She Posted My Delivery-Room Photo，He Said It Was Just a Joke

Chapter 3

I didn't take his phone or confront him.

After finding the thermometer, I put everything back and closed the study door.

At breakfast the next morning, Adrian kept glancing at me. When he realized I wasn't bringing up the audition, his shoulders relaxed.

"How did you sleep?"

He picked up the milk and poured half a glass for me.

I took a small sip and smiled at him.

"You have a point. I really should focus on the baby. Forget the audition."

Adrian visibly relaxed and reached over to ruffle my hair.

"There's an industry gala tonight. A lot of classical music figures will be there."

After a brief pause, he added, "Come with me. It'll be good for you to get out. And I need you to help introduce Chloe."

My gaze settled on his shirt cuff—the cufflinks I'd picked out for him were still there.

"All right."

The gala was held at a downtown hotel. The lights were blinding, and everywhere I looked, people were clinking glasses and making small talk.

I wore a long-sleeved gown that covered my waist completely. Chloe wore a backless dress and clung to Adrian's other arm.

A respected conductor approached with a drink. When he recognized me, his eyes lit up.

"Natalie, it has been so long since I heard you play. When are you coming back?"

I had barely opened my mouth when Adrian's hand tightened on my shoulder.

"She's a full-time wife now. Her focus is on the baby and home. She won't be returning anytime soon."

The conductor paused, then looked at me with something like pity.

Without missing a beat, Adrian eased Chloe half a step forward.

"This is Chloe, our orchestra's principal cellist."

He clinked his glass against the conductor's.

"She just returned from abroad. I hope you'll look out for her in the future."

The conductor's gaze drifted across the three of us before he gave a polite nod.

I stepped back. Without arguing or explaining, I gave them the floor.

"I'm going to the restroom."

After telling Adrian, I turned and headed down the hallway.

I didn't go to the restroom. I went straight to the VIP lounge at the far end.

When I opened the door, a foreign man stood up at once and extended his hand.

"Ms. Reed, so good to see you again."

Richard handed me the documents he'd prepared.

"We all watched your performance videos. Truly extraordinary."

He pointed to the signature line.

"This is a letter of intent. Once you sign, you can report to Bellmont next month."

I took the pen and signed my name without hesitation.

The documents had barely disappeared into my bag when footsteps sounded outside.

Adrian spotted me standing by the window from further down the hall. He hurried over and draped his jacket over my shoulders.

"Don't dwell on it."

Thinking I was still hung up on the stage, he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind.

"Whenever you want to hear a concert, I'll book the entire hall for you."

I looked down at the cufflinks one more time.

"All right."

The housekeeper was already asleep when we got home.

I went into the walk-in closet and began packing my things and the baby's that very night.

The lock clicked.

Adrian had cut his evening short. Reeking of alcohol, he opened the bedroom door.

His gaze moved past me and landed on the suitcase on the floor.

His jaw tightened instantly.

"Where are you going?"