Chapter 63
Chapter 63
Hearing this, a trace of comfort flashed through Amelia's cloudy eyes.
She knew how difficult this decision was for Sylvia, but she also knew it was the best choice for her.
She reached out and gently patted Sylvia's shoulder, earnestly advising, "I'm really happy you can think this way. Remember, life is still long ahead of you. Don't be foolish again. This world is vast, and there are far more things worth your effort and pursuit than just one man."
Sylvia's eyes grew moist, and she nodded firmly. "Thank you, Ms. Roosevelt."
Amelia said nothing more, just gently patted Sylvia's hand, then turned and slowly walked toward the parking lot, accompanied by her assistant.
Amelia's black sedan soon disappeared from view.
Sylvia sat alone on a stone bench by the path, the cool autumn breeze carrying the scent of osmanthus flowers.
She looked up at the tall plane tree overhead. Its golden leaves sparkled in the sunlight, falling one by one in spirals, finally returning to dust.
She thought of her old dreams, the passion that had been worn away by marriage and so-called love.
But now, she had a new beginning, a fresh hope.
Just then, a warm jacket was draped over her shoulders.
Sylvia froze, turned her head, and saw Edward standing beside her, a trace of concern in his expression.
"It's windy here. Don't catch a cold." Edward's voice was gentle.
Sylvia pulled the jacket closer, warmth flooding her heart. "What are you doing here?"
"I saw you sitting here alone and got a bit worried." Edward sat down beside her and pulled a ticket from his pocket, handing it to her. "There's an international piano master's concert next Friday. Xanthe and I bought extra tickets. You should go with her and relax a bit. You've helped us a lot with company matters lately."
Sylvia took the ticket and looked at the performer's name printed on it, a hint of nostalgia flashing in her eyes.
She used to love going to concerts, but later, life got filled with all sorts of trivial matters, and she could never find the time.
"Thank you, Edward. I'll go."
Seeing her agree, Edward's face showed a relaxed smile.
"That's good. Relaxing will be good for both you and the baby."
On Friday evening of the following week, the Emerald City Theater was brilliantly lit, with crowds flowing through.
Sylvia and Xanthe arrived at the concert venue early, arranged by Edward.
Sylvia wore a loose black knit dress with a cream-colored cashmere coat over it, making her look gentle and elegant.
"Over here, Sylvia!" As soon as Xanthe saw her, she waved the tickets in her hand, excitedly calling out to her.
Sylvia was surprised to find that Xanthe had actually bought four seats together in the front row, even though there were only two of them.
"Why did you buy so many seats?" Sylvia asked, puzzled.
Xanthe winked at her, her smile carrying a hint of mischief. "Silly, the front row seats are spacious. You're pregnant now, so you'll be more comfortable sitting here. Plus, taking up two extra seats means no one will be crowding next to you and risk hurting you or the baby. I spent a lot of money for you!"
Warmth filled Sylvia's heart, and her eyes grew moist.
The concert curtain slowly rose, and melodious piano music echoed through the theater.
Sylvia leaned back in the soft chair, feeling the notes dance, her heart completely at peace.
The melodious piano music poured out like flowing water, echoing beneath the dome of the Emerald City Theater.
Sylvia leaned back in the soft chair, eyes closed, feeling the notes leap through the air.
Those nerves that had been suppressed by trivial marriage matters and endless disappointment gradually relaxed in this pure artistic atmosphere.
As one piece ended, thunderous applause erupted in the hall.
Sylvia slowly opened her eyes and joined the crowd in clapping.
Her gaze casually swept across the VIP seats in the front rows, but when it landed on a certain spot, her movements paused slightly.
Not far away at an angle, Lucas sat in a dark tailored suit, his back straight and cold.
He usually had no patience for classical music, always saying it was a waste of time, yet today, he sat there steadily.
Because sitting beside him was Lynn.
Lynn was dressed particularly sweetly in a white lace dress that made her look delicate and pitiful.
She was leaning her head to one side, half her body nestled against Lucas's shoulder, whispering something to him. Lucas turned his face slightly—though his expression wasn't clear, his indulgent posture was obvious.
Sylvia just watched quietly like this, for quite a while.
She had once happily held two concert tickets, begging Lucas to come with her, only to receive his cold response: "I'm busy. I don't have time to play these boring games with you." Turns out he wasn't too busy—he just needed the right person to accompany.
Xanthe followed her gaze and her previously smiling face instantly darkened.
She suddenly reached out and covered Sylvia's eyes with her hand.
"Don't look. It'll dirty your eyes." Xanthe said through gritted teeth, lowering her voice to curse, "That disgusting pair, they're like ghosts that won't go away! Lucas, that absolute scumbag, leaving his pregnant wife alone to come here and listen to a concert with a homewrecker—he's not afraid of karma!"
Sylvia gently pulled Xanthe's hand down, holding it in her palm instead, a faint smile on her lips, her voice calm without a ripple. "Xanthe, I'm fine."
She truly felt okay now.
After the concert ended, Sylvia returned to the Smith Manor.
Night had fallen deep, cold wind howling outside the windows, but the bedroom had the heating on, warm as spring.
Sylvia leaned against the headboard, holding a fairy-tale book, as soothing classical music played beside her.
She gently stroked her rounded belly with one hand, her voice soft as she read stories to the baby inside.
This was her daily scheduled prenatal education time.
Rhea came in carrying a glass of warm milk, glanced at the wall clock, then at the dead-silent corridor outside, and let out a heavy sigh.
It was almost midnight, and Lucas still hadn't come home.