Chapter 73: A Successful Launch

Compared to the other guests, Nathaniel appeared significantly more composed. Stella’s gaze returned to Cecilia. “Although my first love and I had a tumultuous relationship, and we didn't marry, I believe we will eventually be together.” This was a thinly veiled warning.

As the accompaniment began, Stella’s new song, “Ray of Light in the Dark,” filled the room. The melody was graceful and deeply moving. Cecilia found it strangely familiar, though she couldn't place it.

“The melody is quite good,” Nathaniel remarked slowly from beside Cecilia, “It’s just a shame she ruined the song.”

Cecilia, still trying to recall the melody's origin, was distracted by Nathaniel. Although Stella had begun her career as a singer, her voice wasn't particularly impressive.

Nathaniel looked at Cecilia. “I remember you used to enjoy singing, too.” Cecilia had almost forgotten; perhaps influenced by her mother, Paula, she’d had a keen musical sense from a young age. However, her hearing impairment proved a significant obstacle in the music industry. Nathaniel had once overheard her humming; she'd sounded magnificent. He'd believed she could have been famous.

Cecilia hadn't expected him to remember her fondness for singing. Back then, he'd been most bothered by the noise at home.

“Is that so? I can’t recall,” she responded.

Under the dim light, Nathaniel’s gaze deepened. “Do you remember that Stella’s first love was me?” His purpose was to observe Cecilia's reaction to Stella. He didn’t believe she would be indifferent.

“You were the one who snatched me from her grasp,” he stated, enunciating each word intently.

Nonsense! He was the one who had ended things with Stella first; only after their separation did his and Cecilia's families discuss marriage arrangements.

This blatant distortion of the truth ignited Cecilia's indignation, though she concealed it. “Is that so? I may have hearing impairment, but I’m not short-sighted. Was my charm so lacking that I had to compete with her for a man?”

Nathaniel's expression stiffened. "Do you think other men are better than me?" Had they been alone, he would have demanded a full explanation.

Sensing his rising anger, Cecilia decided to stop pushing. “I was just making a comparison, Mr. Rainsworth. Don’t overthink it.”

How could he not overthink? Cecilia had returned a changed woman. He wanted to say more, but Stella finished her song. He hadn't listened beyond the first two lines.

The melody ended, and applause erupted. While Stella’s singing was average, the new song's melody was genuinely pleasing—far superior to her previous work. Some boldly predicted its imminent success.

The song launch was a resounding success. Surrounded by admirers, Stella’s gaze inevitably found Nathaniel. Satisfaction gleamed in her eyes. She had proven herself equal to Cecilia.

After the media departed, Stella approached Nathaniel. In front of Cecilia, pride shone in her eyes. “Nathaniel, I knew you would come. You never miss my important moments.”

Cecilia watched, speechless. Stella’s words led the remaining classmates to assume Nathaniel was there for her.