Page 9 of Symphony for Lies

“I’ve always been a fan of your playing…” I paused for a beat. “But not necessarily a fan of you.”

One of his brows lifted, and his smirk widened.“Really?”

“Really.” I held his gaze, adding, “And honestly, an apology would be appropriate.”

His expression didn’t change. “For what?”

I squinted my eyes. Seriously?

Simon shifted uncomfortably. “Was my brother mean to you? I’m sorry, I should’ve warned him.”

“Oh no. Don’t worry. It was just a misunderstanding. No one’s at fault,” I reassured him quickly.

“Then I don’t have to apologize.” Zane’s unneeded remark made my nerves snap, so I turned away.

“Come on, Simon. We have work to do.”

I ushered the boy toward the stairs, heading for the study.

As we climbed, I glanced back just once.

Zane was still watching.

Our eyes met.

Then, he blew me a playful kiss. And bowed.

I shook my head.

What a jerk.

Chapter 4

“Good job!”

I smiled as I reviewed Simon’s worksheets. Over the weekend, I prepared a few test exercises to see if he had grasped the topics. And there were almost no mistakes.

“Really?” He lifted his brows, uncertainty flickering across his face.

“Really. If you keep this up, you won’t need me anymore.”

I expected him to be happy about that, but his lips curved into a pout, and his eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

His tiny hands clutched mine tightly.“No, I’m still bad. I still need your help. Please don’t leave me.”

My heart clenched.“Simon… don’t worry.” I squeezed his fingers gently. “I’m not leaving you. And you’re not bad. Please don’t tell yourself that.”

“My mother wants to send me to a private school,” he murmured, barely above a whisper. “But I don’t want to leave my school… even if the kids are mean. I like watching them play.”

His heart was so big. And yet, he was so lonely.

Mrs. Cole had particular ideas about what a proper education should look like. Her youngest son wasn’t meant to grow up amongordinarychildren.

But it wasn’t just her influence shaping him. It was his father’s.

And Mr. Cole had a different philosophy. He wanted Simon to stay grounded.

I didn’t know if I should get involved in family matters, but…

---