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.

in understanding. "Yeah, you should rest if you're not

interjected, raising his

look at him, Rosita

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

glanced at Rosita, still the perfect gentleman. "Ms. Lockwood, would you mind showing us how

Rosita froze.

guiding her, she'd stumble through it; playing in front of everyone now was a different story

Lockwood, the pentatonic scale is the very foundation. Since

at Rosita. "Just a quick demo of the five notes-surely

Rosita ducked her head, thoughts

moment later, she

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

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

"Ms. Lockwood!"

voices cried out in

director, sobered instantly, shouted,

set dissolved

rushed in and

fluttered open She looked pale and disoriented, glancing around at the