Just then, a figure appeared.
Mr. Robert Collins, who had been in the piano room, walked out.
His face showed discomfort, and when he looked at me, there was clear impatience in his eyes.
“Madam, forgive me for being blunt, but please stop making a fuss.
Whenever Emma had piano lessons, it was always Ms. Chloe who accompanied her. Whenever Emma struggled, it was Ms. Chloe who comforted her.
Now that Emma has won a prize, of course she wants to thank Ms. Chloe. After all, it’s just one piano piece.
If you don’t spend time with your child, it’s natural she won’t feel close to you. As long as you start being there for her, she will recognize your efforts.”
Mr. Collins was Emma’s piano teacher.
Emma had loved piano music since she was little. Daniel once said it was because she inherited it from me, and he smiled so happily when he said that.
When Emma was three, Daniel hired Mr. Collins, one of the best piano teachers, for her.
At first, I accompanied Emma during practice, but every time she saw me, she would cry and fuss.
I could only watch her secretly from a distance.
Mr. Collins had often comforted me, telling me that Emma was simply too young and that once she got used to me, things would be different.
But now, even he stood on their side to reproach me.
Daniel let out a cold laugh.
“Mr. Collins, why waste your breath on her? All these years she hasn’t really cared for Emma. When Emma was barely born, she was already pestering me to have another child, a little brother for her.
Now Emma doesn’t like her—it’s only natural. She never spent time with the child, so why does she expect the child to be close to her?”
A flicker of sorrow crossed Daniel’s eyes, but it quickly turned into scorn.
“Sophia, even Mr. Collins says so. Can’t you stop being so paranoid?
Do you really have to scream about divorce and accuse Chloe over something so trivial?”
I lowered my gaze. I thought I had been strong enough—
Strong enough to face this pair who acted more like a couple than husband and wife.
But against their accusations, my heart still ached unbearably.
I opened my mouth but couldn’t find any words.
Just then, a rapid “thud-thud-thud” came from the stairs—someone was running down.
“Bad Mommy, I hate you!”
“Daddy, hurry up and sign the papers! I never wanted this mommy anyway!”
It was Emma. She rushed down from her room, clutching her doll, her small body like a cannonball aimed straight at me.
I almost lost my balance and fell.
Emma planted her hands on her hips, glaring at me like a stubborn little calf.
“Don’t you dare blame Aunt Chloe! I played that piece for her because she loves it.
You don’t understand anything about music—you wouldn’t appreciate such an elegant piano piece even if I played it for you!
Not like Aunt Chloe—this Dreams of Love is practically written just for her!”
Her words stabbed into my mind like needles.
Daniel frowned, his tone soft as he tried to coax her.
“Emma, apologize to your mother. She’s upset today because you played that piece for Aunt Chloe.
If Mommy doesn’t forgive you, she might leave this home—leave us.”
Emma pouted and shook her head.
“I don’t care. That song was for Aunt Chloe. If Mommy wants to leave, let her leave.”
Her eyes suddenly lit up as she looked at Chloe.
