Rebirth: Revenge of the abandoned heirress-Chapter 26: Special Melody

"This is a bad idea." Amelia whispered to Jazmine, her voice barely audible over the lively chatter in the grand drawing room. Her fingers were clutching the fabric of her dress as she cast a wary glance at Scarlette Whites.

Scarlette was basking in the admiration of the guests, her pride evident as she praised her daughter Rosaline's piano skills. She had just finished presenting the award Rosaline had won at a prestigious national competition, ensuring everyone in the room understood the level of skill her daughter possessed.

Rosaline stood by her mother's side, her chin lifted high, exuding confidence. Her eyes flickered with smug amusement as she exchanged looks with her mother, sending barely concealed sneers in Jazmine and Amelia's direction.

It was clear—they had already declared themselves the victors before the competition had even begun.

Amelia turned to Jazmine, worry etched into every line of her face. "Why don't you understand, Jazmine? You can't just randomly play. You have to practice tirelessly to master the notes."

Jazmine, however, was unmoved. A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Don't worry about me. You are good with the notes. Nothing else matters."

Amelia was appalled by her nonchalance. "You asked for a piano duet. Also known as two people playing piano together. Let me break it down since you're having some language comprehension problems. It means you will have to play."

Jazmine's smile widened. "Do you trust me?"

Amelia groaned. "I trust you, but I also haven't ever seen Jazmine Harrison play the piano before."

Jazmine placed a hand over her heart, feigning offense. "Who is Jazmine Harrison? I'm Einstein, and Einstein knows how to play a piano."

Amelia narrowed her eyes. "This is not a joke! And how could Einstein have known how to play the piano?"

Jazmine smirked. "Don't you read? It's a common fact that Einstein's mother was an accomplished pianist. He could play the piano and violin very well."

Amelia sighed in exasperation. "Since when did you start reading?"

Before Jazmine could respond, Rosaline spoke up, barely containing her glee. "Elder sister, how about I go first? So you can watch and know what to do?"

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She was so sure of herself, so confident that she would humiliate Jazmine in front of everyone. After all, she had spent years perfecting her craft. A person couldn't just wing classical music.

Jazmine's lips curled into an amused smile. "I'll make sure to watch carefully and learn from you, little sister."

Rosaline frowned. Something felt off. What had happened to Jazmine's usual temper? Why was she so calm? Where was the frustration? Where was the anger?

She felt uneasy but quickly shook the feeling away. It didn't matter. In a few moments, everyone would see how unmatched her sister was in this competition.

With an air of supreme confidence, Rosaline strutted toward the grand piano at the center of the drawing room. The guests, the camera crew, and Sabrina Voss all followed with anticipation.

"We are going to play the piece 'Chopsticks'." Rosaline announced proudly.

Jazmine almost laughed out loud.

Rosaline really underestimated her.

The piece was simple, a child's play, yet Rosaline expected it to be her winning moment. How predictable.

Rosaline and Jazmine played together, the notes light and repetitive, filling the room. When they finished, a wave of applause followed. Since the piece was so basic, there were no mistakes, and the guests, eager to remain on Rosaline's good side, clapped enthusiastically.

Rosaline stood, beaming, as if she had already secured her victory.

"Everyone, please do not be hard on my sister," she said in an affectionate tone. "She never seriously learned how to play the piano. I don't know why she even chose this competition. Maybe she just wanted to hear me play. Elder sister, if you wanted me to play, you could have just asked after the show. I don't want anyone to think you are lacking in any way."

Her words dripped with sugar-coated condescension. She was setting the stage for Jazmine's downfall, subtly planting doubt in everyone's minds.

Jazmine, however, remained unbothered. "No one would think I'm lacking. How can I be lacking when I have such a wonderful sister?"

Rosaline stiffened. That wasn't the reaction she had expected.

The audience chuckled at the loving exchange, but Sabrina Voss was watching everything closely. There was something about Jazmine's composure that intrigued her.

This was going to be very interesting.

The audience waited in anticipation. Would Jazmine embarrass herself? Would she surprise them?

Amelia, still clinging to her last shred of hope, whispered, "So what piece are we going to play?"

"Fantasia in F minor."

Amelia's blood ran cold.

"Tell me you are joking."

Jazmine merely smiled. "You have already played that piece on a talk show. I saw you. You are quite skilled in it. Just play your part. I know what to do."

"Jaz, wait. Let's talk about it. There are plenty of other pieces out there that—"

Jazmine ignored her, stepping forward to address the audience.

"The piece we are going to play is one of the most famous ever written by Franz Schubert. It tells the story of unrequited love—the deep longing, the anger, and, ultimately, the acceptance and letting go. Though Schubert is no longer with us, his emotions live on, carried through this composition."

Her words had a hypnotic effect. People leaned forward, anticipation crackling in the air.

Amelia sighed in resignation and took her seat at the piano. Jazmine joined her.

Then, the first note struck.

A single sound, yet it shifted the entire atmosphere.

As the music flowed, a mesmerizing spell fell over the room. Jazmine's fingers moved effortlessly over the keys, her touch light yet commanding. The melody spoke, whispering heartbreak and yearning.

Jazmine closed her eyes, losing herself in the song.

She understood this music. She had lived it.

Her love for David, her endless yearning, her rage at being discarded, and finally, her acceptance—it was all there, woven into the melody.

As the piece reached its emotional peak, a few guests wiped away tears. Some sat frozen, completely enthralled.

The song lasted twenty minutes, yet when the final notes faded, it felt like no time had passed.

Silence.

Then, the room erupted into applause.

Sabrina Voss was still in a daze, struggling to process what she had just experienced. "The way you played the piano... I could feel all the emotions through those notes. I have listened to countless professionals, but never... never have I heard something so... so moving."

Jazmine had won.

Not just the duel.

She had won the hearts of everyone in the room.

As the guests rushed forward with praises, Rosaline, Sarah Whites, and Scarlette Whites stood frozen in the corner—completely forgotten.

Rosaline's face twisted with rage.

She refused to accept this.

If she couldn't win with talent, then she would destroy Jazmine another way.

And she knew exactly where to strike.