“You’re killing me with laughter! Are you seriously trying to tell me she’s some undercover queen of disguise?” Jasper was practically in stitches, tears brimming in his eyes. “Hahaha, have you been reading too many thrillers and now you’re just daydreaming?”
Abby was about to explode with anger, ready to march over, but Stella held her back.
“Let it go, Abby. The show is about to start. Don’t let someone like that ruin the performance.”
Abby was fuming. “What’s wrong with that guy?”
Stella shrugged, “Maybe he’s been hanging around someone who’s seriously lost it and now he’s caught the fever himself.”
–
Abby threw up her hands in exaggerated terror. I’m staying five feet back wouldn’t want to ‘accidentally trip and get blamed for damaging national treasures. She jerked her chin toward the exit. “Star, Marvin – wheels up before the drama catches fire.”
She knew Stella and Marvin were about to take the stage. Stirring up trouble now could mess with their performance, and that was the last thing Abby wanted.
Neville grinned slightly, “Alright folks, I’m out too. Don’t forget to get yourself a new pair of glasses on the way.”
After they left Jasper couldn’t help but curse under his breath. “Ugh, what a plece of work!”
Rachel watched Stella’s retreating figure, her brow furrowed with curiosity.
Haynie, are you really sure Stella can’t play the violin?“}
Haynes shook his head. “I don’t know. I’ve never seen her play.”
Then Keen piped up, “I once saw Mom looking at sheet music at home.”
Rachel turned to Keen, “Sheet music? Did she ever mention anything about the violin to you?“!!
Keen thought for a moment, “Mom did mention Grandma once, said she was a pretty amazing violinist.”
Rachel recalled seeing a violin named “Nocturne Stella” at a music shop not too long ago. It had belonged to the renowned violinist Nora.
Nora was a prodigy in the music world, sweeping countless violin competitions and reigning supreme during her peak. Tragically, she passed away at a young age, leaving a void that many mourned. Her compositions became timeless classics, some even making it into the standard exam repertoire.
When Rachel first saw Nocturne Stella, she didn’t connect it to Stella or Noma, It wasn’t until Stella mentioned that it was her mother’s violin that Rachel was truly taken aback.
Jasper, hearing all this, shrugged it off. Just because her mom was great doesn’t mean she is. Haynie and Keen both said seen Stella practice. How good could she be?“%
they’ve never
Seeing Rachel still deep in thought, Jasper reassured her, “Rachel, remember, it takes years of practice to shine on stage. Even if you’re sick, as long as you’re able, you’d keep practicing. Stella hasn’t played in years. How could she possibly compete with you? You’re worrying over nothing.“L
Rachel considered this and realized he was right. She turned to Haynes and asked, “Haynie, did Ms. Cameron agree to lend me that violin?‘
“A violin?” Jasper asked, intrigued. “What’s going on?”
Rachel quickly filled him in on the situation.!!
The violin had completely slipped Haynes mind, buried under the dumpster fire Stella kept lighting in his life. Now, with her looking at him like he was something scraped off her shoe, convincing her to surrender it seemed about us likely as putting out those flames with gasoline.X
After a short silence, Haynes sighed, “Rachel, maybe you should consider using a different violin.”
Rachel’s eyes widened in surprise. Since she’d returned, Haynes had never denied any of her requests. He even gave her the wedding with Stella he’d planned.
Asking for a violin seemed like a piece of cake. It must be the recent events that had shaken Haynes‘ trust in her.
She’d managed to brush off the last incident with Haynes by explaining that Marvin had interrupted before she could finish talking to Keen, but she knew this was far from over!
Chapter 166
Chapter 166
But she could clearly sense Haynes pulling away from her.ll
Upon hearing this, Jasper was the first to protest.
“That violin, Nocturne Stella, is completely wasted in Stella’s hands. Haynie, you should just give it to Rachel. Why overthink it? You and Stella are married; what’s hers is yours. Besides, Rachel doesn’t have much time left. You know how she worships Nora. Playing one concert with that violin is her literal dream–we’re just borrowing it. It’s not like we’re stealing the damn thing.” A scoff. “Hell, if it’s about cash, we’ll pay. A million upfront and she’d probably throw the violin at us. That’s all she really cares about anyway.”
Haynes’s eyes flickered, remembering how often Stella had brought up money.”
Maybe Jasper was right; she hadn’t agreed because the price wasn’t high enough.
In the backstage lounge, Abby looked around, unable to hide her awe.
“No wonder they call it a private school for the elite. This place is as big as a college campus. The surroundings are better than our neighborhood, and even the auditorium looks like it’s ready for a professional show
“The backstage lounges are private rooms… even better than what celebrities get.
Abby glanced at Marvin, saying, “Don’t laugh at me for being impressed.”
Marvin chuckled, “Aunt Abby, when I grow up, I’ll show you even more amazing places.”
Abby couldn’t help but hug Marvin, excitedly. “Oh my, you’re such a sweet talker. I adore you!“?
Then she turned to Neville.S
“Mr. Connolly, how did you raise your child to be so well–mannered? (need to learn from you so I can raise mine the same way.”
Stalls listened and also looked at Neville. She wanted to know how Neville had managed to raise Marvin so well.3
She had poured so much effort into Keen, and yet Keen was distant from her, with his values getting more s skewed by the day.
Stella sometimes lay awake at night, questioning every decision she’d made as a mother. Had she been too strict? Too distant?S
Neville gave a mischievous smile and replied, “Maybe it’s just in his genes. I’m usually too busy with work to pay much attention to him.” Their eyes met in silent understanding. Biology was a bitch. Keen might have Stella’s eyes, but he’d inherited Haynes‘ spectacular talent for picking the wrong women.
Before long, there was a knock on the door
A teacher walked in and said, “The performance is about to start Could Marvin’s guardians please come with me to draw for the order of appearance?‘
Stella nodded, telling Marvin and the others, “I go draw, you wait here.71
Shortly after leaving the room, Stella ran into Rachel, who was also there to draw lots.
Stella gave her a blank look before averting her gaze.
Inside the drawing room, many parents were already there, chatting with one another.
With no familiar faces around, Stella found a random seat.X
“Ms. Cameron,” Rachel said, sitting beside her with a cup of coffee and lowering her voice. “No matter how much you try to imitate me. Haynie won’t give you a second glance. I suggest you stop embarrassing yourself.”
Stella feigned surprise, “Ms. Pearce, maybe you should look in the mirror? What do you have that’s worth imitating? Your ugly face?”
A flicker of malice crossed Rachel’s eyes, though her face remained innocently smiling.
She casually extended the coffee toward Stella, “Ms. Cameron, have some coffee… Whoops!” Rachel’s hand suddenly trembled, and the entire cup of coffee spilled onto Stella’s white dress.
