16 Chapter 16 That Is My Daughter 16 Chapter 16 That Is My Daughter Zain's POV I steadied Carry , preventing her from losing balance . Following her pointing finger , I caught sight of Blanche and that Demetrius guy from earlier , sitting there in the shadows . They'd claimed the VIP section - the exact seats Carry and I always occupied whenever I brought her to Joanna's performances . ' Demetrius must've been the one who secured that particular location . ' The thought crossed my mind as I watched them . Right then , as the crowd's applause thundered around us , Demetrius whispered something close to Blanche's ear . A genuine smile crossed her face - something I rarely witnessed when she was with me . From my vantage point nearby , I could see everything clearly . Blanche never looked that relaxed around me . Her smiles were always forced , calculated to keep me satisfied . This was my first time seeing Blanche offer that authentic expression to another man . Something more than friendship might be brewing between them , though I didn't let myself dwell on the possibility . I shifted my attention back to Carry , who was staring up at me expectantly . " Yeah , that's your mom , " I confirmed with a slight nod . Carry's anxiety spiked at my confirmation . " But Mom's married to Daddy , right ? Why's she acting so cozy with some other guy ? " Her voice carried a sharp edge . " Look how they're whispering together . They look ready to kiss ." I remained silent , my gaze drifting back toward Blanche . She and Demetrius appeared completely absorbed in their ongoing discussion . I had no answer for Carry's question . Instead , I ran my fingers through her hair . " Pay attention to the show . Miss Joanna only has one song remaining . " Though clearly dissatisfied , Carry accepted my redirect with a reluctant sigh . " Fine ." Blanche's POV As applause swept through the venue , Demetrius noticed my distracted state . He moved closer . " Something bothering you ? " he murmured . I forced a smile and shook my head . " Nothing's wrong ." Unconvinced , Demetrius pressed his fingertips against my wrist . My pulse seemed normal , but my expression must have given me away . Concerned he might worry unnecessarily , I whispered , " I'm really okay . Don't overthink this . " Demetrius's eyes held that familiar stubborn glint . He wouldn't drop it , silently demanding an explanation . 16:01 @ 16 Chapter 16 That Is My Daughter I surrendered , dropping my voice even lower . " Rena Vins , that piano virtuoso everyone's praising , is actually Joanna - the woman you met this morning . " I'd quietly discovered Joanna's stage identity through her online content . Demetrius looked surprised . Despite the veil concealing most of the performer's features , I'd still recognized her . When Demetrius's attention returned to the stage , his expression held newfound respect . Unaware that Joanna was the other woman destroying my marriage , he simply appreciated a gifted performer commanding the spotlight . Demetrius leaned in, admiration evident in his tone . " Joanna was pre - med back then , even secured graduate admission for surgical training . Who would've guessed she possessed this level of artistic ability ? " He shook his head in amazement . " She's built quite a reputation too . Friends who've attended her shows can't stop praising her technique . Now I understand their enthusiasm . " Joanna maintained her veiled mystique at every performance . She'd mastered that enigmatic presence perfectly . Audiences came for her skill , her beauty , or simply to witness that graceful silhouette . Simply put , Joanna excelled at everything . A chill ran down my spine as Demetrius continued speaking . I couldn't deny his assessment was accurate . I maintained my composed smile , keeping my voice steady . " She's absolutely brilliant , " I agreed , meaning every word . ' Naturally Joanna's extraordinary . She's Zain's chosen woman , I thought . Demetrius hesitated , seemingly surprised . " You outshine her completely , " he said firmly . I caught the misunderstanding - Demetrius assumed I was making comparisons . But I hadn't been . I'd simply stated facts . I didn't bother clarifying . Instead , I smiled quietly . " That's kind of you to say . But I'm realistic about my limitations ." Demetrius seemed startled . The transformation in me clearly struck him . The confident , ambitious woman he'd once known now carried genuine self - doubt . During medical school , I'd maintained top rankings , secured guaranteed graduate placement , and received invitations to prestigious research opportunities . Yet I'd chosen marriage instead . Demetrius's gaze wandered back toward the stage . Joanna looked radiant - her flowing white dress , her elegant form basking in the audience's worship . After a long pause , he turned back to me . " Remove the spotlight , and we're all just regular people , " Demetrius said softly . I didn't respond further . I simply offered a gentle smile . Regret was familiar territory for me . If I'd continued with medicine , I'd have established my career by now . But life doesn't offer endless 10:01 16 Chapter 16 That Is My Daughter second chances . As the concert concluded , Joanna took a deep bow to the cheering audience . Deafening applause filled the building . Even I found myself joining the ovation . I probably harbored resentment toward Joanna . But I understood clearly that Zain had been the real error in judgment . That realization brought peace . I'd found acceptance . Some situations simply unfold as they're meant to . When Joanna straightened , her eyes automatically searched the VIP section where Zain and Carry typically sat . Instead , she found Demetrius and me occupying those seats . Brief surprise crossed Joanna's features . Then she quickly located Zain and Carry in the nearby area . She flashed them a warm smile and motioned for them to meet her backstage . As the crowd began dispersing , Demetrius and I finally rose to leave . Suddenly , Carry raced toward the stage with outstretched arms . " Miss Joanna ! " Her face radiated pure admiration and pride . Anyone could see she considered Joanna worth boasting about at school . When it came to her actual mother , she honestly couldn't identify anything remarkable to mention . Carry bounded onto the stage and disappeared behind the curtain , wrapping her arms around Joanna . " Miss Joanna , you're gorgeous . When I'm older , I want to be beautiful just like you ." Joanna embraced her back , stroking her hair . " Such a charming flatterer - you'll grow up even more beautiful than me . " Those words struck me like a physical assault . I froze completely , my legs refusing to function . Demetrius sensed something was wrong . He positioned himself in front of me , finally noticing the tears gathering in my eyes . Alarmed , he leaned down slightly . " What's happening ? " he asked softly . I finally cracked . Through my tears , I looked at Demetrius and confessed , " That's my daughter . " Demetrius was speechless . He turned toward the stage . There was Joanna , still in her performance gown , kneeling as she chatted cheerfully with Carry . The scene looked so natural - as if they truly were mother and daughter . " And that man from this morning was ... " Demetrius began carefully . I pressed my lips together . " My husband , " I admitted , the words feeling like lead . Demetrius was even more shocked , but he looked down . " I'm sorry ." It had never occurred to him that the man and child from the restaurant were my own husband and daughter . They'd been so close , yet neither had acknowledged me - not even my little girl had called out to her mother . 40 01 16 Chapter 16 That Is My Daughter ' She must have been deeply miserable , ' Demetrius realized . Hurt enough that even someone as patient as Blanche would seek divorce . Reaching that decision could only mean she'd abandoned all hope , I took a moment to collect myself . Then I managed a small smile . " None of that's important anymore . I respect their choice " Comment 0 Leave the first comment for this chapter , 图 Send Gifts Show support to the author by leaving comments when sending gift . Swipe Left To Continue > ( 17 Chapter 17 Anything She Tries 17 Chapter 17 Anything She Tries