Chapter 13
Vanessa froze in disbelief. She had expected to see a flustered, helpless Eleanor, but instead, Eleanor strode up to the grand piano with calm determination, not a trace of hesitation in her steps.
A flicker of surprise crossed Vanessa’s mind. Eleanor could play the piano?
But she hadn’t even finished college. Wasn’t she just an ordinary housewife, someone with nothing special about her?
lan’s gaze lingered on the poised figure now seated at the piano. Under the warm, golden light, the shadows played across his striking features, making his expression unreadable and complex.
Eleanor sat quietly beneath the gentle spotlight, the very image of grace-like a lily blooming at midnight, pale and elegant.
Then, as she let her fingers wander across the keys, coaxing out the first tentative notes, everyone in the room felt the same jolt of realization.
They had all underestimated Mrs. Goodwin.
Vanessa’s fingers tightened unconsciously around the carved armrest of her chair. The woman on stage, playing so effortlessly, felt like a thorn driven deep into her heart.
How was this possible?
For years, Eleanor had hated the piano. But, in time, she realized it wasn’t the instrument she despised, but rather the woman who used to play it. Why deny herself such beautiful music?
Her life stretched out before her, and she needed music to fill the silence. So she learned—and not just learned, but played well. Perhaps she’d never reach Vanessa’s world-class caliber, but she was more than good enough to earn praise.
When the last note faded, Eleanor gave a small bow and returned to her seat. She didn’t glance at Vanessa, nor did she care to see her reaction. Instead, she picked up her glass of wine and took a sip. Just then, a voice murmured appreciatively beside her. “That was incredible p>
Eleanor looked up, meeting Joel’s gaze, which brimmed with genuine admiration. Her lips curled into a smile-she knew Joel’s praise was sincere.
At that moment, lan knocked back the rest of his drink and stood. “It’s getting late. We should head home p>
“Ian’s got a five-year-old waiting at home!” Henry chimed in, jumping to his feet. “Let’s call it a night, shall we p>
lan spared a glance at his old friend Xavier, then looked pointedly at Vanessa, as if entrusting her to him. Xavier nodded in silent agreement-he’d see to it.
Eleanor caught this silent exchange as she gathered her things. Her gaze flicked to Vanessa, who wore an air of entitlement, basking in lan’s attention as if it were no more than her due.
Eleanor picked up her bag and turned to Joel. “Good night, Mr. Kingsley p>
“Good night. Let’s catch up again soon,” Joel replied, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses with a warm smile.
At the door, Eleanor slipped into the passenger seat of lan’s car. He hit the gas, tires crunching onto the road that wound down the hill.
Her heart gave a faint, uneasy flutter. She glanced over at lan, instantly sensing his foul mood.
Was it because she hadn’t let his lover outshine her tonight? Or was he upset that she’d stolen the spotlight entirely?
Eleanor couldn’t be bothered to guess. All she wanted was to get home and rest. From now on, she’d avoid these gatherings in lan’s social circle whenever she could.
The next two days, lan was nowhere to be seen during the day, while Eleanor devoted all her time to their daughter.
At three o’clock one rainy afternoon, lan finally returned home, shaking drizzle from his hair as he stepped inside. He shrugged off his damp overcoat and handed it to the housekeeper, then dropped to one knee, arms open to scoop up his daughter.
Evelyn was busy with her toys, but gave a sweet, distracted, “Daddy, you’re home p>
lan leaned in to kiss her rosy cheek, but Evelyn wriggled away, giggling, “No kisses, Daddy! My little house is about to fall over p>
Eleanor looked over-and in the soft glow of the lamp, she couldn’t help but notice a faint lipstick stain on lan’s shirt collar, right beneath his throat.
It looked exactly like the kind of mark a woman might leave while cuddling close in his arms.