The Empire That Fell for a Violin

On the night of our engagement banquet, in front of the entire high society of New York, Julian Vance handed over "The Siren’s Lament"—a priceless, legendary violin—to his childhood sweetheart, Bianca Frost.

"Bianca is starting her world tour tomorrow. She needs this violin more than you do," he said.

"You’ve always been the sensible one, Valerie. Just bear with it this once."

I looked at the man I had loved for five years and nodded calmly.

"Okay."

Half an hour later, in the empty backstage dressing room.