Chapter Sixty: Whispers in the Dark
"Good morning, Julian!" Lydia Moore greeted with a bright smile, her mood as refreshed as the early morning air. Rising earlier than usual today, she planned to reach the music room to practice a new piece. She hadn't expected to run into Julian Reed. But then again, it made sense—someone as accomplished as him would surely be an early riser. The calm of the morning was the perfect time for piano practice, a serene joy for the soul. Placing her violin on the table, Lydia Moore moved to sit beside Julian Reed at the piano.
As her fingers lightly touched the smooth keys, a sense of familiarity washed over her. Her fingertips, slightly calloused from years of practice, danced naturally across the keys, producing a melody that was delicate and full of vibrant life.
Julian Reed, slightly surprised, asked softly, "You can play the piano?" It was as if she were a Pandora's box of endless surprises, bringing moments of wonder that touched him deeply. While she didn't immediately strike others as extraordinary—perhaps even seemed ordinary at first glance—the more he got to know her, the more he uncovered the radiant beauty she held within. He found himself increasingly drawn to her.
"Yes, but I only know a few pieces." She had self-taught piano under Mr. Ling's guidance, mostly because of Ethan Knight, but she wouldn't consider herself proficient. Seeing the piano today made her nostalgic, so she played one of her favorite pieces. To her relief, even after nearly a year, her fingers still moved with familiarity and ease.
Lydia Moore glanced at Julian Reed, only to realize how close they were—so close she could almost count his eyelashes. His eyes were so clear, like the purest crystal, unmarred by any worldly impurities. Although he wore a simple white shirt, it couldn't hide his innate noble aura, and his musical talent only enhanced his grace and elegance. Perhaps it was this very combination that had captivated Elena Rivers so deeply.
Sensing her gaze, Julian Reed smiled softly and asked, "What's the matter? Do I look strange?" His tone was teasing, but as gentle as a stream that quietly seeps into one's heart.
"No, it's just... Julian, do you have someone you like?" Lydia Moore asked cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper. Deep down, she hoped his answer was no, as it would mean Elena Rivers still had a chance. But realizing how abrupt her question was, she quickly laughed it off, saying, "I was just thinking, someone as amazing as you must like someone as perfect as an angel, right? I didn't mean anything else, haha..." She scolded herself inwardly for being foolish enough to ask such a question, fearing Julian might think she was too nosy and start to dislike her.
Her question caused a ripple in Julian Reed's heart, like a small stone dropped into a calm lake. His bright eyes, framed by long lashes, took on a slightly dreamy quality. Throughout his life, his world had revolved around his family. Even when he had received countless confessions from girls of various nationalities while abroad, he had only ever smiled politely, never feeling a genuine connection with anyone. He hadn't given much thought to what it truly meant to like someone.
So while he recognized that his feelings for her had grown different from what he felt toward other girls, he hadn't considered whether this was merely a fondness or if it was something deeper, something that was beginning to blossom into affection. A strange warmth rose from his heart, spreading throughout his entire being. He didn't answer her question, choosing instead to gently ruffle her soft hair with a natural, affectionate gesture. His face, as translucent as snow, lit up with a warm, jade-like smile.
Seeing that he wasn't upset with her, Lydia Moore sighed in relief and joined him in smiling, a silly grin spreading across her face. Their innocent smiles filled the air with the refreshing scent of mint, and the atmosphere grew cozy. The clear blue sky slowly stretched open, letting in rays of soft golden sunlight that illuminated the Sakura Academy campus, filling the morning with vibrant energy.
Julian Reed looked out the window, his amber eyes reflecting a complex emotion in the sunlight, the smile on his lips gradually fading.
During the next practice session, Julian Reed announced an exciting piece of news that thrilled every member. The highest-profile classical music concert for young musicians in the city would be held in a month, and Sakura's music club was the only group invited to perform as a guest. This was not only an honor but also a tremendous encouragement and support.
However, with opportunity came challenge. For a newly established music club, the month-long preparation time seemed somewhat tight. Nevertheless, this didn't put too much pressure on the members, all of whom were highly skilled musicians. They believed in their musical abilities, in the club's harmony, and in their outstanding president.
After making a series of detailed arrangements, Grace Hinton handed out the newly prepared schedule to each member. When she reached Lydia Moore, her fingers tightened on the schedule for a brief moment, and her smile grew slightly strained. But Lydia Moore, entirely focused on preparing for the performance, didn't notice the change. She politely accepted the schedule with both hands and began reviewing it earnestly. The other members also started practicing according to their respective plans.
Midway through the rehearsal, Lydia Moore unfortunately received a call from the devil himself—Aaron King.
Feeling her phone vibrate incessantly, Lydia Moore retrieved it from her bag, the green screen repeatedly flashing the four letters she'd come to dread seeing over the past two weeks—Aaron King. After a moment of hesitation, she lowered her head and answered the call. Aaron King's thunderous voice immediately roared in her ear, "Idiot! You always take forever to pick up the phone—are you trying to make me wait on purpose? Get to the set within half an hour, or you're dead!" His tone was as domineering as ever, as if she belonged to him, and his demands were entirely justified.
"I'm sorry, but the music club is rehearsing today, so I can't make it," Lydia Moore explained in a low voice, hoping for his understanding. She had already missed the first rehearsal because of him and couldn't afford to miss another, especially since she needed to practice for the upcoming performance.