Wed To The Forbidden Uncle

CH 19

Thinking that the film crew's confidentiality was probably well-maintained, Mercy figured it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. She turned to the director, "Dashiell, I actually know a bit of piano. How about I give it a shot?"

Before the director could respond, Cathy, who was resting on a nearby chair, chimed in. "You? Play the piano?" Her exaggerated expression made it seem like she'd just heard the funniest joke ever.

"Hahaha, Mercy, maybe you could get away with that at school, but you really want to embarrass yourself out here? I'm the eldest daughter of the Zayn family, an art school student. And you, a country bumpkin, claim you can play the piano? I'd say you're better suited to picking cotton."

She dramatically clutched her stomach, "Hahaha, that's the funniest thing I've heard all year."

At first, Esther was a bit worried about Mercy, as she'd never heard of her playing the piano before. But after hearing Cathy's words, she felt the need to stand up for her friend. Even if Mercy didn't play well, she wouldn't let anyone mock her.

She looked Cathy straight in the eye and retorted, "You sure talk a lot. Our Mercy is better than you any day." Then she turned to Mercy, "Go for it, Mercy! I'm waiting for your triumphant return."

Mercy: ...It's not like she's going to war.

Dashiell nodded and Mercy was led to the dressing room to change into an outfit identical to Cathy's.

As it turned out, wearing the same outfit wasn't the issue; it was who wore it better. Everyone agreed that Mercy looked far better in it than Cathy did.

Mercy sat gracefully at the piano. After Cathy's earlier comments, no one had high expectations for her. It was more of a last-ditch effort.

The girl's fingers were slender and fair, so much so that it was hard to tell if the piano keys or her fingers were purer in their whiteness.

When she lifted her hand and pressed down on the keys, the entire room fell silent.

How could one describe the music? Calling it melodious and graceful seemed too cliché. If one had to put it into words, it would be: ethereal.

Mercy's music was like a gentle summer breeze, softly plucking at the heartstrings of everyone present. Even the birds outside perched on the windowsill, tilting their heads to listen to the enchanting melody.

As the piece ended, Mercy looked up at the director. This was what she called "knowing a little"? That was way too humble. The onlookers silently marveled at her modesty.

However, Dashiell said, "Play it again."

What? Dashiell's standards were that high?

Everyone looked at him in surprise.

He leisurely added, "Zachary, try to control that captivated expression of yours."

Everyone: ...

When Mercy stood up from the piano bench, the way people looked at her changed completely.

If they had simply thought she was beautiful before, now they saw her as almost otherworldly. After all, who wouldn't admire a talented and beautiful girl?

"Mercy is amazing, unlike some people who think others can't do it just because they can't," Esther remarked pointedly.

Catching on to whom she was referring, someone couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Cathy's nails were nearly digging into her skin, her face dark with anger as she shot daggers with her eyes at the two of them. She managed to squeeze in a few more scenes and finally, her work for the day was done.

Before Mercy left, Dashiell handed her a business card and exchanged contact information with her.

"Young lady, you've got potential. If there's a suitable script in the future, I hope you'll consider auditioning," Dashiell said. He was somewhat well-known in the industry and only took on this project because it was pushed onto him.

"Thank you very much," Mercy replied sincerely.

Witnessing this, some onlookers whispered to their companions, "I think she's amazing too. It's such a waste for her to be a stand-in for you-know-who."

"Yeah, no kidding," the companion agreed, but quickly pulled their friend away upon catching Cathy's murderous glare.

Back in the dressing room, Cathy was so furious that she swept everything off the table onto the floor.

"Mercy! Esther! You're both finished! Ugh, I'm so mad I could scream!" she raged, her eyes filled with malice, her hair disheveled, making her look like a specter.

The assistants nearby were trembling, too scared to utter a word.

After Mercy had dinner with Esther and her partner, Esther drove her home.

"Esther..." Mercy began hesitantly from the passenger seat.

"What's up?" Esther glanced over at her.

"Take care on your way home," Mercy said.

"Will do, bye!" Esther replied with a wave as she drove off. Mercy watched until Esther's car disappeared from view before heading back inside.

Once Mercy and Esther were gone, Zachary drove to a hotel and entered a suite. Not long after, a woman wearing a hat slipped in, looking around cautiously.

Soon, the room was filled with the sounds of heavy breathing. Outside, a paparazzo reviewed the photos he had just taken, satisfied with his work and left quietly.

As things calmed down, Zachary gently stroked Cathy's damp hair and kissed her forehead.

Cathy smiled at him with a hint of mischief. "Zachary, do you think Esther is prettier than me?"

Zachary tapped her nose playfully. "How could she compare to you?"

"Then why don't you dump her and be with me?" Cathy pouted, snuggling against his chest. She imagined how satisfying it would be to finally get back at Esther for all the times she felt wronged. Her eyes glinted with a cold, snake-like intensity.

Zachary's gaze shifted uncomfortably. His contract with the Landon family was still in effect and he couldn't afford to make an enemy of Esther just yet. Besides, Esther had been good to him, providing him with plenty of opportunities over the past two years.

Feigning difficulty, he said, "Cathy, I still have three years left on my contract with the Landon family. I can't leave right now. Can you wait a little longer?"

Cathy thought about the ten million dollar penalty for breaking the contract and decided to drop the subject.

Zachary smirked inwardly. As expected, Cathy wasn't willing to cover the penalty for him.

But he still had use for this foolish woman, so the man tightened his grip around her waist and continued, "Besides, isn't this thrilling in its own way?"

"Giggle, you're so naughty~" the woman laughed coquettishly.

"I can be even naughtier," Zachary said as he flipped her over, pinning her beneath him again.

The room was soon filled with the sounds of his low breaths and her soft moans.

A light purple dress lay at the foot of the bed, torn to shreds.

...

At the Rivers household.

There was still some time before bed and Mercy was lounging with her feet up, scrolling through her phone.

After watching a few funny videos from some comedy bloggers, she nearly laughed out loud. But the next photo she scrolled to wiped the smile off her face.

In the photo, Cathy was wearing a light purple dress, smiling sweetly at the camera. The caption read: "My dress got ruined, naughty puppy!"

Most of the comments were:

[Haha, did Cathy's dog get into trouble again?]

[The dress looks great, Cathy! You're stunning!]

The problem was, Mercy had seen Esther wearing that same dress not too long ago.