Chapter 351: Chapter 349: Who Are You on the Phone With? (1)
He had tried to hypnotize himself, repeating over and over not to disturb her, that they were over. Yet the moment he saw her, those resolutions always turned to dust.
’What should I do? I can’t stop myself from wanting to bother her. I just want her to glance at me with those languid eyes, to see a flicker of my existence in them...’
Just as Leona Grant was lost in thought, thunderous applause erupted around him.
Annabelle Linton rose from beside the white grand piano and gave an elegant bow.
Someone nearby started whispering.
"She played so beautifully. A true socialite, just as you’d expect."
"I think she made it to the finals of the International Chopin Piano Competition once. My little sister was in it that year too, that’s how I remember her. It’s incredibly difficult to get a spot. Anyone who makes it to the finals is exceptional. Do you have any idea how many years my sister had to practice just to qualify?"
"How many?"
The wealthy woman held up four fingers dramatically. "Four years! She practiced day and night!"
"Wow, it’s that hard? But I heard she’s a medical student, not a professional pianist..."
"That’s what makes it so incredible. To reach that level with just a hobby."
"Tsk, tsk. I wonder what kind of man could ever be good enough for a woman like her... But what’s the point of being so impressive if you can’t even hold on to your man?" another young woman said cattily, covering her mouth with her hand to stifle a giggle.
Hearing this, Leona Grant whipped his head around to glare at the woman who had spoken.
The woman’s face went deathly pale.
Leona Grant heard the woman’s words, and a pang of bitterness shot through his heart.
’It wasn’t that she couldn’t hold on to me. She simply didn’t want to.’
’In fact, I was the one who couldn’t hold on.’
Annabelle Linton came down from the stage, and Patrick Grant happily went up to greet her. "Annabelle, that was wonderful! You could give your grandmother a run for her money back in her day."
Her grandmother had been a renowned pianist.
Annabelle Linton smiled faintly. "You’re exaggerating, Grandpa. I’ve only scratched the surface."
"No exaggeration, none at all! I mean every word."
The old man was overjoyed, his wish fulfilled. But then he saw Leona Grant, and his face hardened. "Why are you just now getting here?" he said, displeased. "Annabelle’s been here for quite a while. Did you leave her at home to come all by herself again? You’re unbelievable..."
Patrick Grant stopped mid-sentence as he realized what he’d said. Everyone present stiffened.
The old man had obviously forgotten that the two were divorced. He thought Leona Grant had ditched Annabelle Linton to come alone, just like he used to, and was scolding him for it.
Leona Grant’s lips thinned into a line. He stared at Annabelle Linton, his expression unreadable, but his heart felt another sharp sting.
’It’s true. Back then, I didn’t know how to cherish her. I couldn’t wait to get away from her. Now that she’s really gone, all I feel is regret.’
’It’s karma.’
An awkward silence fell over the group. Finally, Roxanne Jennings stepped in to smooth things over. "Dad," she said, "I see your old friend Master Sanders just arrived. He’s over there looking for you. Let’s go say hello."
"I’ll go too! I’ll go too! I love Grandpa Sanders," Ashley Grant said, grabbing Patrick Grant’s other arm with a bright smile, helping to dispel the awkwardness.
The old man shot Leona Grant a wry glance, then let out a short laugh and started walking. "When did Mr. Sutton get here? Where is he?"
"He got here a little while ago. He’s right over there..."
The three of them walked off as they spoke, not saying a word of farewell.
Only Annabelle Linton and Leona Grant remained.
Leona Grant’s gaze burned as he stared at Annabelle Linton, his eyes fixed on her exquisite, indifferent face. He felt like he could never get enough of looking at her.
On the flight over, he had been wondering when he would get to see her.
He hadn’t seen her in two months, but her voice and image had constantly filled his mind. Now that he’d finally seen her in person, he realized he missed her even more.
