore."

She turned to walk away.

And then her phone rang.

The nanny.

Stella's heart lurched. The nanny never called during events unless

"Stella?" It was Maya's small voice, trembling. "Mama, Leo has a fever. He's really hot. I'm scared."

Stella's composure cracked.

Her face softened. Her shoulders dropped. Her voice became warm and gentle.

"Put him on, baby. Let me talk to him."

She'd forgotten. She'd forgotten where she was. Who was standing behind her.

She glanced at the screen. The nanny had sent a photo. Leo in bed, flushed and miserable. Aiden and Maya crowded beside him, their faces worried.

Joshua's gaze followed hers.

He saw the screen.

His face changed. Confusion. Recognition. Shock.

"Stella," he breathed. "Who are they?"

Her blood turned to ice.

She shoved the phone into her clutch.

"Leo? Baby, Mama's going to come home right now. Just stay in bed. I'll be there soon."

She ended the call. Her hands were shaking.

"Stella." Joshua's voice was low. Dangerous. "I saw them. Three children. Who are they?"

She pulled herself together. Her composure snapped back like a mask.

"None of your business."

"Don't lie to me." He grabbed her arm. "I saw their faces. They have my eyes. My jaw. Who are they, Stella?"

She pulled away. "Take your hand off me."

"Tell me the truth."

"It's none of your business!" Her voice rose.

People were turning to look through the glass doors.

She lowered it, her eyes blazing. "They have nothing to do with you. Stay away from me. Stay away from my family."

Joshua's grip tightened. "If they're mine"

"If?" She laughed. Cold. Bitter. Hollow.

"You gave up the right to ask that question six years ago. You chose to believe a lie. You chose to destroy me. These children have nothing to do with you."

"Then tell me who they are."

"No."

"Stella"

"Let go of me. Now."

Joshua released her arm.

Stella stepped back. Her composure was back. Perfect. Untouchable.

"Stay away from me, Joshua. Stay away from my family. Or I'll make you regret it."

She turned and walked away.

She didn't look back.

Joshua stood alone on the terrace.

His heart pounded. His hands shook.

Three children. He'd seen them. Just for a second.

A boy with his eyes. A girl with Stella's smile. Another boy with his stubborn jaw.

They're mine. They have to be mine.

He gripped the railing. His knuckles were white.

He'd been a fool. A monster. He'd thrown away the love of his life and his children.

And now he had to get them back.

No matter what it took.

He pulled out his phone and dialed.

"Daniel. I know about the children. I saw them. I know they're mine. And I'm not stopping until I find them."

He ended the call before Daniel could respond.

Joshua stared at the glittering city below.

His jaw was set. His eyes were cold with determination.

She thinks she can hide them from me. She thinks she can keep them away.

He smiled. It was not a kind smile.

She has no idea what I'm capable of.

Across the ballroom, Bryan Taylor watched Stella leave.

He'd seen her walk out of the terrace. Her face was pale. Her hands were shaking.

He'd seen the man follow her. His expression was dark and desperate.

Bryan set down his glass.

He didn't know Stella Hayes. He had no right to interfere.

But something told him she was in trouble.

He watched her disappear through the doors, and he made a decision.

Next time, he thought. Next time, I won't stay silent.

He turned back to the ballroom.

The gala continued around him, but his mind was elsewhere.