Chapter 1
It was my seventh year married to Caleb Sterling.
At a gala, he danced with his first love, Iris Valois.
while I played "The Blue Danube" for them on the piano.
As the last note faded, Iris sauntered over with a glass of wine, her voice dripping with condescension.
"You'll always be just background music. Be sensible and step aside early."
"Indeed," I agreed.
Then, I poured the red wine over the antique piano worth millions.
"Your soulmate is right behind you. Why don't you ask him for me, when does he finally plan to divorce me?"
*****
Everyone gasped at piano damage.
Caleb smirked, "What's the big deal?"
I grabbed his wine and drank it all at once.
The liquor made my eyes water.
"Mrs. Sterling wants you home early," I replied.
He gently wiped my tears. "Don't want to stay?"
A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd. Caleb Sterling, the epitome of restraint and reserve, had just danced with the Valois Family's heiress and was now showing interest in the pianist.
"She's not just a pianist; she's Mr. Sterling's wife!" someone said.
"Wait, seriously? She watched her husband get lovey-dovey with another woman, and even play their music?"
"She's a woman from nothing who tolerates anything."
Someone's camera flashed.
I ducked my head to avoid the shot. "Don't do that."
Caleb said, "If you're unhappy, we can stop this act."
This performance was part of the event before I met Caleb.
Caleb and Iris, childhood sweethearts, danced hand in hand.
It symbolized the lasting bond between the Sterling and Valois families.
I bit my lip. "Forget it. Let's go home early before Mrs. Sterling gets mad."
Caleb took my hand, and we left the banquet hall under the spotlight.
As we passed Iris, she grabbed his arm. "Caleb, I feel sick."
Caleb paused, released my hand, and checked Iris's forehead for a fever.
"No fever. Is your stomach hurting again?" he asked.
In our third year, rumors said Iris had an abortion because of him.
That's why Caleb always worried about her health.
"Maybe go home first," Caleb said without looking at me.
Flashbulbs flashed, my hand froze mid-air, and my fake smile stayed forced.
The music resumed, and the party continued as if nothing happened.
Caleb gently helped Iris sit and asked about her while I slipped away unnoticed.
I sat in the car, rolled down the window, and let the wind dry my tears.
After seven years, I was still just a prop, insignificant.
This was a cold transaction; the first to fall in love was doomed to lose and remain at the bottom.
I've got ABRSM Grade 8 in piano.
Grandma worked street stalls collecting bottles so I could pass Grade 8.
She bragged, "My granddaughter is ABRSM Grade 8 in piano!"
"Wow, impressive! Where does she work now?" they'd ask.
I sell pianos at a piano shop.
Caleb arrived as I was being scolded.
A sweet, innocent girl pulled him. "Caleb, you promised a piano! If you break it, you're mean!"
He strolled in, hands in pockets, wearing a lazy smile.
All the female salesgirls froze, blushing. His face graced every top business magazine yearly, and you couldn't miss him.
He sat in the waiting area, hands in pockets, watching the girl browse pianos.
His phone rang, and he answered frowning. I was nearby serving tea and overheard.
"Caleb! You can marry any woman but not Iris. If you try, I'll end it right before you!"