Chapter 98:

Kaelyn approached Elyse with a welcoming gesture. "Hello, I'm Kaelyn Bennett. Nice to meet you." Hearing the name, Tracy glanced at Elyse in surprise. She remembered Elyse as Theo's first love, someone he had been deeply infatuated with.

After a brief conversation with the orchestra members, Kaelyn excused herself. "Elyse, are you alright?" Tracy embraced her, whispering comfortingly. "I had no idea Kaelyn was the host of this show. Will you continue to participate?"

"Why wouldn't I? It's an excellent opportunity. Even if Theo were the host, I would still participate," Elyse responded calmly, tuning her violin.

Tracy said nothing more but watched Elyse with concern. As the show started, she settled into a seat in the auditorium. Celestial Sounds Symphony appeared on stage, with Kaelyn impartially overseeing the show. When it was time for a solo performance, she turned to Elyse.

"I've heard you're the orchestra's rising star. Would you like to give us a performance?"

"Of course, I'd be happy to. What would you like to hear?" Elyse replied lightly.

Kaelyn paused, then smiled. "How about 'Clair de Lune' by Claude Debussy? I really love that piece. It was a special song for me and my ex."

Intrigued, the male host leaned in. "Your ex? It sounds like you still have feelings for him. Are you thinking of getting back together?"

Kaelyn covered her face with her hand, smiling shyly. "I'll let you know when it happens."

"It sounds like you're serious. Well, I wish you luck," he said.

"Thank you," Kaelyn replied, her gaze shifting to Elyse. Sensing the moment, Elyse smiled back. "I wish you luck as well."

With that, she began to play the requested music, filling the room with melodious sounds. Kaelyn had secretly hoped Elyse would falter, but to her surprise, she performed flawlessly. The audience erupted in applause at the conclusion of the piece, clearly impressed by Elyse's talent. Onstage, she was a sensation.

Frustrated that her plan hadn't worked, Kaelyn gritted her teeth. "Can I hear another piece? You play so well," she asked, trying to mask her irritation.

Elyse, having likely surmised Kaelyn's motives, had already moved on from Theo. Kaelyn's comments didn't affect her. "No problem. What would you like to hear?" she responded naturally and openly.

The male host, aware that each orchestra member was limited to one solo performance, quickly intervened. "I'm afraid we should save time for the other members of the orchestra."

Kaelyn, however, was dissatisfied. She had hoped Elyse would play a piece to wish her and Theo a happy ending together. Elyse remained silent, gracefully stepping back to await the show's conclusion.

Throughout the event, she scanned the audience, spotting Tracy but not Jayden. He hadn't come. Even after all the performances ended, she still hadn't seen him, and she proceeded backstage to remove her makeup.

After changing into her casual clothes, Elyse headed to the elevator and unexpectedly encountered Kaelyn. "Let's take the elevator together. I need to get to the ground floor," Kaelyn said, smiling and holding her arms open.

Elyse hesitated briefly before entering the elevator and stared at the floor, avoiding conversation.

"I'm glad to see you seem okay. I was concerned you hadn't gotten over Theo. I'm kind of worried about you," Kaelyn commented.

Elyse looked up and met her gaze, her response icy. "If you were truly concerned, you wouldn't have come between us. You appear quite content being the other woman."

With a hint of grievance, Kaelyn replied, "I'm sorry. I suffer from depression and sometimes can't control myself. If you still resent me, I'm willing to apologize."

"No need. I don't want that jerk anymore. You can have him," Elyse said firmly.

As the elevator doors opened, Elyse exited first. Unexpectedly, Kaelyn tripped her. Before Elyse could regain her balance, she stumbled forward, bracing for impact. Instead of hitting the ground, she found herself caught in a warm embrace.

"Are you okay?" a voice asked.

Lifting her head, Elyse looked into a pair of clear eyes. "Are you Richie Larson?"

...