Chapter 1

On the day of the World Pairs Piano Competition finals, my wife Billson disappeared.

I frantically called her 33 times, only to turn around and see her standing on stage with her ex, Claude.

Because of this, I lost my eligibility to compete.

Watching the two of them take first place and stand on the winner's podium, I silently turned and left.

Just as I reached the door, Billson's call came through.

"I won first place. Don't forget to come to the celebration party."

I didn't answer. I silently hung up.

That evening, Claude posted on Ins.

In the video, Claude had his arm around Billson's shoulder as they accepted everyone's cheers.

The smiles on their faces were blindingly painful to watch.

I liked the post and commented.

[Congratulations, tonight's spotlight is all yours!]

Before long, Billson called, her voice carrying a note of apology.

"Don't be mad. I've always remembered your mom's wish. We still have next time."

I hung up directly, my hand trembling as I pulled a piece of paper from my pocket.

It was my mother's critical condition notice! There would be no next time!

I rushed to the hospital but didn't make it in time to see my mother one last time.

My mother's greatest wish had been to see Billson and me win the World Pairs Piano Competition championship.

Mother left with regret. I knelt before her, tears streaming silently down my face.

The next day, Kristian came to the hospital and helped me prepare my mother's body.

She was my mother's student, and we'd known each other since childhood.

"Where's Billson? Why didn't she come?"

I pressed my lips together tightly, not knowing what to say.

Kristian frowned. "Didn't you tell her?"

I shook my head.

I had called Billson last night.

"What is it? I'm still busy here. We'll talk when I get back."

Before I could speak, she hung up.

When I called again, her phone was already off.

Seeing my silence, Kristian grew anxious.

"What's going on? Tell me. She's your wife. How can she not come to the funeral?"

I smiled bitterly!

Last night Claude had updated his Twitter. To celebrate their victory, the two of them had already gone on a trip out of town.

"I'll call her."

I stopped Kristian as she pulled out her phone, my expression calm.

"It's fine if she doesn't come."

"How is that fine? She's the teacher's daughter-in-law!"

Kristian was quite agitated, trying to break free from my grip to make the call.

I stopped her again, my tone firm.

"It really is fine if she doesn't come."

In the week after my mother's death, Billson didn't call once.

Kristian rushed around helping me handle my mother's funeral arrangements.

From notifying friends and relatives to contacting the crematorium, to keeping vigil at night.

Kristian stayed by my side the entire time.

Claude's Twitter updated daily. He and Billson had gone to the beach.

The two of them laughed and played in the water, huddled together watching sunrises and sunsets.

I liked every single tweet.

At night, Billson would message me with explanations.

[We're just hanging out together.]

[Besides us, there are other people too.]

[Don't overthink it. Take good care of Mom at home and practice your piano. When I get back, we'll win the championship together next time.]

My replies were always simple.

[Mm!]

[Okay!]

[Got it!]

On the day of my mother's funeral, Billson called.

"I'm back. Aren't you happy? Come pick me up at the airport."

"I'm at the cemetery!"

In my heart, I hoped she would ask, would show concern.

But she just said "Oh."

"Then I'll wait for you at the airport. Don't take too long."

The call was disconnected. I laughed at myself.

Just moments ago, I had actually been hoping! What a joke!

Kristian asked me, "What's wrong?"

"Billson's back. She wants me to pick her up at the airport."

Kristian urged me, "Then go quickly. If you hurry, you might still make it back for the teacher's funeral."

I smiled and shook my head.

"No rush!"

I proceeded with my mother's funeral step by step, everything ending in an orderly fashion.

I saw off Kristian and all the friends and relatives one by one.

Billson called again, her voice tinged with impatience and complaint.

"Why aren't you here yet? How much longer are you going to make me wait?"

"Almost there!"

I drove to the airport. The whole way, Billson kept calling to rush me.

When she saw me, she pointed at me accusingly.

"I called you first thing this morning. Why did you take until now to come?"

I didn't respond. I didn't even get out of the car. My tone was flat as I asked.

"Can we go now?"

"What's the rush!"

Billson glared at me, then turned and hurried back into the airport.