The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

He knew that as long as Nora was alive, her status would always eclipse his.

No matter what he did in this life, he could never measure up to Nora.

Her brilliance would forever overshadow him.

But, thankfully, Nora died young.

The day Harry learned of Nora's death, he threw his head back and laughed, the sound echoing through his empty apartment.

He felt as if fate itself was finally on his side.

No one would ever stand above him again.

After Nora was gone, Harry's career took off like never before.

Apart from Mr. Walden, Harry was unstoppable in the world of violin. No one else could touch his level.

He relished his newfound freedom and power; sometimes, he almost wished Nora could see him now-see how far he'd climbed, to a height she could never hope to reach.

Harry had gotten used to looking down on everyone else. He couldn't even remember what defeat felt like anymore.

But now, as he stared at the violin in front of him, a familiar sense of pressure tightened in his chest.

a cold glint flickering in

was

younger than Nora had been in

Watson had ever been-he couldn't afford to

was around, neither Nora nor her

Stella's silhouette slowly emerged at center

spotlight spilled across her shoulders, catching the gleam of the violin in her hands—a violin

few members of the judging panel, sitting close enough to see clearly, suddenly sat up

God! That's

the Nocturne

and her name is Stella? What's her connection to

seen rumors online-supposedly,

so gifted! Nora's

famous beyond measure. Back in the day, Nora had used that

death,

nine figures—for Nocturne Stella, but no one ever

public eye. Now and

years ago, Nocturne Stella went completely silent. No

of the legendary instrument. "Not only do we get to see Harry perform tonight, we also get to

be a competition?