The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Anyone who could pull off "The Gaze❞ on stage was already in a league far above Rachel.

He'd honestly believed he'd lost out on a rare, gifted talent.

Clearly, he'd been overthinking it.

Down in the audience, those who knew the scene shook their heads in regret.

"Her performance was flawless right up until that slip. For a moment, I thought we were witnessing a miracle—maybe Stella could actually go toe-to-toe with Harry..."

"I felt the same way. It's such a shame, though, that it had to fall apart here."

"Still, Stella has nothing to be ashamed of. She may have lost, but she lost with honor."

"It's just such a pity that this is her swan song. I'll remember her, though."

Despite Stella's mistake, the show had to go on.

Everyone in the hall assumed the rest would be a disaster-surely she'd fall apart after that error.

But to everyone's astonishment, Stella didn't stumble. Instead, picking up right where she'd left off, she continued to play-except now, every note soared higher, the entire melody lifted up by a key.

There were no discordant notes. No faltering rhythm.

the entire piece up a key-and kept

all around

what is Stella doing? She can't possibly be planning to finish the piece

thing a

she actually pulls this off, doesn't that mean she's even

and can't go back now —she has no choice but to keep pushing through. Just wait till the final climax. It's

the audience who thought so. Even Walden

Stella would crash

a few of his students, critiquing Stella's performance with a

have to say, her handling

the others

really

about to be outshined again by our star pupil. Another

conversation, half-listening

to break down-to reach her limit,

performance remained effortless, smooth as silk. Not a

fell

eyes was fixed on Stella. The only sound

reached its peak-fierce,

audience in

in sync with the music; even their

with