Chapter 3 The Fight
The moment Elyse spotted Zayden and Tamara, her brows pulled together.
“The violin is not for sale,” Elyse declared, irritation flickering in her
eyes.
Tamara raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting to Lailah beside Elyse.
Tamara was graceful and sweet–looking.
Lailah, on the other hand, was demure. With her perfect oval face and expressive eyes, she looked like a highborn lady straight out of a painting.
For a moment, Tamara’s expression darkened.
Then she stepped forward, looking at Lailah with pleading eyes.
“Ms. Griffith, this is your friend’s violin, right? Could you ask her to let me borrow it for a little while?
“Zayden and I met because of a violin.
“I was practicing in the garden, and he followed the sound. That’s how he found me… He’s always loved listening to me play.
“I don’t know how much time I have left. I don’t even know if I can pull off one last concert. But I want to try.”
As she spoke, she tilted her head slightly, and the necklace at her throat. caught the light.
Whether she meant to show it off or not, it shimmered brilliantly.
Chapter 3 The Fight
The sight of it stung Lailah’s eyes.
“People die every day. Am I supposed to give in to every single one of them just because they ask?” Lailah’s voice was ice–cold.
Tamara had never heard such harsh words before.
Her eyes brimmed with tears.
Zayden’s face darkened. “Lailah, it’s just a violin. Why are you being so mean? If you want one, I’ll get you another.”
Lailah met his gaze. “Yeah, it’s just a violin. Why don’t you get her another one? Why does it have to be mine?”
Tamara tried again, begging, “Ms. Griffith, please. What would it take for you to lend me the violin? Name your price.”
If Lailah agreed, Zayden would be the one paying.
She smirked. “Ms. Mosley, you seem to have a thing for my mother’s belongings. First, her necklace. Now, her violin.”
Tamara looked confused. “I don’t get what you mean, Ms. Griffith.”
Her pretense couldn’t fool Lailah, and she sneered inwardly.
“I mean, the violin was my mother’s. And that necklace you’re wearing? She left it to me too.”
Tamara went pale. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was hers.
“Last night, Krish gave me a gift box with the necklace inside. I thought it was from Zayden, so I put it on. I really didn’t know…”
Lailah chuckled. “Well, now you do. Can you give it back?”
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Chapter 3 The Fight
Tamara hesitated, fingers brushing over the necklace. She bit her lip and. looked at Zayden.
“Zayden, maybe we should just let her have it? It’s not worth upsetting her over something so small,” she said in a choked voice.
Tamara said “let her have it” instead of “give it back,” like she was doing, Lailah a favor.
She wasn’t admitting it wasn’t Lailah’s to keep.
“So Tamara knows it was my mom’s, but somehow, she doesn’t think that. makes it mine. She thinks she’s just being generous,” Lailah thought.
Zayden already thought Lailah was using the divorce to push him.
And Tamara’s words only made it worse.
“No,” he said coldly. “I gave it to you. It’s yours now.
“But-” Tamara started, but he cut her off.
“I gave it to you. There’s no reason to take it back.”
Tamara looked genuinely moved.
Lailah clenched her fists.
Then a faint smile crossed her lips.
“Ms. Mosley, you want to borrow my violin, right? That’s easy. If he begs me for it, I might say yes,” she said.
Tamara’s eyes widened slightly in disbelief.
Zayden shot Lailah a glare.
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Chapter 3 The Fight
“Lailah, don’t push it,” he warned.
“I thought you’d do anything for her. Guess I was wrong,” she scoffed.
She used to think Zayden would sacrifice anything for Tamara.
It turned out he only gave up what never really mattered to him, including Lailah.
With that realization, whatever she had felt for him was gone.
She turned to the startled studio owner. “The contract for ‘Star of Summer Night‘ ends today, right? Go ahead and take it down. I’m bringing it with
me.”
He hesitated, glancing at Zayden.
Lailah raised an eyebrow. “What’s that look for? I can’t take back my own violin?”
“No, don’t get me wrong.”
The owner gave an awkward smile. “I’ll get the paperwork sorted right away, Ms. Griffith.”
Once the papers were done, Lailah picked up the violin and left without looking back at Zayden or Tamara.
Zayden watched her go, his brows knitting together.
Tamara lowered her head, looking guilty.
“She’s probably upset because you forgot her birthday yesterday. It’s my fault. I’m always sick and keep you too busy.”
“It’s not your fault.” Zayden looked at her and said softly, “Just focus on the concert. I’ll have ‘Star of Summer Night‘ sent to you soon.”
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Tamara’s eyes brightened. “Okay.”
****
That evening, Zayden came home on time for once.
But Lailah wasn’t there, waiting with dinner like always.
It was dinnertime. Krish came downstairs and looked around the empty dining room.
Then he turned to Zayden with a puzzled expression.
“Dad, did Mom not cook today?”
Lailah had always been the perfect wife and mother, never asking for much, never complaining, and always doing what was expected.
Zayden had been content with her, but he never felt anything for her.
Krish had a sensitive stomach and was picky with food.
So Lailah always made dinner and late–night snacks herself.
Zayden thought back to their fight at the studio, his lips pressing into a thin line.
“If she thinks skipping dinner is gonna make me cave, she’s way off,” he thought.
Then he turned to Krish. “Forget it. Let’s eat out.”
Krish clapped his hands happily. “Great! Let’s bring Tamara. I can have marshmallows again!”
“Marshmallows?” Zayden paused and then asked, “Your mom says you’re lactose intolerant. Should you even be eating stuff like that?”
