Page 34 of Buttons

If this is the long-overdue “correction” society so craves, then let us raise our champagne glasses to reunions that actually make us believe in second chances.

–

JULIAN’S WIFE HAS A “I’M TOTALLY FINE” MOMENT, WHILE HER HUSBAND MOVES ON WITH CARMELLA RUIZ. By Bella Stone, Gossip Insider

Talk about a tale of transformations! Elowen Plaza lit up social media by chopping her hair into a shorter, and much curlier, hairstyle, sparking rumors of a midlife meltdown.

Meanwhile, Julian Plaza has slipped effortlessly onto the gala carpet, looking every bit the high-powered CEO. But unlike his wife, his transformation wasn’t physical. Holding his arm was none other than Carmella Ruiz.

Rumor has it Elowen’s dramatic hair was more than a style change. It was a cry for attention when she found herself devoid of her high-profile spouse.

Whispered chatter suggested Carmella was prepped with talking points to field every question. If Elowen was the wild card, then Carmella is the upgrade—though both offer social savvy.

COMMENTS:

@SeattleCatMomThe press needs to leave his ex-wife alone. I’ve seen her dedicating all her time to the animal shelter. She’s down there doing real, gritty work to save those pets while Julian is busy posing for the cameras. Come on. Let’s write an article about THAT.

@CorporateInsiderI used to coordinate with Julian’s office on a monthly basis. Let me tell you, Elowen is an absolute treasure and a pleasure to work with. She was the glue holding that man’s life together. He’s going to sink without her.

@RomanceJunkie99Unpopular opinion, but look at the way they look at each other! ?? Sometimes people make mistakes when they are young, but Carmella and Julian finding their way back to each other is basically a real-life movie. You can’t fake that. True love for the win!

@LateNightDasherI delivered tacos to Julian as a DoorDash driver one time late at night, and he was quite cold. Looked at me like I was dirt on his shoe and didn’t even say thank you. I seriously don’t understand how any woman would want him.

@CityGirl_1111(Reply to @LateNightDasher)Have you seen the man? He’s hot as hell AND rich! That makes up for a lot of personality flaws for some people ?? Asking for a friend, is there a chance he’s single tho?

@SocialiteSecretsI’m friends with both Elowen and Carmella, and I’d choose Elowen every time. Carmella only cares about ‌status and‌ cameras. Elowen is actually genuine and loves Julian, her family, and the people she works with.

@RescueAdvocateAdding to the shelter love! Elowen’s new cause at the animal shelter is already making improvements. She’s out there making a difference, not chasing headlines.

@TheTrey-TreyMan, what the hell happened at the bar? Was Ithatdrunk????

@GossipQueen(Reply to TheTrey-Trey)OMG, are youtheTrey? Can you confirm that Julian had a list of potential wives? ???

@FeministVibes(Reply to @GossipQueen)He made a list of women? Eww. 2026 men disgust me ??

@TheTrey-Trey(Reply to @GossipQueen & @FeministVibes)No comment.

Chapter 14

Elowen

The next morning, I’m home alone. It’s my day off, and the house is blissfully quiet. My mother had texted early, wanting to spend time with the kids, so I let her know they were over at Sarah’s. Through our newly made group chat, Mom immediately offered to drive over and pick them up so Sarah could enjoy her day off, too, giving me a few rare hours entirely to myself. Unfortunately, the quiet doesn’’’’t last. My phone won’t stop buzzing with notifications. I ignore it for as long as I can, focusing on folding laundry instead, but the buzzing continues.

Finally giving in, I perch on the edge of my bed and grab it. There are fifteen messages, eight missed calls, and a dozen ‌app notifications. Names flash across my screen. Some are acquaintances from Julian’s corporate circle, mothers fromthe children’s school, my new friends from the shelter, and a handful of my own business connections.

I open the first text. It’s my mom.Elowen, checking you’re okay? The photos are everywhere. Call me if you need anything; otherwise, I’ll see you when I drop the kids off.

Photos? What photos?

Another message, this time it’s from a college friend I haven’t spoken to in a decade:Just saw the Pioneer gossip column. What a snake! Here if you need to talk.

My stomach drops as I open my browser. “CARMELLA RUIZ AND JULIAN PLAZA: REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD.”

The headline sits above a photo of Julian and Carmella, his hand on the small of her back, both smiling for cameras. Her black gown sparkles under flashbulbs, her perfect profile tilted toward him adoringly.

My fingers tighten around the phone as I scroll to read.

I scan the entire article, my jaw clenching. Once done, I scroll faster, each headline worse than the last.