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.

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

interjected, raising his

to look at him, Rosita

voice. "I've always been fascinated by folk music, but never really had a chance to

still the perfect gentleman. "Ms. Lockwood, would you mind showing us how the basic finger positions work for these five

Rosita froze.

Gwendolyn White guiding her, she'd stumble through it;

"Ms. Lockwood, the pentatonic scale is the very foundation. Since Mr. Ellsworth is so interested, why not indulge

in with a playful wink at Rosita. "Just a quick demo of the five

her head, thoughts

later, she made up

and said, "Alright,

body swayed. Her eyes fluttered shut, and

"Ms. Lockwood!"

cried out

instantly, shouted,

set dissolved

staff rushed in and

a tense few minutes, Rosita's eyelids fluttered open She looked pale and disoriented,