Anastasia's Revenge

Lord Benjamin wanted to say something but Lady Anastasia's voice rang across the room, "I see that Lady Melissa has gifted my brother a beautiful painting. She must've spent quite some time preparing this painting for him. Such dedication and thoughts deserve a round of applause." With that said, she smiled brightly and clapped her hands enthusiastically, as if her words were innocent and didn't carry a hidden meaning. 

The guests looked at one another and then at both Lord Benjamin and Lady Melissa. Awkward sounds of clapping could be heard in the quiet room. 

"Ana..." Lord Benjamin's voice carried a threat only known to his sister. Melissa, already anticipated Lady Anastasia's taunt, only smiled faintly at her comment, not saying a word. This verbal attacks were nothing, there must be something more to it. 

Undeterred by her brother's warning, Lady Anastasia continued, "Lady Melissa is a woman of many talents. I heard besides painting, she could also cook and embroider. Let's see, what else can we add to the list? Ah yes, probably she could also play the piano?" 

Melissa's eyebrows furrowed. She listed my strengths so accurately. Is everyone here aware of each other's weaknesses and strengths? Or one only know of their enemies' background? In my world, no one gave a hoot about other people! 

Seeing the unresponsive Melissa, Lady Anastasia didn't give up. "Is that a yes or no, Lady Melissa? What a pity, I thought Duke Knight would have at least spend some money to educate you in music. Not to worry, I can teach you if you're willing." 

Her voice was gentle and kind to the public's eye. They nodded approvingly and looked at Lady Melissa. 

"It's alright if you can't play the piano my dear. Like painting, music needs years of dedication as well." A nearby older woman gently said to Melissa. 

"Yes, if you're interested, you can learn from Anastasia. She has offered to teach you. I'm sure your father won't mind." Another one commented. 

At first, Melissa wanted to ignore this taunt as she didn't need to entertain such foolish person. However, the cunning girl had brought Duke Malcom into the equation. No money to teach me music?? Free lessons from her? 

Melissa's face suddenly broke into a wide smile and she walked forward. Lord Benjamin wanted to stop her but Melissa simply turned her head and nodded, gesturing him not to worry. 

"My Lady, you played so well. You must've had a wonderful teacher." Melissa said when she stood face to face with Lady Anastasia.

"Of course! My father cared about my education and only hired the best teachers for me." Lady Anastasia said proudly.

"I see. I'm flattered that you also knew so much about me. You must be my number one fan! But you're quite wrong about one thing though. Unlike your father, my father didn't need to spend money to cultivate talents in me. I'm always self-taught, be it in painting, cooking or music." Melissa said, smile still could be seen on her face.

Lady Anastasia gritted her teeth. Let's see how long you can stay smug!

"Is that so? Why don't you play us a piece then? I'm sure everyone here would like to see your talent." She said. 

Lady Anastasia didn't really care if she played or not. If she didn't, it'll only proved that she's not as perfect as everyone thought. But if Lady Melissa does play, she probably still won't be as good as her. Lady Anastasia had played the piano since she was 4 years old. There's no one in the capital who could play as good as her. 

Melissa took a seat at the grand piano and closed her eyes. The truth was, she only knew how to play two songs. That too was taught by Master Graden during her breaks. She never had any formal training in music, but Master Graden always said she had the ears for it and could play without looking at the scores. That should count as a talent, right? And she practiced hard during her free time, trying to perfect the two songs that she knew. 

Let's see..which one should I play.. Melissa's fingers moved gracefully on the keys, as if they were part of her. Never once did she open her eyes. In her mind, she was in Master Graden's study, practicing this song to her heart's content. She could see her teacher standing in front of her, smiling and nodding approvingly at her. Melissa's eyes brimmed with tears, somehow happy that she's able to see him even only in her memory. 

On the last note of Ludovico Einaudi's Experience, Melissa's slender hands paused on the keys and she opened her eyes slowly. The hall was silent and time seemed to have sit still. No one moved and their eyes were fixated on Melissa. After some time, Melissa, who was also still thinking of her past life, subconsciously tuned out everyone present, until she was pulled back to reality when a loud sound of clapping resonated through the hall, followed by a thunderous one. 

Everyone present was pleasantly surprised by Melissa's musical prowess. And the song she played was a piece they had never heard before. Did she compose the song? If yes, she must be like what she claimed to be, a self-taught musical genius. 

Lord Benjamin strode over to where she was seated and his eyes were shone with admiration. 

"Melissa! Thank you, that was wonderful." He took her hand and kissed it. 

Lady Anastasia gripped her hands and steadied her emotions which was seething with anger. In the midst of the crowd's attention on Lady Melissa, Lady Anastasia took the opportunity to turn and looked at Mr King. That damn man was also as infatuated with Lady Melissa as the rest and didn't see her. 

Lady Anastasia moved closer to him and nudged him, purposely acting carelessly. The man at first was annoyed but when he turned sideways, he saw her. Looking at her subtle action, he understood. It's time for the plan to commence. Thinking of that, Mr King grinned and turned his attention back to Melissa.