Chapter 21
Over the past three years, several of Iris‘ cello solo compositions had gained recognition among classical musicians, earning widespread admiration and praise. Some academies had even incorporated her compositions into their curriculum as study material.
Countless people were in awe of her, and she soon became a household name. It was a challenge to purchase even one ticket for her performances.
Jordan stood outside Islington Hall, his dead eyes lighting up slightly when he looked at the ticket he held. It had been Rowena’s dream to become Francis‘ apprentice, but he’d stopped accepting any now that he was getting on in years.
She would probably be happy to see the performance of his final apprentice, right?
Jordan followed the crowd into the hall but stood out like a sore thumb amid their excitement. He frowned and quietly waited for the performance to start.
When the familiar yet strange strains of a cello melody entered his ears, his head shot up as he looked at the young woman on the stage. Tears filled his eyes.
“Rowena!” he cried. It made the people around him glare at him.
Fortunately, his voice wasn’t loud enough to interrupt the performance. Otherwise, many people would want to beat him up.
He couldn’t be mistaken. That was Rowena on stage!
Jordan was so agitated that he could barely sit still. He stared at her as she shone on stage, and his longing for her overwhelmed him.
As the lights shone down on her, her dark purple gown made her skin glow. She looked like a haunting fairy of the night–dangerous and mysterious. The piece she played was heavy with emotion, pulling everyone into the world she sought to create. Their hearts rose and fell with the music.
When the music’s oppression reached its peak, a ray of light symbolizing hope shone down from above. After a second’s pause, a grand and uplifting melody followed, washing over the audience. A sense of clarity filled the room, and everyone smiled without realizing it.
The performance,ended on a perfect note. Iris put down the cello and stood up to thank the audience.
A brief silence greeted her. All everyone could hear was each other’s breathing. Then, deafening applause broke out. Her beauty enchanted everyone, but her talent and skill were all the more captivating.
Countless people gave her bouquets and expressed their love for her, including handsome elites. However, she turned them down and headed backstage after accepting the flowers. Those who were rejected weren’t disappointed. They merely stared in the direction she’d left dazedly, unable to move.
Jordan was the only exception. He didn’t have flowers or gifts–he had nothing as he ran to her and grabbed her hand. “Is that you, Rowena? You’re still alive! This is great!”
He wanted to throw his arms around her in agitation. However, she moved away to dodge him. Then, she turned to give him a distant and cold look.
“You must be mistaken, sir.” Iris spoke in fluent Figlian, her tone frosty.
For a second, Jordan thought he’d really gotten the wrong person. However, her appearance and mannerisms all pointed to the fact that she was Rowena, Why was she refusing to be reunited with him?
He panicked, and his heart sank. He forced a bitter smile and said, “I know I’m not wrong, Ro. You learned to play the cello when you were a child, and I’ve always harmonized with you.
“I know every detail–how you play the cello, the way your brow furrows, the nuances of your compositions… I’ve memorized it all and etched it in my heart. No one knows you better than I do, Ro.”
