In the very center stood a girl in a ck mermaid gown, serenely holding her violin. Her notes rippled through the crowd, cleansing their hearts with an ethereal touch.


    I stared at the beautiful, elegant figure on stage–it was Isabelle.


    She’d traded her usual casual clothes for a graceful, refined gown. She looked like a goddess straight out of a painting–romantic and stunning.


    “Wow, her whole vibe has changed,” Ryan whispered in my ear, sounding genuinely impressed.


    “She’s really beautiful,” I said, genuinely impressed.


    Her youth was her greatest asset–no matter what, she always looked radiant and full of life.


    At first, Isabelle didn’t look down at the audience. But then, she must have spotted Edward, because her voice almost cracked. Still, she pulled herself together fast, thanks to her training.


    When the song ended, the crowd was still in a daze.


    The host’s enthusiastic voice broke the silence, officially kicking off the show.


    Back when I used to hang out with the societydies, I’d been to plenty of art shows and musicals, so I didn’t feel out of ce at all.


    Ryan was slouched back in his chair, looking like he was just here to show support. He had that irreverent, yful vibe–honestly, I doubted he was even listening to the music.


    Edward was leaning back too, eyes closed as the music yed.


    ‘What could he be thinking?‘ I wondered.


    After that, there was a whole lineup of performances–some group numbers, some solos, and even a couple of well–known singers who showed up to perform. There were also a few dance routines, each one absolutely amazing.


    I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage. Music really does work its magic on the soul.


    During the intermission, Ryan had to take a few important calls, so I took the chance to head to the


    restroom.


    It was my first time here, and as soon as I stepped out, I wasn’t sure which way to go, looking for a sign.


    <b>11:36 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>4 </b>Sept O


    “The restroom’s to the left,” a deep voice said from behind me.


    <b>65</b><b>% </b>


    333


    My heart skipped a beat. I turned around to see Edward standing there–not sure when he’d ended up


    behind me.


    “Thanks,” I said, and started walking.


    Edward trailed after me, neither of us saying a word.


    I slipped into the restroom, my heart pounding in my chest. I was hoping he’d just leave me alone, but to my surprise, he actually followed me here.


    I realized I was more nervous around him than I was feeling anything else right now.


    It’s not like he was some kind of monster. It’s just–with Ryan between us, any feelings we might have were doomed to stay in the dark, snuffed out before they even had a chance to start.


    I lingered in the restroom for a while, stalling. When I finally came out, Edward was gone.


    I made my way back to the hall and saw Isabelle stepping off the stage to greet everyone. The Lynn family was gathered around her like she was their pride and joy, all smiles, and the person they were talking to was none other than Edward.


    “Edward, I’m so happy you came,” Isabelle stammered, so excited she could barely get the words out, You could tell her secret crush was finally getting its moment in the spotlight.


    Edward nodded at her. “Your performance was amazing.


    “Really<i>? </i>Then, Edward… can I get a bouquet from you?” Isabelle, young but gutsy, asked without hesitation.


    Edward paused for a second, then said, “Sorry, I didn’t get you any flowers.”


    “That’s okay, these are from my dad anyway. Could you give them to meter?” Isabelle spun around, snatched the bouquet from her dad, and stuffed it into Edward’s arms. “Please, Edward.”


    She pressed her hands together, looking up at him with those big, hopeful eyes–so pitiful and cute that anyone would have a hard time saying no.


    But Edward just handed the bouquet right back to Mr. Lynn. “This is your father’s gift to you. I can’t take that away.”


    Mr. Lynn grinned from ear to ear. “Mr. Jennings, you’re too polite.”


    Isabelle looked so pitiful, her eyes were on the verge of tears.


    <b>11:36 </b>Thu, 4 Sept 6<b>. </b>


    Edward nced back, realizing he was blocking the doorway and I couldn’t get past.


    He stepped aside and said, “Go on in.”


    “Thanks,” I said, then turned to Isabelle. “Isabelle, congrats! <i>You </i>were amazing out there.”


    “Victoria, you came too?” Isabelle’s face lit up as she rushed over and hugged me. “I’m so happy you’re here! Where’s Ryan?”


    I nced around. “He’s off taking a call.”


    <b>65</b><b>% </b>


    +33


    “Well, I’ll treat you two lovebirds to dinnerter,” Isabelle said, checking the time. “The second half’s about to start–I need to get ready for my next performance.”


    I watched Isabelle, so happy she was practically flying–her invisible wings all thanks to the fact that the guy she loved was out there in the audience, watching her.


    Just then, an elderlydy–maybe she lost her footing–suddenly took a couple of steps back and bumped right into me.


    The impact made me stumble back a couple steps too.


    My momentum sent Edward, who was standing behind me, crashing into the door beside us. I grabbed the olddy’s shoulders to steady her.


    At the same time, my back ended up pressed right against Edward’s chest.