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."