What does the cryptic crossword clue "Relieving one-time lover: attractive when topless (9)" mean?

The wordplay uses acrostic. EX (synonym="‘one-time lover’") + EMPTING (synonym="‘attractive’") = EXEMPTING The answer is EXEMPTING.

Relieving one-time lover: attractive when topless (9)

Guardian Cryptic #29454 | 14 Down | 2024-08-06 flower