âYou know who she is, so why does it still bother you?â Salome asked.
âMom!â Rebecca was growing frustrated. âYou wonât let me go to Adie, and you force me to learn all these pointless things every day. I canât stand it anymore! What if Adie actually ends up with Paula? What if another woman appears by his side?â
âIdiot!â Salome gave her a sharp smack on the lower back. âPay attention. Iâve served wealthy families for years. Do you think just having feelings for someone will lead to anything? You need to become more appealing to Adrian. You can only capture his heart if you impress him.â
Rebecca compressed her lips together, recognizing the wisdom in Salomeâs words. âMom, what about Joelle and her daughter?â
âFor now, do nothing. I made that call to Joelle years ago because I wanted her to have a miscarriage. But they survived, against all odds. Now that Adrian is paying close attention to the child, itâs not the right time to do anything.â
Rebecca nodded, taking a deep breath and attempting to mirror Joelleâs poise and grace. âMom, Iâm resolved to eliminate anyone who blocks my path.â
She had been trying to learn the violin for quite some time but had seen little improvement. A few days later, she switched to her fourth teacher, a well-known violin instructor still active internationally, now in her fifties.
Rebecca had no prior exposure to the violin and was unaware of Joelleâs prominence in the violin community. It was only after she began her lessons that she learned of Joelleâs high regard among esteemed violinists.
However, Rebecca dismissed this, attributing it to the Watson familyâs financial influence to enhance Joelleâs image. She failed to see what was so extraordinary about Joelle. She admitted that Joelle possessed more elegance but attributed that solely to wealth. If she had received similar training from a young age, she believed she wouldnât necessarily be less skilled than Joelle.
Midway through the lesson, the harmonious sound of a violin drifted in from outside. Rebecca could now notice the distinctions, and the music from downstairs surpassed her efforts. Even her teacher couldnât resist saying, âThis piece is incredibly difficult. Only years of dedicated practice could yield such an excellent performance!â
These words sparked a competitive fire in Rebecca. She felt compelled to find out who was playing downstairs. Below her, a makeshift stage had been set up, surrounded by many children keen on music. The violinist was none other than Joelle.
She donned a vivid yellow long dress, complemented by a white wrist brace on her right hand. She played the piece skillfully, her eyes shut in pleasure, occasionally opening them to engage with the audience. For Joelle, music was her passion, cultivated from childhood. How could she not exude confidence in her performance?
As the music ceased, the children were so enchanted that they implored their parents to enroll them in violin lessons. âSo it was Joelle! No surprise she still plays so beautifully, even after a break from public performances.â
This time, Rebecca felt no jealousy. Instead, she watched Joelleâs glowing presence on stage. âMadam, considering where I currently stand, how long would it take me to reach her level?â
The teacher felt a jolt of concern, recognizing the complexity of her task. She replied carefully, âJoelle began her violin training at a very young age and dedicated over ten hours daily to practice. Itâs uncommon to find someone as gifted and diligent as she is.â
âSo, youâre suggesting I donât have the talent and canât ever match her, correct?â
âThatâs not my point! Talent indeed plays a role in the arts.â
Rebecca replied, âRather than blaming my lack of talent, perhaps you should evaluate your teaching methods. Why am I not seeing progress despite the steep cost of your private lessons?â
The teacher was in disbelief, but seeing Rebeccaâs unwavering gaze fixed on Joelle, she was at a loss for words. Jealousy indeed had the power to change a person. The crowd below grew larger, with many capturing the moment on their phones.
The event proved hugely successful, leading the arts agencyâs owner to express his gratitude to Joelle. This individual, her former employer, had invited Joelle to help draw attention to the grand opening of the new store.
âI was aware of your wrist injury and worried you might have to give up the violin, but it seems your abilities remain intact!â
Joelle smiled, holding her wrist band. âAfter three years of medical treatments, Iâm back to my best.â
âThatâs incredible! What hospital provided the treatment?â
âItâs the Kovach Institute abroad, renowned for treating many severe illnesses. Initially, I went there without much expectation, just to contribute to medical research. I never anticipated a miraculous recovery.â
At first, her skills hadnât completely bounced back to what they were before the accident. Over the last three years, she had dedicated herself to consistent practice, and with the support of her specially designed wrist band, she had regained her peak form.
After the event concluded, Joelle was set to head home to look after her children when a middle-aged man stepped in her way. âAre you Joelle Watson?â
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