Chapter 236:
"Good evening, everyone. The Celestial Sounds Symphony performance is about to begin. Please welcome our concertmaster, Elyse Lloyd."
As soon as the host announced her name, Elyse gracefully glided onto the stage in a stunning fishtail dress, violin in hand. Pausing center stage, the spotlight illuminated her radiant smile.
From the audience: "Elyse Lloyd? Who's that? Isn't Vicky Aston the concertmaster? I only came to see her!"
"Vicky was replaced by some girl named Elyse. Why? I traveled all this way to see my idol! I don't want to see some unknown violinist. Get her offstage! Bring Vicky back!"
Vicky, the youngest violinist, had a substantial fan base eagerly anticipating her performances on this tour.
Hearing the growing unrest, Peyton gulped anxiously. "Hey, what should we do? Your wife's going to be booed offstage!"
Jayden didn't answer, his chin resting on his palm, completely focused on the woman onstage. The fishtail dress accentuated Elyse's beautiful figure; its shimmering crystal hem twinkled under the lights. Instead of her usual high ponytail, she wore her hair in a low ponytail, delicate wisps framing her face. This subtle change, along with her dress, added maturity and elegance.
Jayden watched, wondering how his wife would react to the harsh criticism. Would she ask for his help?
Elyse ignored the audience. With a graceful wave, her bow met the strings, and harmonious music filled the hall. The noisy crowd gradually fell silent, captivated by the beautiful melody.
Jayden fell into a trance, as if under a spell. Her every move was graceful and elegant, like a fairy's.
An hour later, a fifteen-minute intermission began.
Clive, awestruck, turned to Jayden. "Wow, your wife played for over an hour! She has incredible energy."
Jayden was about to respond when he spotted Cody in the audience, sitting next to Richie—a man he hadn't seen in years. They seemed well acquainted. Jayden's eyebrows shot up in surprise. How did they know each other?
Backstage, Elyse gratefully accepted a bottle of water from the manager, gulping it down thirstily.
The manager nodded, her eyes twinkling with appreciation. "You did exceptionally well, Elyse."
Elyse smiled graciously, though her flushed cheeks revealed her pride. "There's still the second half. You can do this," the manager said, giving Elyse a reassuring squeeze.
Elyse nodded and waved goodbye. The moment the manager left, Elyse cupped her burning cheeks and whispered excitedly, "I did it!"
The intermission ended. Returning to the stage, Elyse became completely immersed in the music. The final note brought thunderous applause, startling her from her concentration. The conductor gestured, snapping her back to reality.
With a charming smile, Elyse took a bow. She had upheld the honor of the Celestial Sounds Symphony.
After the curtain fell, the audience dispersed. Returning to the lounge, Elyse found herself the focus of attention, met with another round of applause. "You did a wonderful job as concertmaster, Elyse. Congratulations," the manager praised.
Touched, Elyse wiped away tears. "It's all thanks to the orchestra. We did it together," she said modestly. The manager chuckled, squeezed Elyse's hand, and said nothing more.
The team had planned a celebratory meal, but the last-minute change in concertmasters meant the manager and staff had to attend a planning meeting. They postponed the celebration and went home to rest.
Elyse quickly changed and excitedly searched for Jayden. Spotting him at the entrance, her eyes lit up. But before she could reach him, a man blocked her way.
Confused, Elyse asked, "Do I know you?" He smiled, offering her a bouquet of flowers. "I just saw your performance. You were stunning."
When Elyse didn't take the flowers, he stepped closer. "These are for you." Elyse stood frozen, unsure what to do.
Before she could respond, a deep voice interrupted. "She doesn't need your flowers," Jayden said, pulling Elyse to his side. "She's my wife." ... ... ...