Chapter 1100:

Smiling, Jayden shared, “That may be true, but I cherish the time spent with you. Your presence alone comforts me.” His sincerity caught her off guard, leaving her momentarily speechless. She quickly turned away and walked ahead. Jayden noticed her sudden shyness and smiled; her contradictions were endearing.

As they continued, Elyse felt a sudden pull and halted in front of a shop with a discreet sign. Catching up, Jayden looked on, intrigued. “What’s this? Something about this place caught your interest?”

Elyse held her chest, a hopeful glint in her eyes. “This shop… I’ve got a good feeling about it.”

“That’s great to hear! Always trust your gut. Maybe this place holds something truly special,” Jayden encouraged, patting her shoulder gently. “Don’t just stand there; let’s go inside. If something catches your fancy, it’s on me.”

Nodding, Elyse stepped through the doorway.

As they entered, the cheerful tinkle of a bell welcomed them, mingling with the warm, woody scent that filled the air. Elyse’s gaze swept over the shop; it was snug yet spacious, feeling welcoming.

“Welcome! I’m the owner, Anthony Hill. What brings you here? We have a variety of items,” said a man in his forties, wearing black-rimmed glasses and offering a warm smile. As he stepped closer, his smile widened. “Feel free to browse without buying anything; that’s completely fine. But be prepared for my chatter. I’m quite the storyteller and enjoy discussing the histories behind each of the treasures in my shop with my customers.”

Elyse, finding Anthony’s approach both amusing and engaging, smiled back. “I’m looking for a violin that’s a good fit for me.” She had left her original violin at the concert hall, which was undergoing renovations. Unfortunately, her violin was likely to be discarded as debris, so she needed a new one.

After a moment, Anthony suggested a particularly exquisite violin. “This violin was lovingly crafted by my father,” he explained. “He had planned to gift it to a young friend, but sadly, the friend never returned. It has been waiting here, gathering stories and dust.”

Surprised, Elyse inquired, “How long has this violin been in the shop?”

“It has sat here for many years—almost thirty, if memory serves,” Anthony responded. “I watched him create it, from handpicking the wood to stringing it meticulously. He poured his entire heart and soul into it. It’s more than just an instrument; it’s a legacy.” . . .