The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"The medication I take affects my nervous system-it makes it hard for me to perform at my best," Rachel admitted softly. "Honestly, it's been a long time since I've played a piece that truly satisfied me."

The host's eyes filled with sympathy and regret as Rachel mentioned her illness. "If you don't mind me asking, may I know what illness it is?"

Rachel offered a gentle smile. "I'd rather not say. Everyone's here for the music-l don't want to dampen the mood. But for now, my condition is under control, and I'll be able to finish the competition just fine."

Almost instinctively, the host glanced down at Rachel's hand-and suddenly noticed the stark white bandages wrapped around her wrist.

"Ms. Pearce, your hand is it injured?" the host blurted out in surprise.noveldrama

With the host's exclamation, the TV cameras immediately zoomed in on Rachel's hand. She wore a long-sleeved blouse, the cuffs covering most of her wrists. If the host hadn't been standing so close, no one would have noticed. But now, with the camera's close-up, the bandages were unmistakable.

Rachel instinctively tugged her sleeve down, but instead of trying to play for pity, she simply smiled with poise. "It's just a minor injury-it won't affect my performance much."

Not much-so it would still have some impact.

The host's concern was obvious. "Ms. Pearce, how did you hurt your hand?"

Rachel replied, "I was careless and injured myself, but it's nothing serious." The unexpected revelation sent a ripple of shock through the audience. "My God, even with her condition, she can still play like that?"

"If she were at her peak, could she have matched Stella's performance from earlier?"

"Don't forget, Rachel's hand is injured. If she hadn't hurt it, she might have even beaten Stella."

"If she could outperform someone like Stella, that would be incredible!"

"Don't you

Mr. Wald Ow? Rachel is actually

last apprentice. If she

weren't so talented, why would Mr.

Walden choose Ter?"

"I heard that Stella tried to study under Mr. Walden too, but he turned her down."

"Yes, I heard that as well. Stella

several times hoping

Vistake her on, buret

he'd

but in the end, he

chose Rachel."

"That makes Stella's win seem a little less fair, doesn't it?"

Whispers and speculation buzzed through the crowd; many looked at Rachel with newfound sympathy.

In the performers' lounge, Rena and the others were stunned by what they'd heard.

Rena murmured, "So... Rachel's been sick all this time?"

Johnny turned to their teacher. "Sir, what illness does she have? Is it serious?"

Mr. Walden sighed quietly. "Yes, it's

terminal, I'm afraid. Quite serious. I decided to take her on as my student because, despite her illness, she showed such extraordinar talent. Even knowing time set of her side, she's never once given up on her love for music. It's been a long while since I've seen anyone so devoted."

Colby's eyes grew moist. "I had no idea... She never said a word about any of this."

Just then, David spoke up. "Sir, with her condition, how will the judges score her?"