Chapter 8

"Let me play the piano!" I exclaimed, despite having only two lessons and barely knowing the keys. Nevin certainly knew how to put me on the spot, Joanna thought, a cold sweat breaking out on her forehead as she nervously tugged on Hayden's sleeve.

In an instant, Hayden protectively stepped in front of her. "Nevin, you're scaring Joanna."

Lucy, unable to contain herself any longer, strode forward, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "So what if she plays the piano? Didn't we all learn some kind of art as kids? Yvonne's mother is a grade-ten pianist!"

Lucy and I were childhood friends, practically inseparable. But regarding my piano skills, I wasn't in the mood for explanations. I gently nudged her. "Lucy, let it go."

She refused. "Why? What's the big deal if a mistress can play the piano? They're blowing it out of proportion. For decent ladies like us, it's nothing special."

I instinctively glanced at Hayden and saw his serious expression. He had a soft spot for Joanna, unlike anyone else. If Lucy continued her tirade, she could seriously antagonize him.

Just as I was about to explain, Nevin sneered, "What a joke! If Yvonne can play the piano, I'll turn my head into a soccer ball and let her kick it around."

His words stung. I must have appeared like a clueless woman solely interested in Hayden; otherwise, he wouldn't have made such a cruel remark.

Yasir stood nearby, hand resting on his chin, wondering if he'd witness a good ball game that night.

Meanwhile, Marlon, observing from a distance, was captivated by the vibrant red figure in the crowd, admiration shining in his eyes. His friend, Chester Flynn, handed him a glass of red wine, mirroring his gaze. "Is that the one you're into?" he asked.

"Yep," Marlon replied, sipping his wine, the rich flavor spreading through his mouth. "There are all kinds of women out there. Why are you interested in a married one?" Chester scratched his head, perplexed. Was dating married women the new trend?

Marlon disregarded the question. "What do you think she'll do?" he asked Chester.

"If she had any skills, she would have performed by now, right?" Chester looked toward Yvonne, his opinion tainted by rumors he'd heard.

Marlon remained silent, his gaze softening as he watched Yvonne. No matter what happened, he wouldn't let anyone hurt her.

In the distance, the tension was palpable. Nevin, convinced I would embarrass myself, relentlessly taunted me. Hayden and Joanna stood close together, appearing like the true couple.

If this piano hadn't been my mother's cherished possession, I would have gladly given it to Hayden to win Joanna's affection. But tonight, I was determined to play.

"So, you guys are saying that as long as I can play, the piano is mine?" I asked, then shifted my gaze to Nevin with a teasing grin. "And your respect?"

Nevin didn't flinch. He sneered back, "Not just the piano; I'll show you nothing but respect, every single day."

"Great!" I nodded, a smile playing on my lips. It was always amusing to watch a fool incriminate himself.

Just as I was about to step onto the stage, Hayden, who had been silent, called out, "Yvonne, if you can't handle it, don't push yourself."

His words were icy, dripping with disdain, devoid of sympathy. He seemed more concerned about me making a fool of myself than anything else.

I bristled but kept my gaze forward, marching resolutely toward the piano. Like Nevin, he probably assumed I'd fail miserably and flee the stage in tears.

Glancing down at the piano keys, which felt familiar and comforting, I heard Lucy's voice rise in my defense. "Hmph. Such an ignorant bunch. Yvonne can do anything. She's not the loser they think she is."

The moment my fingers touched the keys, I glanced back at Hayden in the crowd. He was distant, shrouded in a hazy glow, his features indistinct. Suddenly, I forgot why I had been so hopelessly in love with him. I recalled his distance, the feeling of never quite belonging in his world. Once, I had played for him while he was unconscious; now, I played for myself.

Taking a deep breath, I gently touched the keys. Lovely notes flowed from my fingertips, filling the space. Silence descended, and I lost myself completely in the music.

"Oh my God! Yvonne looks stunning!" Lucy gushed, her eyes brimming with tears. She'd always known Yvonne was exceptional—intelligent, with a pianist mother, and a wonderful family. But Hayden had somehow turned Yvonne into a lovesick mess. Now, finally, Yvonne was herself again.

Turning to the stunned crowd, Lucy smirked with pride. "See? Now you get it. Yvonne's the real deal, right?"

Nevin's legs went weak at the sound of the beautiful music. He stared at the stage in disbelief. "How's this possible? Isn't Yvonne supposed to be incapable of anything? How could she have this talent?"

Watching Yvonne command everyone's attention, Joanna's anger boiled over. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. 'Damn Yvonne, snatching the spotlight like it's nothing!'

She stole a glance at Hayden, noticing how intently he watched Yvonne. Jealousy coiled around her heart, tightening with every second.

Hayden had been unaware of Yvonne's talent. He was always indifferent to people and things around him, and this marriage felt forced, devoid of any real connection.

But the piano music inexplicably evoked the sensations he'd felt while unconscious. The tune was different, yet it resonated with him in a peculiar way. He found himself drawn to the fiery red figure on stage—her long hair flowing, her face radiant—she was luminous.

Hayden stepped forward, an idea forming in his mind—had Yvonne actually played the piano music he'd heard while in a coma?