Chapter 32 In his mind , all she was good for was taking care of the kids . But since Lauren came into the picture , even this one strength of hers had started to lose its shine . Rhea thought that Carter was really blind . Soon , the piano was brought over . Lauren stood up and said casually , as if it were unintentional , " Rhea , you can play the piano ? Carter once told me that you're from Crasmere . I thought that people from those towns were more into traditional instruments . " Crasmere sat on the outskirts of Draventh . Although it was geographically close to Draventh , it was very much a small town . It felt as if Lauren was deliberately reminding the guests that Rhea came from a humble background . However , Rhea said nothing . She simply walked over to the piano and sat down . She was wearing a long mermaid - style dress with thin straps . She looked elegant and picture - perfect alongside the piano . She looked at the twins and said , " Come here , sweeties . I'm playing this piece for you as your birthday present . " Arielle and Adrian were surprised , but they didn't say anything . They hadn't known Rhea could play either . In no time , Rhea recalled the sheet music , and the notes followed effortlessly . Her fingers danced across the black and white keys like fluttering butterflies in flight . Anyone familiar with the piano could tell the difference between an amateur and a true professional . The smooth tones and the rich rise and fall of the melody all proved that Rhea truly could play . And she played exceptionally well . She started off a little stiff , but soon , it was as if she and the piano had become one . To Carter , the moment felt surreal . For a second , he actually had the illusion that Rhea was meant to be a woman born into fortune and status . He had never known she could play the piano , let alone be this good at it . He had never even brought up the topic of piano in front of Rhea , assuming she had never had access to such an expensive instrument . At the same time , Lauren noticed the distant look in Carter's eyes , and a wave of anxiety rose in her heart . She was surprised to learn that Rhea could really play the piano and wondered when that had happened . After all , wasn't she supposed to come from some average family ? Carter had adored piano music since he was a child , and he played exceptionally well himself . That was the only reason Lauren had learned piano in the first place . But now , she learned that she couldn't hold a candle to Rhea . Lauren called out , " Carter ? " Carter snapped out of it . A frown formed between his brows , as if he were blaming her for interrupting . Lauren said , " It's going to rain . " The sky darkened again . Chapter 32 +25 BONUS Rhea had her back to them . Her tear that slid down her cheek landed just as the first raindrop hit the ground . And with that , the song came to an end . Rhea rose to her feet and said , " You can take the piano back . " The guests , still immersed in the fading notes of the piano piece , slowly returned to their senses and began making their way back inside . It was getting late , and with the meal nearly over , the guests began preparing to take their leave . Rhea held up an umbrella and personally walked several of the ladies out , especially Elsie . Before leaving , Elsie said warmly , " If you're ever bored , give me a call . " Rhea smiled . " I will . Thank you for coming . " " I only remember your name as Rhea , not Mrs. Jamison . " Elsie wasn't old , maybe around 37 , and she and Rhea connected effortlessly . Rhea's situation reminded Elsie so much of her own back then that the empathy she felt made her genuinely want to form a deeper bond . And likewise , Rhea remembered Elsie well . After all the guests had left , Chloe suddenly lashed out at home . " I didn't want to say this in front of the kids , but honestly , can't you at least consider Lauren's feelings ? She's their birth mother . You shouldn't be turning the children against her ! 2/2