Chapter 934:

Elyse could see Fiona was confused and on the verge of panic. “Do you want me to tell you where you went wrong?”

Fiona jerked her head to glare at Elyse. “I don’t need you to teach me anything. Don’t forget—I was once your senior. Who do you think you are?”

Elyse shrugged. “Alright, then. Well, it’s my turn to perform.” She took the spot Fiona had vacated and picked up her violin. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and began to play.

Elyse loved this piece. For her, “Liebesleid,” meaning “love’s sorrow,” was very apt. She wasn’t sure how it was for others, but love had certainly brought her much pain and suffering.

Jayden had become someone she wanted to let go of but never could. He was someone she disliked, even hated at times, yet still cared for deeply. Sometimes, she wondered what he meant to her.

But Elyse could never find the answer. Pondering it alone left her feeling lost and suffocated. Why did love have to bring sorrow? Couldn’t there be love that was all joy and warmth?

Jayden stood to the side, watching Elyse perform with rapt attention. Although he didn’t consider himself knowledgeable about music, he could sense the haunting mix of love, confusion, and heartache in the notes she played.

He understood the emotions the music conveyed. A lump formed in his throat. He had always been loyal to Elyse and had done all he could to support her. So why did he always end up hurting her?

Meanwhile, Fiona still couldn’t understand what Elyse had that she didn’t. However, upon seeing the crowd that had gathered, panic set in. She never imagined Elyse would attract so many people. It didn’t make sense to her.

Elyse played the last note and opened her eyes, surprised to find herself surrounded by an avid audience. Startled, she took a step back and glanced at them nervously.

“I know you!” someone from the crowd exclaimed. “You’re the first prize winner of this year’s Swan Cup, the most prestigious music competition! I watched your performance; you were amazing! Truly, your music healed my heart.”

“Please play another one! I want to hear more.”

“Can you play ‘Salut d’Amour,’ please? My girlfriend and I are getting married soon!”

The crowd was enthusiastic, urging Elyse to play again. She couldn’t refuse, so she simply nodded and began to play another piece.