Love Is Only Ash

For five years, Audrey has been the wife Julian Hayes sends away whenever Stella returns. Stella once saved Julian's life, and he insists her trauma makes Audrey's place as Mrs. Hayes unbearable, so Audrey vacates the master bedroom each time and is called home once Stella leaves. Eighteen times, no more, no less.

Now Stella is back again, and Julian orders Audrey out within the hour, a suite already booked and a diamond bracelet waiting for Stella. But Audrey has quietly called her father and a lawyer, Mr. Harrison, to begin the divorce and the division of assets, and she retreats to the small apartment she owned before the marriage.

When Stella posts a photo from their home wearing Audrey's own silk robe, Audrey resolves to stop being a doormat. Yet at a boutique, Julian takes the crystal decanter she chose for her father and hands it to Stella, warning Audrey not to harass her.