Chapter 64
As I sat there, struggling with the tangle of emotions that Maurice’s words had stirred within me, my phone rang, abruptly cutting through the thick, charged atmosphere. A wave of inexplicable relief washed over me, offering a much–needed escape from the intensity of the moment. I signaled to Maurice that I needed to take the call and moved to the side, grateful for the temporary reprieve.
When I glanced at the screen, I was surprised to see Lorik’s name. In this strange place, far from everything familiar, hearing his voice brought an unexpected warmth to my heart.
“Shirley,” he began, his voice steady yet laced with a hint of concern, “It’s nighttime where you are, isn’t it? Why aren’t you asleep? How are you settling in? How’s the city treating you?”
I felt a little touched by his concern, a softness creeping into my heart. “I’m alright,” I replied, “Just a
bit of insomnia, I guess. It’s been a lot to take in.”
“Get some rest, Shirley. You need to be at your best for the competition,” he advised, his tone serious but caring. There was a pause, and then I heard him cough twice. Instinctively, I frowned, worried despite the distance.
“Lorik, you’ve got to remember to cut back on the smoking while I’m away. It’s not good for you,” I found myself saying, the words slipping out before I could think twice.
“Alright, alright,” he responded, a soft chuckle in his voice. On the other end of the line, I imagined him picking up his cigarette case, hesitating for a moment before tossing it into the bin with a resigned sigh.
‘You know what, Shirley?‘ He said in a low voice, “Talking to you always calms me down, even if it’s just hearing your voice.‘
We chatted a bit more, the conversation lighter now, filled with small reassurances and words of encouragement. When we finally hung up, I turned back to Maurice, who was still seated at the piano. The soft glow of the moonlight illuminated his figure, making him appear almost ethereal, yet
undeniably lonely.
I slipped my phone back into my pocket and offered him a small, apologetic smile. “I think I should get some rest,” I said quietly, not wanting to disturb the fragile peace that had settled between us.
Maurice nodded, his expression unreadable, though I could feel his gaze following me as I made my way back to my room. There was a weight in his eyes, a silent longing that tugged at my heartstrings even as I walked away.
After I Let Go My Alpha, He Knelt in Regret
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Once inside my room, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, exhaling a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. My mind was still whirling from the events of the evening, but I knew I couldn’t afford to dwell on them. The competition was looming, and I had worked too hard to let
anything distract me now.
I shook off the lingering thoughts of Maurice and Lorik and focused on the music I would be playing tomorrow. Each note, each phrase, every subtle nuance of the piece played over and over in my mind as I mentally prepared myself for the performance. This was my chance, and I couldn’t let anything, or anyone, get in the way.
The Serevia International Pianoforte Competition, is one of the most important musical events in the world. Serevía, where the event takes place, is a city of music that seems to be surrounded by
musical notes, where every street and every building exudes a strong artistic flavour.
The next morning, I arrived at the competition venue. The grandeur of the concert hall took my
breath away–this was a place where history had been made, where the greatest musicians in the
world had once stood. The building itself was a marvel, a towering testament to the power of music, with acoustics that were second to none. It was the kind of place that could either elevate a
performer to greatness or crush them under the weight of its expectations.
As I walked through the grand entrance, my nerves began to fray. I had never played in such a
magnificent setting before, and the sheer scale of it was daunting. My heart raced, a mix of excitement and anxiety churning in my chest.
And then, amidst the sea of faces, I saw her–Lorcia. She was impossible to miss, dressed in a gown
so extravagant it seemed to shimmer with every movement. The fabric was a deep, royal blue, adorned with intricate beadwork that caught the light in a thousand different ways. Her hair was
swept up in an elegant style, and her makeup was flawless, enhancing her already striking features.
It was as if the entire room was drawn to her, captivated by her presence.
Beside her was her sister, Sorcia, who was not a participant but seemed determined to bask in the
reflected glory. Sorcia was all smiles, fawning over the important figures in the room, trying to curry favor wherever she could. It was a stark contrast to the polished, poised figure Lorcia cut, and for a
moment, I felt a pang of envy. Lorcia had always known how to command attention, how to be the
star of the show.
4
Our eyes met, and Lorcia’s expression shifted. With a bright, almost too–sweet smile, she glided over to me, her arms outstretched as if to embrace an old friend. “Shirley! It’s so good to see you here,”
she exclaimed, her voice dripping with false warmth. She pulled me into a hug, her perfume overwhelming my senses.
But as she leaned in, her voice dropped to a whisper, cold and cutting. “You’re screwed,” she hissed, the words sharp and cruel against my ear.
After I Let Go My Alpha, He Knelt in Regret
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