Page 40 of Symphony for Lies

My thoughts spun so fast I didn’t even notice when Tristan finished. It wasn’t until my grandmother jumped to her feet to applaud that I snapped out of my dazed musings.

I quickly joined in, clapping along with the rest of the hall.

My legs wobbled slightly as I stood up, and I took a few deep breaths, trying to steady myself.

I forced my emotions down and tried to play it cool, but my hands didn’t have the strength to clap as loudly as I wanted to.

When I looked up, Tristan’s hopeful gaze, filled with something gentle and warm, was on me.

I tried to smile back at him, but I was afraid it came across as too stiff. So, I grabbed the bouquet from my seat and held it up, using it as an excuse to hide my mouth.

Tristan lifted his hand slightly, signaling me to wait a moment.

All the musicians, except for Zane, returned to the stage for a final bow, and applause echoed through the hall.

My grandmother was exceptionally loud; she certainly loved the performance. “My dear, wait here. I need to touch up.” She squeezed past me in a hurry, disappearing into the crowd as people started for the exits.

I sat back down, staring at the stage.

The piano was the only thing left on it.

The hum of conversations faded as I spotted Tristan heading straight for me.With every step he took, my heartbeat kicked up a notch.

I stood up, my eyes scanning his handsome face.A few beads of sweat still clung to his forehead, making his skin glisten faintly under the lights.

“It’s good to see you, Amelia,” he greeted with quiet excitement.“I hope you liked my piece.” His blue eyes shimmered.

I swallowed down the unease in my chest and forced everything else out of my mind, giving him a gentle, sincere smile.

I held out the bouquet. “It was beautiful.”

He accepted my gift, his fingers brushing lightly against mine. “That makes me happy.” Taking hold of my hand, he effortlessly lifted it to his lips, kissing my skin softly.

A faint shiver ran through me, and warmth bloomed where his mouth had touched.

“For the first time in a long while…” he murmured. “…I actually felt nervous tonight.” Something vulnerable and honest lingered behind his eyes. “Thank you for coming.”

My heart—

“Excuse me! Let me through!” My grandmother suddenly pushed herself between us, breaking us apart without hesitation.

My face instantly flamed with embarrassment.

Tristan cleared his throat, shifting his hand behind his back like he’d been caught doing something scandalous.

Whatever had been building between us, whatever feeling had been creeping up on me, popped like a soap bubble. Or rather, it was forcefully burst.

“Nice to see you again, madame,” Tristan greeted after a beat of awkward silence.

“Your performance was beautiful. I really enjoyed it,” my grandmother stated, her tone polite but clipped.

“Thank you.” Tristan’s expression softened. “That means a lot coming from you.” He looked genuinely pleased.

“Hmph.” My grandma crossed her arms. “Listen, young man, I’m too old for you to flirt with me.”

My jaw dropped slightly, and I covered my mouth, trying hard not to burst out laughing.

Tristan’s eyes widened in surprise, his posture stiffening slightly.

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