Chapter 687:

As she approached, Elyse noticed Richie’s agent pacing anxiously before the door, worry etched on his face. “What’s wrong?” Elyse called, her curiosity piqued. “Is Richie being difficult again?”

The agent rushed to her, anxiety evident. “The singer scheduled to duet with Richie missed her flight! She won’t arrive for another hour, and their performance is in ten minutes! What are we going to do?”

“What were they supposed to perform?”

“A duet!”

Elyse tapped her chin thoughtfully. “But isn’t Richie tone-deaf? How was he supposed to manage that?”

The agent declared confidently, “The pay is generous. Even if Richie is tone-deaf, he can still stand onstage and muddle through one song.”

Elyse was stunned silent.

Richie, perhaps because his agent had been away, emerged from the lounge, looking puzzled. “Is the other singer here yet? I’m about to go onstage.”

The agent shook his head apologetically. “It seems you’ll have to perform alone.”

Richie’s eyes widened. “How can that be? I can’t sing! Do you want me to lose all my fans?”

Frustration twisted the agent’s face. If he’d known the other performer wouldn’t show, he never would have booked this gig for Richie.

After considering, Elyse suggested, “How about I go onstage with you?”

Richie eyed Elyse skeptically. “You can sing?”

“No,” Elyse admitted with a chuckle, “but I can play the violin to help you find the rhythm. People often struggle with singing because they lack a sense of melody and can’t stay on beat. They sing too freely and go off-key.”

Richie looked between Elyse and his agent, uncertain. “Well… It’s worth a shot!”

Together, they headed to the lounge to practice.

Time was short, and they managed only a few hurried rehearsals before the staff ushered them backstage.

Backstage, Richie took a deep breath, his nerves frayed. “God! I’m never singing again. Music is definitely not my forte.”

Elyse gently placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice soothing. “Don’t worry. I’ll guide you.”

Richie took a deep breath, his heart pounding as he stepped onstage with Elyse.

The moment Richie appeared, the auditorium erupted in deafening screams. Elyse couldn’t hide her amazement, her eyes twinkling with admiration at Richie’s power. His fame was undeniable, and the audience’s frenzy confirmed it.

Inspired, she positioned her violin and began to play.

The opening notes of “Can’t Stop the Feeling” filled the air, and although Richie lacked vocal ability, he had a natural talent for engaging the crowd. He stole a quick glance at Elyse, who met his gaze with a warm, encouraging smile.

Emboldened, he began to sing. As the performance progressed, he discovered that by mirroring Elyse’s rhythm and melody, he stayed perfectly in tune. A surge of excitement coursed through him, and spontaneously, he leaped off the stage, diving into the crowd to interact with them.

. . .