Chapter 147
On the other end of the line, Bella bit her lip.”
Back then, she hadn’t been able to afford music lessons–that was why she never learned an instrument. Now, she had Zachary’s love and some money, though not much of her own.
She couldn’t show weakness in front of Vera, so she gritted her teeth and pulled out the secondary credit card Zachary had given her. “Ms. Collins, whatever you charge–I can pay.”
“That’s what I like to hear. I’ll go ahead and prep for our next lesson,” Vera said with a wide grin. She sent Bella the new, higher rate and her bank details right away.
It didn’t take long for the money to hit her account. Vera stared at the numbers on her screen, grinning ear to ear.
“Sugar babies like you do spend big,” she muttered to herself. “With this money tree, I can chill for a while.”
She planned to keep squeezing cash out of Bella for now, then move on to audition for an orchestra even bigger than Luna.
Meanwhile, Bella had no idea what Vera was thinking. She glanced at the time and figured Zachary should be home soon. So, she changed into a sweet, innocent–looking dress and headed to the parking garage to meet him.
****
Gwyneth pulled into the parking garage, completely drained.
Lately, her days were packed with work, and her nights were filled with ceramics and composing. It was wearing her down. Tonight, she promised herself, she’d finally get some real rest.
Just as she opened her car door, she heard another car door click open nearby. Then came Bella’s overly cheerful voice, practically ringing in her
ears. “Zachary, what’s that in your hand? Is that a violin for me?”
Gwyneth sighed internally. This world was too small. She hadn’t expected to run into Bella in broad daylight, of all times.
She looked up, only to see Zachary stepping out of the nearby car, holding a violin case–and meeting her gaze directly.
Bella finally noticed Gwyneth. She quickly scurried back to Zachary’s side and turned to Gwyneth with a smile. “Wow, Gwyneth. Fancy seeing you during the day. What a coincidence.”
Then she turned back to Zachary. “So that’s what you were doing this morning. You went out to get me a violin? This brand’s custom pieces are super expensive! Is it because you think I’ve been making progress with my playing? Is this a reward?”
She clung tightly to Zachary’s arm, her eyes glued to the case. She couldn’t believe he’d actually brought back something so valuable.
Feeling triumphant, Bella gave Gwyneth a sweet but smug little smile. “Sorry, Gwyneth. I got so excited I forgot–you’re the one who taught me how to play. But Zachary only bought me this amazing violin…”
“It’s not for you,” Zachary said suddenly, his words like a bucket of cold water.
Bella froze. “Not for me? Then-”
Zachary walked over and held the violin case out to Gwyneth. “It’s for you.”
Bella’s face drained of color. She couldn’t believe that Zachary was still chasing after Gwyneth. She was the one who hadn’t given up on the violin- Gwyneth had stopped playing ages ago. And yet, Zachary’s heart was still with her.
Bella shot Gwyneth a look full of jealousy and hatred.
But Gwyneth didn’t take the case. “Keep that cheap thing for Bella. I deserve better.” With that, she brushed past Zachary without a second glance.
Zachary felt a sharp pain stab through his chest. He started to go after her, but Bella grabbed his wrist and wouldn’t let go.
“Zachary, you know I’m the one who really needs a violin,” she cried. “You did all these things with Gwyneth in the past, but now that you’re with
me, you treat me like I’m nothing.”
