Chapter 39
Chapter 39
Naomi’s piano performance was truly amazing, and her luxurious gown was breathtakingly stunning.
But today was a kindergarten event, and the spotlight was supposed to be on the kids.
Yolanda’s steps became erratic as the melody played, her movements growing clumsy and out of sync.
Waves of murmurs and chatter erupted from the crowd below the stage.
“She is definitely eye–catching, but how can she just steal the show like that? Today’s supposed to be all about the kids, and she’s out here grabbing all the attention for herself.”
“Seriously, the kid’s dancing is all over the place, and she doesn’t even think to stop. If you didn’t know better, you’d think this was some kind of mom contest.”
“Look? The kid already stopped, but the moin’s still up there playing away.”
“And that kid? Her dancing’s not even that good. Why bother with a performance like this? Wouldn’t it have been better if she just sang a little or something?”
“Probably just wanted to show off what her mom can do, but it totally backfired.”
“Exactly, the kid’s just standing there all awkward, like a wooden post; looks kind of dumb, honestly, like she’s not too bright.”
Yolanda had already stopped dancing, but the piano music kept playing.
Yolanda could hear every single word the crowd was saying. Her eyes turned red with hurt, and tears streamed down her cheeks as she tried to hold back her feelings.
Naomi was completely absorbed in her music, totally shutting out the world around her; not even Yolanda’s crying reached her ears.
But soon, the piano music came to a halt.
Naomi had poured her heart into the piece, thinking she’d be greeted by thunderous applause and cheers. But as she stood up, all she heard was whispers and murmurs rippling through the crowd.
And right beside her, Yolanda was crying.
“Yolanda, what’s wrong?” Naomi panicked, crouching down in front of Yolanda, her voice filled with concern.
Yolanda pushed Naomi’s hand away, didn’t say a single word, and walked off stage.
In the audience, Teresa saw people gossiping about Yolanda and felt really upset. As Yolanda left, Teresa instinctively got up to follow her. But just then, Doris called Monica’s name.
Monica noticed Teresa was worried about Yolanda, so she said, “Aunt Teresa, why don’t you go check on Yolanda? Mom and I can go up and perform.”
Teresa looked down at Monica, gritting her teeth as she said, “It’s okay. I’ll go check on her after we finish performing.”
They’d practiced this routine so many times at the Sullivan Mansion; Teresa didn’t want Monica’s performance to fall apart just because
of her.
Monica still wanted to insist that Teresa go after Yolanda, but Teresa just gently patted her cheek and said, “Come on, let’s get up there.”
With Teresa’s insistence, the tee of them headed onto the stage together.
Their fairy tale performance, brought to life by the three of them, won over the crowd and earned thunderous applause and recognition ftum everyone.
Offstage Nagi hurried after Yolanda, apologizing again and again. “Yolanda, I’m so sorry. I didn’t think things through
Yolanda’s eyes were red with feats and she just stared at Naced without saying a word, her heart aching in silence
But it was Nauru who wanted to play the page, and she was the one who wanted to dance, too.
1/3
1:00 PM
Chapter 39
She strode over in a few quick steps and flipped the dough bowl right off the table. Fixing a fierce glare on that woman with the poisonous mouth, Teresa snapped, “Say what you want to the adults, but why drag a kid into this?”
As Teresa came over, Yolanda, feeling wronged, ran off. Seeing Yolanda run away, Naomi hurried after her. “Yolanda, wait.”
Teresa’s aura was fierce, and since that woman with a nasty mouth knew she was in the wrong, she chickened out and didn’t dare say another word.
When Naomi rushed out, Yolanda had already vanished. Heart pounding, she fumbled for her phone and quickly dialed Charles.
“Charles, are you here yet? Yolanda just got yelled at by some parents, and she ran off–I can’t find her anywhere,” Naomi said, her voice trembling with worry.
Charles had promised he’d come to family day at the kindergarten with Yolanda, but he was just going to be a bit late.
Hearing that Yolanda had been yelled at, Charles frowned and said, “Got it. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Feeling uneasy, Naomi apologized, “Charles, I’m so sorry. I didn’t protect Yolanda like I should have.”
Charles didn’t blame her. “You’re gentle by nature. I know this isn’t your fault. Just wait for me to get there. I’ll handle it.”