Chapter 255

Jayden’s face was impassive. “I didn’t mean it like that,” he said. “Why do you always take it the wrong way?”

Elyse managed a tight smile. “Oh, so you didn’t mean any of it?” She stood abruptly, changed into another outfit, and prepared to leave. Jayden tried to follow, but his struggle to maneuver his wheelchair slowed him. Elyse didn’t wait; she left the room, violin case in hand.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Driscoll approached. “Just so you know, Miss Tracy Bernard left early. Would you like some breakfast?”

Elyse shook her head listlessly. “No, thanks. I’ll skip it.” Driscoll noted her frosty demeanor and concluded that Jayden hadn’t yet smoothed things over.

After leaving the house, Elyse took a taxi to a secluded park and practiced her violin. Later, she went to a university practice room for a meeting with Cody.

Cody was working with two students. Noticing Elyse, he quickly dismissed them with a nod.

“Your students?” Elyse asked, curiously.

“Not quite,” Cody replied, glancing at a document. “I’m subbing for a friend this week. They were here with questions.”

Elyse nodded, a pang of envy for the students’ access to Cody’s advice.

“How’s your practice of ‘Erlkönig’?” Cody asked, setting down the document and looking at her intently.

Elyse’s nerves spiked as she held her violin. “I’ve put everything into it. Today, I’m here to let you hear the results.”

Cody nodded approvingly. “Alright, let’s get started.” He gestured for her to begin.

Her hands trembled slightly as she took out her violin, took a deep breath, and began to play. ‘Erlkönig’ was notoriously challenging, even for seasoned professionals. Despite her talent, Elyse had never tackled such a demanding piece.

As the last note faded, she bit her lip and looked at Cody, a mix of hope and guilt in her eyes. With a teasing smile, Cody asked, “Did you notice your mistakes?”

She nodded, even more embarrassed. It wasn’t just one; there were several. Cody gently took the violin. “Let me show you something,” he said, explaining each detail. Invigorated by his instruction, Elyse immediately played the piece again, showing marked improvement.

“I’m getting better!” she exclaimed, surprised and elated. Her aptitude was undeniable, reminding Cody of someone he knew well. For a moment, seeing his old friend reflected in Elyse’s talent left him momentarily dazed.

Elyse’s words brought him back to reality. Clearing his throat, he masked his lapse. “Good, you did a great job. But…” He hesitated, sensing a weight in her previous performance. “Are you in a bad mood? Your music sounded heavy, almost as if it wasn’t meant to lift spirits.”

Recalling the previous day’s events, Elyse reflexively denied any distress. “No, nothing’s bothering me.”

Cody’s gaze pierced through her denial. “You don’t have to lie to me. I know your music; your emotions are woven into it. I can hear the pain and sadness.”

Elyse was taken aback. She hadn’t expected him to discern her emotional state through her playing. His insight affirmed his mastery, but left her uneasy. She hesitated to share her troubles. The issues between her and Jayden were theirs to resolve; outside interference wouldn't help.

Cody, recognizing her reluctance, didn’t press. Instead, he asked her to perform “Erlkönig” again in a week. The invitation left Elyse puzzled and intrigued. Was he subtly offering her an apprenticeship? He hadn’t taken on an apprentice during the last selection period.

The thought of asking if she was being considered flitted through her mind, but embarrassment held her back. Such a question might seem presumptuous.

With these thoughts swirling, she said goodbye to Cody. Carrying her violin case, Elyse wandered aimlessly across campus. She wasn’t ready to face Jayden, preferring solitude.

As she was about to leave campus, a car pulled up. The window rolled down, revealing a familiar face—the enthusiastic fan who had sent her flowers.

Elyse glanced around nervously. Noticing her apprehension, the man quickly introduced himself. “Don’t be nervous, Miss Lloyd. I’m Pearce Benson, a big fan of your work.”

Elyse eyed him warily. “How did you know where to find me?”

Pearce offered a gentle smile. “I’m a professor here at the university. I happened to be here for work today and was surprised to see you.”