Chapter 4 A Tip from Me and My Boyfriend Jared pulled his gaze away, voice indifferent. "Don't know her." So she had come looking for him-like hell he'd throw her a lifeline. That chill in his tone hit Lily like a slap to the face. Those two cold words-"Don't know"-shattered her heart into pulp. She bit down on her lip, forcing herself to stay clear-headed. She was already inside; she couldn't just turn around and leave. People who dined here were either wealthy or powerful. If she caused a scene and drew attention, it could damage the restaurant's reputation. Her fingers whitened as she gripped her skirt, but she still took a deep breath and walked to the piano. They had requested a famous piece. A romantic piano ballad-an ode to a man's admiration for a woman. Lily stared at the sheet music for a long time before starting. She didn't know who had requested the song. But the foreign man kept teasing, "Mr. Jared, to have someone like Ms. Sarah by your side-you've truly struck gold!" "She's exceptional," Jared replied with a faint smile, not holding back in praising Sarah. Sarah responded with practiced humility. "I wasn't this good when I first started out. Jared trained me well." The prelude was soft, and the pleasant melody didn't mask their conversation. Lily knew the piece by heart, so she didn't need to look at the score. Her eyes wandered to the table across the room. Jared sat slightly turned toward Sarah, his arm resting casually along the back of her chair. Sarah chatted with the foreign client, using fluent foreign language to negotiate terms. Occasionally, she leaned close to whisper something to Jared. Lily understood the language but not the business jargon. Still, Jared and Sarah communicated seamlessly-sometimes with nothing more than a glance. Together, they handled the client with practiced ease. Five minutes felt like an eternity. When the piece ended and Lily's hands fell silent, the piano's lingering notes faded, and the voices at the table became more distinct. "You two are a perfect match!" the client said with admiration, even though he hadn't gotten everything he wanted from the deal. But he seemed genuinely pleased-and full of praise for Jared and Sarah. The words "perfect match" made Jared's brow twitch. But the client was a foreigner, unfamiliar with the full nuance of the phrase. There was no point in correcting him. Sarah smiled graciously. "Mr. Mike, you flatter us." Lily forced a smile and withdrew her gaze from Jared. Maybe he thought she was an embarrassment. Since that first glance when she entered, he hadn't looked at her again. As if one extra look might reveal she was his wife-and that would shame him. This piano was Yulia's treasure, usually off-limits to hired performers. But to these rich clients, people like her were just entertainment-lower class, meant to serve. It was time to leave. But for some reason, Lily stared at Jared, watching him exhale a puff of smoke, unable to stand up just yet. Then Sarah stood and walked toward her with a wallet in hand. She held out a thin stack of crisp hundred-dollar bills-at least a thousand-and offered it to Lily. "You played beautifully. This is a tip from me and my boyfriend." Her voice was soft. Boyfriend. Tip. A sharp pain pierced Lily's chest as she looked up at Sarah. The woman's gaze seemed calm, but beneath it shimmered a smug sense of triumph. Lily suspected Sarah knew exactly who she was. In fact, that anonymous video she received earlier... Sarah was likely involved. She could tolerate Jared's coldness. But Sarah's quiet provocations-she couldn't. Lily opened her mouth to speak, but- "What are you standing there for?" Jared snapped. His warning-laced glare landed on her like a blow. If she had any sense, she'd never have shown up here. She should've just gone home and apologized. That look made Lily's heart jolt. She took the money from Sarah and left without another word. Sarah's confidence came from Jared. Lily had no way to fight that. There was no point in holding her ground and humiliating herself even more. She might as well take the cash. Why not? She returned to the main hall and played until ten o'clock before clocking out. Yulia had gone to get the car. Lily changed and stepped outside to wait. The early autumn night was crisp. She shoved her hands in her coat pockets, pulling it tight, eyes fixed on the bleak, quiet street ahead. Jared walked up behind her and stopped beside her, pulling out a cigarette and biting it between his lips. He glanced sideways. "Don't come to places like this looking for me again. If you have something to say, say it at home." Lily turned toward him. He was a full head taller. The overhead light cast a golden glow over him. His features were striking, clean-cut. The sharp line of his jaw flexed as he bit down on the cigarette. That lazy, refined air about him wrapped around her like smoke, and her numb heart suddenly flickered to life. But the more it came alive, the more it ached. Maybe she had become so insignificant in his eyes, he truly believed she came here for him . "You've got it wrong. I was helping Yulia." She shifted sideways, putting some space between them. Still so stubborn. Jared's eyes darkened as smoke drifted from his lips. "I don't care what the reason is. Don't show up here again. Don't embarrass me." "We're in a secret marriage. No one knows I'm your wife. If you're so ashamed of me, we can finalize the divorce tomorrow." Lily's voice trembled from his cutting words. In the chill of night, a couple who had once shared the most intimate moments now stood at dagger's edge. Jared let out a cold laugh, tongue pressing against the inside of his cheek. "Trying to play hard-to-get? That won't work on me. One day you'll come crawling back." Lily turned her head, afraid he'd see her eyes starting to tear up. Behind him, Mr. Mike stepped outside. "Mr. Jared, I look forward to our collaboration." Jared's expression lost its edge. When he turned to Mr. Mike, his smile returned. "Pleasure working with you. Feel free to stay a few more days-let Sarah show you around." Mr. Mike chuckled. "I wouldn't dare steal her away from you, Mr. Jared. She's all yours." Just then, Sarah pulled the car up. She got out and walked up the steps to join them. She stood beside Jared, but spoke to Mr. Mike instead. "Mr. Mike, let me take you to your hotel." Mr. Mike beamed. "It's an honor, Ms. Sarah. Thank you!" Jared leaned toward Sarah and placed a hand gently at her waist. "Be safe." Sarah nodded and left with Mr. Mike-without even glancing back at Lily. As if she hadn't recognized her in different clothes-or maybe, she was pretending not to. Lily watched them leave, lips pressed tightly together. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. 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