THE WIFE HE COULDN’T KEEP

Chapter 2

The Celeste was the kind of place Joshua Sterling was used to doing business in. He had closed many deals in places like this.

Pierre Dubois, the rotund Frenchman leading the European delegation, had been praising the hotel for the last ten minutes.

"Magnificent, isn't it?" Pierre gestured expansively. "The finest five-star establishment in the country. The owner is a force of nature. You'll meet her tonight."

Joshua nodded absently, swirling his whiskey. He didn't care about the hotel owner. He cared about the merger.

The doors opened.

Joshua looked up.

And the world stopped.

She walked in like she owned the room. Because she did.

Her stride was confident. Unhurried. Her black dress was understated elegance. Expensive without being ostentatious. Her dark hair was swept into a severe chignon.

But it was her eyes that stopped his heart.

Those dark eyes that had once looked at him with such love. Eyes that had begged him to believe her. To listen to her.

Eyes that now swept past him like he was furniture.

Joshua's glass froze halfway to his lips.

Stella.

Six years. Six years since he'd thrown her out. Accused her of infidelity. Called her ordinary. Six years since she'd disappeared.

And now she was here. Gliding past him like he was a stranger.

"Ah, Ms. Hayes!" Pierre boomed, rising. "Allow me to introduce our honored guest. Ms. Hayes, this is Joshua Sterling, CEO of Sterling Industries. Joshua, this is Stella Hayes, the owner of the Celeste."

Joshua rose mechanically. His heart was pounding.

Stella extended her hand.

"Mr. Sterling," she said. Her voice was smooth. Cool. Devoid of emotion. "A pleasure."

Joshua stared at her hand. That hand had once held his. Once clutched his arm, begging him to stay.

He took it. Her fingers were cold.

"The pleasure," he managed, his voice hoarse, "is mine."

She withdrew her hand immediately, turning to Pierre. "I trust everything is to your satisfaction? The wine? The accommodations?"

"Perfect, as always," Pierre beamed. "Built this entire empire from nothing in just six years. No investors, no inheritance. Just sheer determination."

Joshua couldn't speak. He could only stare at the woman he'd called ordinary.

She was anything but ordinary.

She was magnificent.

"I'll leave you gentlemen to your dinner," Stella said, her smile never wavering. "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

She turned to leave.

"Wait." The word escaped Joshua's mouth before he could stop it. "Stella."

She paused. Her back was to him. She didn't turn around.

Joshua's throat was dry. "I'd like to speak with you. Privately."

The room went silent. Pierre looked between them, confused.

Stella turned slowly. Her face revealed nothing.

"I'm afraid I have another engagement, Mr. Sterling. Perhaps we can schedule a meeting through my office."

"There is."

"Then my assistant will be in touch." Her smile was ice. "Enjoy your dinner."

She walked toward the door, her heels clicking on the marble floor. Joshua watched her go.

Just before she reached the threshold, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, and her expression shifted. Softened. A genuine smile flickered across her face. Warm. Tender.

She took the call as she stepped into the hallway. The doors closed behind her.

Joshua sank back into his chair. His hands were trembling. His chest was tight.

Pierre leaned in, his voice low. "Remarkable woman. Fiercely private. Nobody knows much about her personal life. Just that she built this empire alone."

Joshua nodded, his eyes still on the closed doors. His mind was racing.

Where has she been? How did she do this? Does she hate me? Does she still...

"Joshua?" Pierre's voice cut through. "Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Joshua forced a smile. "I'm fine. I just need some air."

He stood abruptly and walked toward the balcony doors.

The cool night air hit his face. Joshua gripped the railing, trying to steady himself.

She was alive. She was here. She was more powerful, more beautiful, more untouchable than ever.

And she'd looked at him like he was nothing.

Joshua closed his eyes. The memory flooded back. The penthouse. The roses. The photographs scattered across the table. Her desperate pleas. Her tear-streaked face.

"Joshua, please. I'm carrying your child. Please, I'm begging you."

And what had he done? He'd called her ordinary. He'd told her she was nothing before him. He'd walked out the door and never looked back.

Until tonight.

Joshua opened his eyes and stared at the glittering city below.

He had to find her. He had to talk to her. He had to.

The balcony was empty.

She was gone.