Chapter 3
I stood silently outside the piano shop as the music faded into silence.
I took out my phone and dialed the number of Diego Leonard, the conductor of our orchestra. My voice trembled as I spoke. "Is it... Is it possible for me to come back?"
The line was quiet for a moment before an angry voice exploded, "I told you not to leave back then! Now you regret it? Now you finally think about coming back?"
His scolding made my eyes sting. Tears streamed down my face. I couldn't find a single word to say.
Hearing my quiet sobs, Diego's tone softened. "Hey, why are you crying? The principal position is gone, but there's still a place for you here. Just come back."
Listening to his reassurance, my tears flowed even harder.
Five years ago, I played Chopin's "The Farewell Waltz" in this piano shop. I never imagined that the sadness in the music would someday mirror my heartbreak, as if everything had been destined.
Just then, my phone buzzed with a text from my lawyer. "Ms. Tucker, your divorce documents are ready and have been sent to your email. Please check them at your convenience."
After returning home, I turned on my computer, printed the papers, and picked up a pen. My fingers trembled slightly as I held it, hovering hesitantly over the paper.
Closing my eyes briefly, I took a deep breath, then slowly signed my name. Each stroke felt like a painful cut through my heart.
After signing, I picked up the phone and called Evan. He rejected the call immediately. I tried again, and again it was declined.
On the third try, he finally answered, clearly irritated. "What is it now? Can't you just leave me alone?"
Listening to his cold voice, emotions surged in my chest, threatening to burst out. Forcing myself to stay calm, I spoke steadily, fighting hard to hide the tremor in my voice. "Come home. We need to talk."
He scoffed impatiently. "I don't have time. If you need something, you can come here."
Clenching the phone tightly, I said through gritted teeth, "Then send me your location."
A moment later, my phone lit up with a new message showing his location. I grasped the divorce papers tightly and left the house.
Headlights flashed past as I drove through the city. My thoughts were chaotic yet strangely calm, as if all my turmoil had finally settled in this one decisive moment.
Stepping out of the car, I walked down the bustling hallway, following the room numbers until I reached his private room.
Before I even pushed open the door, loud music and laughter echoed clearly through the walls. Among those voices was the familiar laughter of Cecilia.
I stood outside the door, took a deep breath, clutched the divorce papers in my hand, and pushed the door open.
Colorful lights and deafening music flooded out at me, mingled with heavy scents of alcohol and cigarettes.
Evan reclined lazily on a couch. Cecilia was nestled closely beside him, smiling sweetly and enjoying the attention. People around them raised their glasses cheerfully, celebrating in full swing.
I stood in the doorway, taking in the scene.
Evan glanced up, and his expression darkened slightly. I caught a flash of annoyance before his indifference returned.
I stepped closer and said evenly, "I need to speak with you."
He waved me off impatiently, frowning. "Not now. It's Cecilia's birthday. Wait until she blows out the candles."
Cecilia heard this and smiled smugly, turning toward me. "That's right, Rebecca. It's my birthday, and it's rare that we all get together like this. Stay a while. Come, have a drink."
Chapter 4
I glanced at the glass of wine she handed me. My eyes grew cold. "I don't drink. I'm allergic," I replied quietly.
Cecilia bit her lip, feigning innocence, then turned toward me. "But Rebecca, I really wanted to apologize to you."
I stared at her, watching her put on that innocent act while feeling increasingly detached.
Noting my silence, she continued with mock distress, "Does this mean you won't forgive me? I really am sorry. You're not that petty, are you?"
Hearing her words, Evan looked at me. He was clearly annoyed, and his voice was tinged with irritation. "Is it really necessary to be this petty? She's already apologized sincerely."
I turned toward him, suppressing my anger. My voice was cold but controlled. "I just need a few minutes of your time. Can we do that?"
He sighed impatiently. "If you drink that glass, then I'll listen."
Taking a deep breath, I raised the glass and forced down the wine in one choking swallow.
Almost instantly, my neck and face burned painfully. My skin prickled, breaking out into hot, swollen hives. My heart started pounding erratically, as though it might burst through my chest.
I pressed my hand against my chest and silently urged myself to hold on for a little longer.
Cecilia immediately covered her mouth, feigning shock. "Oh my gosh, Rebecca. You're really allergic? I'm so sorry. It's all my fault."
Evan furrowed his brows at my reddened face. He sounded slightly anxious. "Why is it so severe this time? Your health really is such a hassle! Should we take you to a hospital?"
I laughed bitterly, looking straight at him. "No, it'll pass soon. I'm only here tonight to have you sign something."
With that, I took out the divorce papers from my bag and placed them in front of him.
Evan froze momentarily. His frown deepened. His expression shifted from confusion to irritation, and finally settled into a cold sneer. "What drama are you trying to pull this time?"
The room fell silent instantly. Every pair of eyes was focused on the divorce agreement in my hand.
Cecilia saw the document, and her lips pulled up in a smug smile. Her eyes were filled with triumph and mockery. "Rebecca, Evan is already busy enough. If you keep causing trouble like this, you'll really be putting him in a tough spot."
I shot her a cold glance but didn't reply. My eyes were locked onto Evan.
Everyone else exchanged awkward glances, not daring to speak. Quietly, they began slipping out of the room.
The door clicked shut, leaving only a tense silence filled with the faint scent of alcohol.
Evan glared at me. Anger was evident in his tone. "Divorce? You're doing this over something so trivial? Why do you always have to make a big deal out of nothing and hold onto such meaningless issues?"
I closed my eyes briefly, fighting to keep my voice steady. I placed the divorce papers on the table and said firmly, "Just sign it. Let's free each other."
The sneer on his face gradually disappeared, his irritation giving way to shock. Clearly, he hadn't expected me to be so resolute.
Ignoring his reaction, I gave him one final glance, then turned and left without looking back.