Page 32 of Symphony for Lies

He seemed to sense that I didn’t want to discuss it and smoothly shifted the conversation.“Same here. Ever since a certain someone came back, I haven’t had a moment of peace.”

It took me a second to understand who he meant.

Zane.

I could feel Tristan’s unease. He hated being pushed aside again.

“Everything’s been overwhelming lately. I keep messing up my playing, and my nerves are all over the place.”

Softly, hesitantly, he reached for my hand.His fingers were long, smooth, and warm. Mine were freezing in comparison.

“Maybe you should take a break,” I suggested.

I met his eyes for a second, and it felt like I was drowning in them.

“I should. But tomorrow’s the performance.” He let out a weary sigh. “I composed a piece… that’s dedicated to you.”

My cheeks flushed again, and my lips parted slightly, but no words came out. So, I just nodded mutely.

A soft smile tugged at his lips.

“One of the boys from our music group passed away recently. Tomorrow was supposed to be his first-ever performance.” Tristan’s voice dropped to a whisper. “To honor him, we’re all playing a piece together… After that comes mypiece. For you.”

I froze.

A boy from his music group?

The image of the body in the pavilion flashed in my mind, and my grandmother’s words echoed in my head. Could it be him?

My stomach twisted.

“Amelia?”

“Yeah… I’m… Did you know him well?”

“Not really. Only in passing.”

“Still, I’m really sorry for your loss.” My tone mirrored my somber mood.

Tristan squeezed my hand gently as if he was offering me comfort, even though he was the one who deserved it more.

I forced a small smile. “I’ll be there tomorrow. I’d really love to hear you play again.”

He lifted my hand to his lips, kissing my knuckles softly, before brushing his fingers through my hair. I was suddenly reminded of the last time we met and the rose he had pulled out of thin air.

I expected him to do it again, but he plucked a golden coin from behind my ear instead. Before I could react, he hid it behind his back and presented me with another red rose.

I blinked.

“Are you going to do a magic trick every time we meet?”

His grin widened.“How else am I supposed to thank my muse?”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“You did. You always have. Ever since we were kids, you’ve been my inspiration. A sweet little girl who grew into a strong, beautiful woman. Anyone would be inspired by you.”

His words warmed something deep in my chest.

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