Chapter 6:

Jayden hadn't expected Elyse to come. Panicked, he let himself fall to the floor. Seeing him crash down and struggle to sit up in his wheelchair, Elyse shivered. Was he secretly practicing standing in the solitude of the study?

"What are you doing here?" Jayden asked from the floor, his tone brimming with impatience after several failed attempts to rise.

Realizing she'd stumbled upon his secret, Elyse felt consumed by guilt. "I'm sorry. I just came to tell you to go to bed."

"It's unnecessary. Just leave me alone," he snapped, his pride seemingly wounded.

Elyse felt the sting of his words. She wanted to offer comfort, but Driscoll had mentioned Jayden might never walk again. Any attempt at consolation now seemed disingenuous. After a moment of silence, she murmured, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude," then turned and left.

Jayden waited until he heard her footsteps fade before standing. Dusting off his legs, he realized he'd been too careless. He would have to be more cautious to avoid her discovering his pretense.

Meanwhile, Elyse lay in bed, guilt-ridden and unable to sleep. She felt she had deeply hurt Jayden.

The next morning, Elyse found Jayden absent. Her curiosity piqued, she asked Driscoll, "Where is Jayden?"

"He's at the hospital for a checkup with the family doctor," Driscoll replied. "He goes regularly."

"Why didn't he tell me? I could have gone with him," Elyse said.

Driscoll sighed. "He didn't want you to hear from the doctor that he may never walk again."

Elyse sighed, feeling a pang of sympathy. "I have to go to work. I won't be back for lunch."

After breakfast, she left for the orchestra's tour selections. The selected performers would go on tour. Elyse, who cherished playing the violin since childhood, dreamed of becoming concertmaster. Determined not to miss this opportunity, she headed to the event.

On the third floor, she encountered Rebekah Bentley leaving her office. Noticing Elyse's registration form, Rebekah's eyes filled with disdain. "You're trying out for the tour," she scoffed.

"Anyone can apply," Elyse replied, ignoring Rebekah's tone.

Rebekah sneered. "It seems this year's selection won't be much of a challenge."

"Agreed. I knew I would succeed if my rival were you," Elyse said confidently, then brushed past Rebekah, saying, "You're in my way."

"You're saying I'm in your way?" Rebekah responded angrily.

Elyse didn't reply. A year ago, they'd both joined the orchestra as violinists and were frequently compared. Rebekah had always been hostile, making it clear they were rivals, not friends.

Elyse approached Wanda Hopkins, the elderly woman organizing registrations. "Ms. Hopkins, here is my registration form."

Wanda frowned. "Are you sure you want to participate? You're not going to ask me to retract your form like last year, are you?"

Elyse bowed her head, embarrassed. Last year, she'd withdrawn her application because her mother, Glenda, had interfered.

Wanda, recognizing Elyse's talent, had urged her not to waste the opportunity, but to no avail.

"No, I won't. I'm not wasting any more opportunities. I'm determined to pursue my dream, and nothing will stop me this time," Elyse replied.

"Why didn't you realize this last year?" Wanda asked.

Elyse opened her mouth to respond, but couldn't voice the true reason. ... ... ...