Chapter 39
Instantly, the crowd was discussing each other. I told you my ship is real. Nicolas and Emmalie are definitely together."
Look at Nicolas protecting Emmalie. I'm literally dying from the feels
"They re definitely involved. Nicolas never likes attending events like this, so why else would he come? It's totally to hear Emmalie play the piano"
Nicolas raised a hand to stop the gossip and said seriously, "Yes, it's true, I do have a fiancée"
The moment the words left his mouth, Emmalie's face flushed bright red. She was too embarrassed to even glance in his direction
The host caught on quickly and tried to manage the situation, suggesting that they perform together. But the deeper Nicolas frown grew, the worse his expression became
Darwin, standing nearby, finally intervened with a helpless smile. "What Mr. Hendrix means is, he's engaged. And just to clarify. Emmalie is not Mr. Hendrix's fiancée. Let's not get things confused."
Though Darwin's tone was casual, his words felt like a harsh slap across Emmalie's face. She stood frozen, momentarily forgetting to control her expression
wasn't about to let her off that easily. His eyes swept toward her, cool and businesslike. "Ms. Rowland, it's best not to ad unfounded rumors like this. It could harm your reputation."
Nicolas tone was purely professional, without a hint of blame, but Emmalie was already tearing up from the humiliation. She dug her nails into her palms, trying to suppress the storm of emotions brewing inside. Forcing herself to regain composure, Emmalie apologized, making sure to keep up appearances. And then she said calmly, "Me Hendrix, as long as the misunderstanding is cleared up, that's all that matters. "This was something Thea told me in private. She probably wasn't aware of the whole situation. She's just excited for me, that's all. And she shares it with me in a hurry.
Piese don't hold her accountable. It would mean a lot to me."
The standing nearby, felt utterly bewildered. Sometimes, even she had to admit Emmalie's shamelessness was impressive. She could lie so smoothly, without even batting an eye. Nicolas looked toward Thea, his expression hard to read. "I have no intention of holding her responsible for this," he said calmly.
Hearing that. Emunale visibly relaxed, while whispers began to circulate through the crowd.
"I knew something was off. Emmalie's always been so graceful. No way would she spread rumors like that. She was probably maled by Thea again?
Emalie is such a sweetheart. How can she escape her toxic sister? It's so disgusting! What kind of sibling keeps scheming her own family?"
At the only one who still thinks Nicolas and Emmalie could end up together? Having a fiancee doesn't mean he's married yes?
Boop it Emalie would never interfere with someone's relationship But honestly, I agree with you. Nicolas might have feelings for her, but the engagement is holding him back"
Hearing the murmurs, Imunale struggles to keep her lips from curving no a smile.
"Alright, enough." Thea stood up suddenly. "Now that my sister has finished performing, it's my turn."
Thea's words were met with mocking laughter from the crowd. And Emmalie let out a small, helpless laugh too. "Thea, stop this. If I've done anything wrong. I'll apologize when we get home. Continuing like this is only going to make things worse." she said softly. Thea didn't move, her gaze was condescending as she stared at Emmalie. Then she replied, "I'm not making a scene. I'm just telling the truth. After all, I was supposed to be the one learning piano.
"If you hadn't cried and begged to take the opportunity. I'd be the one standing in your place right now."
"Alright." Emmalie's tone was filled with patience. "I'll agree to anything you say if you'll just step down."
Meanwhile, the host rushed up to the stage quickly, ready to usher Thea off.
But Thea remained where she was, offering a calm smile. "Emmalie, do you remember your master? The one you took from me," she asked.
Emmalie's brow furrowed. Thea, that's going too far. Celeste picked me herself to be her student. Even though she's abroad now, that doesn't give you the right to spread rumors about her Someone in the crowd couldn't help but pipe up, "Looks like Thea's lost her mind today
"I think so too. She's completely off her rocker.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
"I seriously feel bad for our Emmalie, dealing with this."
Thea's gaze shified, landing on a particular figure in the audience. A genuine smile spread across her face. "Celeste, I see you made it
That one sentence drained all the color from Emmalie's face.
An elderly woman, hair streaked with gray but still carrying herself with grace, was helped onto the stage.
Then the crowd erupted into whispers. Many of the younger audience members had no idea who she was, but anyone with a bit of knowledge about classical music recognized her immediately. "That's Celeste Arden, the world-renowned pianist!" someone exclaimed.
"She's one of the greatest pianists alive. Why is she coming here another one added.
"Isn't it obvious? She's here for her star student, Emmalie. Everyone knows she's only ever taken one student under her wing, and she treats her like her own daughter, the third one replied.
People stared at Thea as if waiting for the inevitable show. With Celeste standing up for her beloved student, what could Thea possibly say?
Celeste approached the stage, her gaze softening as it landed on Thea. And Thea offered her the first truly sincere smile of the day, stepping forward to help her up.
Celeste didn't pull away, though she sighed heavily. "You made that choice yourself all those years ago. Are you regretting it now?" she asked.
Thea stayed silent, but the flicker of emotion in her eyes was the answer enough.
Watching their interaction, the audience suddenly realized that these two knew each other
Emmalie shot up from her seat and hurried to the stage, linking arms with Celeste in a display of affection. With a sweet smile, she said in a playful tone, "Celeste, why don't you tell me you're coming?
"I would've prepared something special for you. It's such an honor to have you here, and it's the highlight of my day."
Thea snorted at her performance, reminding her. "Emmalie, you should know that. Celeste doesn't come here for you."
Emmalie bit her lip, caught between frustration and confusion. Then she said, "Thea, it's true that Celeste initially agreed to take you as a student because of the family. But it was your choice to quit. Don't try to blame me for that now" Thea smiled but said nothing, her gaze drifting back to Celeste,
Without any outward show of emotion, Celeste removed her arm from Emmalie's grasp gently. She asked, her tone icy. "Emmalic. have you forgotten what I told you?"
Any last hope Emmalie had clung to vanished in an instant. Her fingers dug into her palms painfully, blood welling up under her nails.
Emmalie forced a smile, replying, "Celeste, whatever it is, we can talk later. There must be a misunderstanding. Don't let any outsiders cause a rift between us.
Thea clearly heard the passive aggression in her words. She blinked, giving Emmalie a soft smile. "Are you talking about me? You keep calling me your sister and say we're family. So how could I possibly be considered an outsider?"