Chapter 712:

Gavin, observing her reaction, raised an amused eyebrow at his friend. “People normally beat around the bush, but not you—you just dive right in, huh?”

Edward shrugged, unabashed. “I can’t help it. I prefer getting straight to the point. Why waste time beating around the bush?”

Elyse sighed, a hint of helplessness in her voice. “So, do you really want to know?”

“Yup,” Edward affirmed with a nod. “Tell me. What piece have you prepared? We can share our choices to avoid any overlaps.”

Elyse leaned back, folded her arms, and hummed softly. “If you want to know what piece I’ve prepared, you’ll have to share yours first.”

Mimicking her stance, Edward hummed lightly. “You’re not very friendly.”

Elyse arched an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. “There’s no room for friendliness in competition.”

Edward’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he flashed a cunning smile. “How about we reveal our choices together?”

Elyse considered for a moment, then nodded. “Alright, we’ll reveal them simultaneously so neither of us has the upper hand.”

“Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major,” Elyse declared confidently.

“Csardas,” Edward announced with a smirk.

Both fell silent, each lost in their own contemplations.

From the sidelines, Gavin smirked, observing the scene. These two had a multitude of tricks up their sleeves, but who would ultimately outshine the other was still a mystery.

Elyse forced a smile and offered a hollow compliment. “You will definitely perform perfectly.”

Edward returned the sentiment, his tone equally insincere. “I’ve heard of your talent. You will surely shine.”

The weight of their mutual hypocrisy left them both feeling unsettled, prompting a strained silence.

Gavin stifled a chuckle, about to interject when his phone rang. He stood, excusing himself with a polite nod. “Excuse me, I need to take this call.”

Elyse watched Gavin exit the restaurant, her expression unreadable.

Edward, his interest piqued by Elyse, moved closer with his drink and took a seat beside her.

Elyse, indulging in a piece of cake to satiate her hunger, eyed Edward warily. “What do you want?” she asked, suspicion lacing her tone.

Edward assumed an innocent expression. “I’m not up to anything. I just want to chat and get to know you better.”

Elyse’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why do you want to get to know me?”

With a flourish, Edward extended his hands, performed a series of intricate gestures, and conjured a rose from his palm. Offering the vibrant red rose to Elyse, he asked, “Would you accept my love?”

Elyse’s eyes widened in surprise. “What?”

Edward nodded, his gaze intense. “Actually, from the moment you walked into this restaurant, I was captivated. Isn’t this what they call love at first sight?”

Elyse struggled to swallow her cake, staring at him incredulously. “You fell in love with me in such a short time?” . . .