I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

In his mind, all she was good for was taking care of the kids. But since Lauren came into the picture, even this one strength of hers had started to lose its shine.

Rhea thought that Carter was really blind.

Soon, the piano was brought over.

Lauren stood up and said casually, as if it were unintentional, “Rhea, you can play the piano? Carter once told me that you’re from Crasmere. I thought that people from those towns were more into traditional instruments.”

Crasmere sat on the outskirts of Draventh. Although it was geographically close to Draventh, it was very much a small town.

It felt as if Lauren was deliberately reminding the guests that Rhea came from a humble background.

However, Rhea said nothing. She simply walked over to the piano and sat down.

She was wearing a long mermaid–style dress with thin straps. She looked elegant and picture–perfect alongside the piano.

She looked at the twins and said, “Come here, sweeties. I’m playing this piece for you as your birthday present.”

Arielle and Adrian were surprised, but they didn’t say anything. They hadn’t known Rhea could play either.

In no time, Rhea recalled the sheet music, and the notes followed effortlessly. Her fingers danced across the black and white keys like fluttering butterflies in flight.

Anyone familiar with the piano could tell the difference between an amateur and a true professional.

The smooth tones and the rich rise and fall of the melody all proved that Rhea truly could play. And she played exceptionally well.

She started off a little stiff, but soon, it was as if she and the piano had become one.

To Carter, the moment felt surreal. For a second, he actually had the illusion that Rhea was meant to be a woman born into fortune and status.

He had never known she could play the piano, let alone be this good at it. He had never even brought up the topic of piano in front of Rhea, assuming she had never had access to such an expensive instrument.

At the same time, Lauren noticed the distant look in Carter’s eyes, and a wave of anxiety rose in her heart. She was surprised to learn that Rhea could really play the piano and wondered when that had happened. After all, wasn’t she supposed to come from some average family?

Carter had adored piano music since he was a child, and he played exceptionally well himself.

That was the only reason Lauren had learned piano in the first place. But now, she learned that she couldn’t hold a candle to Rhea.

Lauren called out, “Carter?”

Carter snapped out of it. A frown formed between his brows, as if he were blaming her for interrupting.

Lauren said, “It’s going to rain.”

The sky darkened again.

Chapter 32

+25 BONUS

Rhea had her back to them. Her tear that slid down her cheek landed just as the first raindrop hit the ground.

And with that, the song came to an end.

Rhea rose to her feet and said, “You can take the piano back.”

The guests, still immersed in the fading notes of the piano piece, slowly returned to their senses and began making their way back inside.

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