Chapter 1226 Make the Right Choice
With Randy gone and Hannah and Charles away preparing for their wedding, Stella found herself alone and restless. She decided to move back to the Reed family estate for the time being.
For three consecutive days, Stella avoided Emeric entirely, instead wrestling with the weight of Randy's parting words. Her introspective mood didn't go unnoticed by her parents, who had never seen their daughter in such a contemplative state.
After dinner one evening, Maximilian finally broke the silence. "Stella, what's troubling you? You've been walking around like a ghost these past few days. Has something happened? And where's that music student you've been spending time with? Is he busy, or have you two had a falling out?"
His tone grew earnest as he continued, "If you care about someone, you need to see it through. Don't give up halfway. I can tell you're interested in this Emeric fellow—are you discouraged because half a month of pursuit hasn't yielded results?"
Stella pouted defensively. "That's not it at all! I would never give up on him. It's just... I've upset Randy. He says my attitude has completely changed lately and told me to seriously consider whether I want to continue with piano."
Carol's expression immediately shifted to one of barely concealed exasperation, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to hold back her thoughts. Maximilian paused mid-sip of his tea, a knowing smile playing at his lips.
"Tell me honestly," he said, "do you love playing piano?"
"Of course I do!" Stella replied without hesitation.
Carol couldn't help herself. "Do you really mean that, or is it just because of Randy?"
Stella looked at her mother as if she'd asked something absurd. "I genuinely love it! Initially, yes, I was lost and directionless, so learning music with Randy seemed like a reasonable path—what if I discovered a passion for it? But after studying with him for a while, I truly fell in love with it. I know I lack natural talent and started late, so I'll never reach Randy's level of mastery. But I've never considered giving up. Even if I can't make a career of it, it could remain a cherished hobby."
That's why Randy's question about her genuine feelings for music had caught her so off guard. She'd assumed he understood her dedication.
Carol's expression grew serious. "But these past weeks, I haven't seen any evidence of that love."
Stella looked puzzled.
"You've always practiced diligently for your allotted two hours," Carol continued, "and when time permitted, you'd even ask Randy for extra sessions. But this past half-month, you've brought Emeric to every practice session, splitting your attention between piano and him. You'd rush him out the moment your time was up, never staying a minute longer than required. Be honest with yourself—have you actually practiced a full two hours in the past two weeks?"
Stella opened her mouth to protest but found herself speechless. Upon reflection, she realized her mother was absolutely right. She'd been so consumed with pursuing Emeric that piano had become secondary, a backdrop to her romantic ambitions rather than a genuine pursuit.
Seeing her daughter's silence, Carol didn't press further but sighed with resignation. "You transferred all your passion for piano to chasing after Emeric. No wonder Randy was upset—even your father and I assumed you'd lost interest in music entirely."
Stella's head drooped as she fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. "Was I really that wrong?"
Carol placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "So let me ask you this: if you had to choose between piano and Emeric, which would it be?"
Stella looked up, genuinely confused. "Why would I have to choose? They're not mutually exclusive! I was initially attracted to Emeric because of his musical talent. If I gave up piano, what would be the point of being with him?"
Carol and Maximilian exchanged a meaningful glance.
"Here's what we'll do," Carol said, stroking her daughter's cheek. "Hannah and Charles's wedding is approaching, and your father and I need to leave early to help with preparations. Come with us to Sunset Bay. Randy is upset about your recent attitude toward music, but he cares too much about you to stay angry forever. If you're honest with him about your feelings, he'll understand."
For the first time, Stella seemed genuinely intimidated. "But what if he won't speak to me?"
It was strange—she'd never feared Charles, even when he was furious with her, his stern demeanor and rigid personality never deterring her shameless persistence. But Randy's disappointment had shaken her to her core. Despite his usual gentleness, patience, and indulgent nature, his anger had awakened a fear she'd never experienced. For someone typically fearless and carefree, this newfound vulnerability was unsettling.
Carol's expression grew theatrical with surprise. "Well, I'll be damned! There's actually someone who can intimidate you! This is a first!"
"Mom!" Stella shot her an indignant but playful glare.
Maximilian chuckled warmly. "Don't worry. You're twenty years old now—old enough to face whatever comes your way with courage. Trust yourself; you can handle this."
After a moment of serious consideration, Stella asked tentatively, "When are you leaving for Sunset Bay?"
"Your father needs a few days to arrange things at the company," Carol replied. "We're planning to depart the day after tomorrow. Your uncle will be traveling with us, and I hear the Koch family from Country Y has already arrived."
Stella fell silent, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath as if summoning tremendous resolve. Finally, she nodded firmly. "Alright, I'll come with you. I need to show Randy my determination."
Carol squeezed her shoulder with pride. "That's my daughter! We face our problems head-on—no running away."
Maximilian pressed his lips together, suppressing a low, amused chuckle.
Carol shot him a withering look. "What's so funny?"
Maximilian tried to control his laughter, but his shoulders betrayed him with barely contained mirth.
Carol's face flushed with indignation as she aimed a kick at his shin. "Stop laughing!"
Though he said nothing, she could sense his amusement was directed at her, and his expression made her skin crawl with irritation.
Maximilian rubbed his nose with a half-closed fist, muttering under his breath just loud enough for himself to hear, "Rich words from someone who spent over a decade pining after me in secret. How can she tell our daughter not to be a coward?"
"Maximilian!" Carol's furious roar nearly lifted the roof. Before her fist could connect, Maximilian had already made his escape.
"Get back here, you bastard! I'm going to tear that smart mouth of yours apart!"
As her parents—both well into middle age—chased each other around like teenagers, Stella felt her temples throb with exasperation. They'd started out comforting her and offering advice, only to devolve into their own romantic theatrics. Clearly, they were the true love story here, and she was just an afterthought.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
