Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

The crew worked with impressive speed. In just a few minutes, Don came hurrying over, cradling an acoustic lute in his arms.

He offered it to Rosita with an encouraging smile. "Ms. Lockwood, you can do it!"

Rosita stared at the instrument, momentarily lost for words.

Briony watched her, a subtle, knowing smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Ms. Lockwood, everyone's looking forward to this. You're not going to let us down, are you?"

Rosita turned to meet Briony's gaze.

Briony's eyes glimmered, almost teasing, challenging her with a hint of mischief.

She's doing this on purpose!

Rosita clenched her fists, willing herself to stay calm in front of the crowd.

Forcing a gentle smile, she replied softly, "I'm sorry, I'm not feeling well today. I'm afraid I wouldn't play well, so I'd rather not embarrass myself."

A wave of disappointment swept over the group, but it was clear Rosita wasn't well, and no one wanted to push her.

"If Ms. Lockwood isn't feeling up to it, let's leave it for another time," Driscoll said tactfully.

looked a little let down but nodded in understanding. "Yeah, you should rest

me," Ferdinand interjected, raising

look at him,

steady voice. "I've always been fascinated by folk music, but never really had a chance to explore it. From what I know,

Lockwood, would you mind showing

Rosita froze.

started learning the pentatonic scale three days ago. Even with Gwendolyn White guiding her, she'd stumble through it; playing in

Lockwood, the pentatonic scale is the very foundation. Since Mr.

a playful wink at Rosita. "Just a quick demo

her head, thoughts

moment later, she made

and said, "Alright, I'll give it a

out, her body swayed. Her eyes fluttered shut, and

"Ms. Lockwood!"

voices cried out

sobered instantly, shouted,

dissolved into

rushed in and did

minutes, Rosita's eyelids fluttered open She looked pale and