C06
My back injury had not fully healed yet, so the orchestra leader asked if I was still able to perform.
“If I can’t go on stage, who will you find to take my place?”
The leader paused as though considering it for the first time. “I hadn’t thought about that. Being the main violinist means more than just playing the violin.”
I smiled inwardly. He was right. As the backbone of string music, it was not just about technical ability. It required an emotional connection to the music.
“If it doesn’t work, let Mia Blake take over.”
The leader breathed a sigh of relief. “Mia has really wanted this. Lennon recommended her, too. I was worried at first, but hearing you say that, I feel better about it.”
I raised my eyebrows, unconvinced.
Of course, I saw Mia’s ambition. From the moment she joined the group as the second violinist, there had been
ber Che bad always been in my shadow and now with a chance to step forward, she
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Love Does Not Wait Forever
whispers of doubt surrounding her. She had always been in my shadow and now, with a chance to step forward, she aimed to replace me.
But as I had told her before, Mia might want it, but she was not qualified yet.
The last time I told her that, she slapped me in anger and the insecurity behind that reaction was all too clear.
What I had not expected was for Lennon to recommend her so openly.
He had played the victim, appearing pitiful and wronged, but now, his actions seemed utterly ridiculous. And finally, they made me feel no pity for him at all.
I touched the faint pain in my lower back, the constant reminder of everything.
Lennon’s messages had not stopped, but not once had he mentioned the breakup. It was as if, by avoiding the subject, it could be erased entirely.
During this time, Mia called me, her voice dripping with the same timid tone she had used when she was my apprentice.
“Coach Claire, I’m so glad you’re willing to answer. I know you might misunderstand what I say, but I just hope you take care of your health. The concert can’t happen without you.”
I listened to her empty words and could not help but sneer.
