"Celeste, have you decided to go through with the divorce?" Samantha asked, her voice laced with concern.
Amy gave a slow nod. "Yes, my mind is made up."
"But what about Liam?"
"Even if I fought for custody, I'd never win against the Blackwood family. And..." Amy's lips curved into a bitter smile. "Liam might not even want me. To him, Victoria is probably everything right now."
Samantha scowled. "You suffered for a day and a night bringing him into this world. You've been there for him every single moment, sacrificing everything. How could he possibly prefer the woman who destroyed his family over you?"
Amy exhaled softly. "It just proves he's his father's son. Their taste in women is identical."
"And Alexander? Does he know you're leaving?"
Amy shook her head. "He's probably too busy attending to his 'dream woman' to notice."
Before marriage, Amy had owned a charming little apartment, though she hadn’t lived there in years. After cleaning it up, Samantha suggested they go out.
"Celeste, we haven’t gone shopping together since Liam was born. Let’s fix that today," Samantha said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
It was true. Since Liam’s birth, Amy’s world had revolved around motherhood. She had lost herself—her passions, her time, her identity.
Watching Samantha’s vibrant energy, Amy remembered how she used to be—full of life, dreams, and music. Five years of marriage had aged her prematurely, leaving her a mere echo of her former self.
A strange ache tightened in her chest. "Alright. Let’s go."
Just then, Samantha’s phone buzzed. Her expression darkened as she listened.
After a moment, she hung up and turned to Amy. "Celeste, someone’s offering a fortune for the violin you consigned to Pearce Music House—the Celestial Nocturne. The manager says the buyer is influential, and he’s too intimidated to refuse. Since you’re free, why don’t we check it out?"
Amy hadn’t touched a violin in five years. Motherhood had consumed her, leaving no room for music. The mention of the Celestial Nocturne felt like a whisper from a past life.
As they entered the music store, Amy froze.
A tall, striking man stood beside a delicate woman, both admiring a display marked Not for Sale.
The woman’s voice was soft, almost reverent. "The Celestial Nocturne is even more exquisite than I imagined!"
She turned to the man, her eyes shining. "Alex, you know how much I love playing for you. I want to host a farewell concert—and this violin would be perfect. What do you think?"
The man’s deep voice resonated. "Anything for you, Victoria."
The manager trailed behind them, sweating nervously. When he spotted Amy and Samantha, relief flooded his face.
"Ms. Reynolds! You’re here! Mr. Blackwood wishes to purchase the Celestial Nocturne. Name your terms—what do you say?"