The Final Bow


    28 Pearls


    The emotions in the room surged like a tidal wave. The fans couldn''t absorb a


    word of what was being said.


    "I''m truly grateful for all your love. These past three years-we''vee this far


    only because of you, Avery finally spoke, his voice calm but heavy. "But no


    celebrationsts forever. In the end, I have to leave


    Everyone present today was a dichard fan.


    Some of them, Avery even recognized. No matter where the band traveled, he''d


    always catch glimpses of them waiting at airports, cheering from the crowd. They


    truly loved Avery Band.


    "Avery! Didn''t you say we''d y music together until we''re old? Why are you


    leaving now?" one fan cried


    out.


    They couldn''t understand. Things had finally taken a turn for the better-why now?


    Even Avery, usually so reserved, had red-rimmed eyes. He wasn''t unaffected. He


    didn''t want to leave either.


    "If you really love us," he said softly, "please respect our decision. Even after I go,


    I''ll always remember your kindness."


    He stood and gave a deep bow to the fans and the press.


    The rest of Avery Band rose with him and bowed together.


    "Thank you for all the love you''ve shown us," Steven said, his ever-smiling face


    now clouded with sorrow. "No matter what, we respect Avery''s decision."


    He was the one who least wanted to see the band dissolve.


    But he''d always trusted Avery. Whatever Avery chose, Steven would stand behind


    it.


    "Steven!"


    His fans were overwhelmed with heartache.


    They knew how much this band meant to him.


    He was thest person who would ever want to see it end. And now, he was still


    forcing himself to smile for everyone''s sake. How could that not hurt?


    "I''m fine," Steven said gently. "Please don''t let your emotions get the best of you. I


    don''t want anyone passing out again."


    "And so," Avery announced, "this next concert will be ourst. Our farewell


    performance. As a thank-you for all the support you''ve given Avery Band over the


    years, there will be no ticket charge. It will bepletely free."


    It was the least he could do for the fans who''d given them everything.


    "Tessa, I''m sorry. I made that decision on my own, without informing thepany.


    I''ll personally cover all


    the costs."


    Concerts weren''t cheap. TS Entertainment couldn''t be expected to foot the bill for


    a personal farewell.


    12:43 Mull, 30 Jun


    Chapter 509 The Final Bow


    "Avery


    The fans in the crowd burst into sobs.


    How could such a good idol, such a kind-hearted artist, just walk away like this?


    "You don''t owe me an apology," Tessa said firmly. "I support any decision you


    make. And you won''t be paying a thing. You''re part of TS Entertainment. Of


    course we''ll cover the cost."


    "This final concert," Avery continued, "I want it to be a spectacr show-both


    visually and musically. And let me say again: leaving Avery Band is my decision


    alone. No one else is involved. I hope you''ll all continue supporting TS


    Entertainment in the future."


    He bowed once more.


    The other members joined him again.


    "Thisst show-we''re ready. Are you?" Steven smiled, holding back tears. No


    matter what, they had this onest moment. At least they could still sing together,


    onest time.


    "Avery! Avery! Avery!"


    "Steven! Steven! Steven!"


    The crowd erupted with raw emotion, crying out for their idols.


    Was there really no turning back?


    Was this truly the end?


    As Avery turned away, a single tear slid down his cheek.


    Tessa saw it.


    In truth, he was the one who found it hardest to let go.


    He couldn''t bear to walk away.


    Coldfang Mercenaries... Maybe it was time she paid them a visit. Maybe it was


    time she spoke to his father.


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