The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 2173

"It was nothing like that wild, possessive stray. So, even though the first cat had been with her through her hardest times and gave her every ounce of loyalty it had, everyone just said it was a bad pet compared to the new one. People constantly praised the well-behaved kitten, and eventually, the wild stray was entirely forgotten. Whenever anyone did bring it up, they only talked about how vicious and dangerous it had become. All the joy and comfort it had brought her in the beginning was erased. But was it really the cat's fault? If you choose to take a wild thing in, you can't just enjoy the good parts and abandon it the second it becomes difficult. That's why, until I know I can handle the bad days, I refuse to adopt."

Stella found herself strangely captivated by the story, an inexplicable ache forming in her chest for that abandoned, feral cat.

She looked intently at Juniper. "Is there an ending to the story?"

"The ending is a completely different story," Juniper mused.

"A different story?" Stella echoed. "Does it involve the new person who found it?"

Juniper thought for a moment before answering. "She isn't exactly the owner yet, because the cat hasn't accepted her. Right now, she's just trying to be a friend. But she's staying close, keeping it company, trying to heal the damage the first owner left behind. And she promises she will never, ever abandon it just because it's feral or needs too much attention."

She met Stella's eyes, her gaze piercing.

"Do you think she can win over a cat that's been thrown away like that?"

"If she genuinely cares about it, and she's willing to put in the real work, I think she'll get through to it eventually," Stella replied earnestly.

"And what if..." Juniper murmured, "What if the original owner comes back for it? Would the cat... go back to her?"

Stella tilted her head, a sudden realization dawning on her. "You seem incredibly invested in this specific cat, Miss Croft. Don't tell me you're the new owner trying to adopt it?"

Juniper blinked, looking genuinely surprised by her sharp intuition. "You caught me."

Stella smiled warmly. "If it's you, I think you'll do just fine."

Juniper's face lit up. "Thanks for the vote of confidence. I'll keep trying."

Having talked so much, Juniper's throat was dry. She finished the last sip of her latte and stood up, extending the invitation again.

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