Chapter 768:
Noticing Elyse’s growing agitation, Darren quickly intervened, holding her back. He knew of the bond Fiona and Elyse once shared, but had heard rumors of a rift. The cause remained a mystery, but Elyse clearly still wanted to help Fiona.
Darren also tried to encourage Fiona. “Don’t lose hope. You still have another chance in the Comeback Competition. You can still win.”
Fiona, clutching her stinging cheek, fled backstage without a word.
Embarrassed, Darren said, “She ran off. Do you think she’ll hold a grudge against you?”
Elyse glanced down at her numb palm. She had slapped Fiona hard. But, as usual, Fiona hadn’t taken her words to heart.
Elyse sighed. “If she hates me, that’s fine. She always has.”
Darren’s face tightened with concern. “You’re about to go on stage. Don’t let Fiona’s behavior distract you.” He then turned to Geraldine.
Sensing Darren’s scrutiny, Geraldine said indifferently, “It doesn’t matter how talented you are; I’ll do my best and defeat you.”
Elyse shot her a steely look. “And I’ll defeat you.”
Darren felt like a lone diplomat caught in a brewing storm, between two rivals whose eyes blazed with competitive fire. Even before a note was played, their determination to win was palpable. Anyone who claimed a music competition lacked excitement clearly hadn’t witnessed this high-voltage showdown.
Ten minutes later, Elyse, Geraldine, and another competitor were summoned onstage. As they took their positions in the spotlight, Elyse’s eyes immediately found Jayden in the audience. His prime seat and magnetic presence made him impossible to miss. Annoyed with herself for being distracted, she quickly looked away.
Meanwhile, a judge at the long table theatrically drew a slip from a large, mysterious box. Unfolding it, the judge announced, “The piece for today’s competition is ‘Fantasy on Carmen’!”
The three competitors then left the stage, disappearing into the wings one by one. The semi-finals included accompanying pianists, a change that seemed like an improvement but was actually a hidden challenge. Performers now faced the difficulty of synchronizing with an unfamiliar partner, where even a small mistake could be disastrous.
Elyse was first. Once everything was ready, she approached with poise and took her place. A silent exchange of understanding passed between her and the pianist, and then the music began.
‘Fantasy on Carmen’ demanded more than technical skill; it required the performer to embody its biting satire while mastering its complexities.
Backstage, Geraldine watched Elyse, searching for weaknesses. Darren, carrying a violin case, approached Geraldine. “Are you nervous? Worried Elyse might perfectly execute the piece?”
Geraldine responded calmly, “She might play perfectly now, but that doesn’t mean she won’t falter at the end. The ending is key.”
Darren nodded gravely. “I’m confident she’ll perform perfectly. She won’t make any mistakes.”
Geraldine smirked. The contest was far from over, and victory was still up for grabs.
In contrast, Elyse was completely absorbed in the music, letting it envelop her. The melody was a rich tapestry of elegance and romance, woven with fiery intensity, tender love, and carefree abandon—the very freedom she lacked. She yearned to lose herself in the music, to use it to transcend her limitations and achieve her aspirations. . . .