Chapter 4

Stella Sterling POV

After leaving the Lancaster house, I moved into an apartment in the city center.

It was a property I'd bought outright before marriage. Ethan didn't know about it.

After settling in, the first thing I did was call my former professor, Leonard Wright, principal conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra.

"Stella? Is it really you?"

On the other end, Leonard's voice trembled with excitement.

"Three years! You finally decided to contact me, girl! I thought you'd really decided to spend your whole life as that invisible wife for the Lancaster family!"

My eyes grew hot. I took a deep breath, forcing down the bitterness in my throat.

"I'm sorry for disappointing you. I want to come back. Does the orchestra... still have a place for me?"

"Yes! Of course!"

Leonard answered without hesitation.

"Early next month, the orchestra is holding a major charity symphony concert at the theater. Our original principal cellist withdrew due to tendonitis. If you're willing, come to the orchestra tomorrow for an audition! As long as your foundation hasn't deteriorated, the position is yours!"

After hanging up, I looked at the cello standing quietly in the corner, and light finally rekindled in my heart.

Early the next morning, I brought my cello to the National Symphony Orchestra's rehearsal hall.

After three years without touching the instrument, my fingers were initially stiff.

But when bow met string and produced the first note, the muscle memory carved into my bones instantly awakened.

When I finished a difficult piece, Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor, the entire rehearsal hall fell silent.

Then it erupted in thunderous applause.

Leonard excitedly patted my shoulder.

"Wonderful! Marvelous! Stella, not only haven't you regressed, you've gained a depth and explosive power you didn't have three years ago! The principal position is definitely yours!"

I was genuinely happy.

However, this joy didn't last long.

That afternoon, while I was alone in a practice room familiarizing myself with the score, the door was suddenly pushed open roughly.

Ethan's chief assistant, Marcus, walked in with several workers wearing moving company uniforms.

"Mrs. Lancaster."

Marcus saw me and bowed his head slightly, though his tone carried undeniable firmness.

"Mr. Lancaster has instructed us to take the antique cello you have here."

I stood up and blocked the cello.

"What did you say? This is my cello. What right does he have to take it?"

Marcus explained expressionlessly.

"Miss Lynn is also participating in next month's charity concert as a guest violinist for her comeback performance. However, her violin was damaged during air transport back to the country. Mr. Lancaster said your cello has excellent tone quality, and though they're different instruments, it can be used by Miss Lynn's accompaniment team to ensure a perfect performance."

I couldn't believe my ears.

"Has he lost his mind?"

I trembled with rage.

"This was my grandfather's legacy to me! It's something I value more than life! He wants to take my cello just to support Miranda's performance?"

"Mrs. Lancaster, please don't make this difficult for us."

Marcus waved his hand, and several workers immediately stepped forward, attempting to forcibly remove the cello.

"Don't touch it!"

I desperately protected the case.

Just then, my phone rang. "Ethan Lancaster" flashed on the screen.

I answered, my voice shaking with anger.

"Ethan, what the hell are you trying to do?!"

On the other end, Ethan's voice remained coldly indifferent, as if discussing some trivial matter.

"Marcus should have explained it to you clearly. Miranda needs a good instrument. That cello of yours will just gather dust in your hands anyway. Better to lend it to her."

"I told you, that's my cello! I'm performing next month too. I need it!"

I spoke through gritted teeth.

"Performing?"

Ethan scoffed, his tone full of contempt.

"Stella, you haven't touched a cello in three years. What are you doing running to the orchestra to make trouble? You think a concert is kids playing house? Don't embarrass yourself on stage."

"Whether I embarrass myself or not is none of your business!"

"Enough, stop making a scene."

Ethan cut me off impatiently.

"It's just a cello. I'll have Marcus order ten of the latest models for you tomorrow. Miranda's emotional state is very unstable right now. This performance is important for restoring her confidence. As Mrs. Lancaster, can't you be a little more generous?"

Generous?

Hearing those words, I found them utterly absurd.

For another woman's confidence, he would ruthlessly trample my pride and seize my most precious faith.

"Ethan, I'm saying this one last time. I won't lend it."

I spoke each word deliberately.

"If you dare let anyone touch my cello, I'll call the police immediately."

The line went silent for two seconds, then Ethan's ice-cold warning came through.

"Stella, must you make this so ugly? Believe me or not. You won't just lose that cello, you won't even be able to get through the doors of the National Symphony Orchestra!"

My heart plunged into an ice cellar at that moment.

Looking at the advancing workers and Marcus's expressionless face, I released my protective grip on the case.

"Fine. Take it."

"Ethan Lancaster, remember this. I'm giving you this cello as charity today. From now on, between us, all debts are settled."

I hung up and watched as the workers carried away the cello that held all my dreams and memories.

The moment the door closed, I didn't cry.

My heart had already died. It died in Ethan's casual remark about "don't embarrass yourself on stage."