Chapter 3

Bianca walked in, wearing the red gown that was originally tailored for me.

The diamonds on the skirt were still blindingly bright even in the dim light.

She carried "The Siren’s Lament" in her hand.

Like she was holding a cheap toy.

She walked up to me.

Looking down at me with pure disdain.

"See this, Valerie?"

"Julian’s heart has always belonged to me."

"So what if you stayed by his side for five years?"

"All it takes is one look from me, and he willingly hands this violin over."

I raised my eyes.

I looked at her calmly.

There was no anger, no hysteria.

"Since he gave it to you, keep it."

"It’s what he owes you, and it’s what I’m done paying him."

"From now on, Julian and I are completely even."

Bianca froze.

She clearly didn't expect me to be this calm.

Her heavily made-up face instantly contorted with rage.

"Even?"

"What makes you think you’re worthy of talking about being 'even' with Julian?"

"You were just a temporary plaything to cure his loneliness. A cheap substitute who could never be shown in public!"

The more she spoke, the more agitated she became.

She suddenly raised the violin high in the air.

"Don't you call yourself a prodigy violinist?"

"Didn't you want to use this violin to show off tonight?"

"I will never let you have your way!"

Before she finished her sentence.

With all her might.

She slammed the $45 million antique violin hard onto the solid marble floor.