Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Evan's meticulously planned show was truly spectacular.

As the music started, a sudden downpour appeared on the giant screen at the center of the stage. 

The opening song blended with the sound of rain, instantly transporting everyone to a secret springtime rainstorm.

Even though Scarlett had watched many of Evan's shows online, the immersive experience was something that couldn't be felt through a screen.

From the moment the show began, Scarlett set aside all other emotions, calmed her mind, and fully immersed herself in this artistic feast.

So much so that she didn't notice the increasingly dark gaze coming from the right.

Tammy, however, couldn't help but notice.

Alexander made no effort to hide his intense stare. Even though Tammy knew Alexander wasn't looking at her, she couldn't avoid feeling the burn of his gaze.

But thinking about the bonus Moira had just sent, Tammy sighed, feeling a bit like she was about to perform a heroic act.

For Scarlett, and for Moira's kindness!

Tammy mustered her courage, slightly turned her body, and completely blocked Alexander's line of sight.

Alexander was speechless.

He became even more convinced that Scarlett despised him, which was why she had left and arranged for Tammy to switch places.

His face turned ashen.

Anger mixed with a sense of absurdity.

What was so special about Scarlett?

How could he have degraded himself for such a woman?

But when he closed his eyes, all he could see was Scarlett.

The way she used to ask him questions with a smile, the way she laughed with cake all over her face on her birthday, the way she stared at his face in a daze, and even after they reunited, the way she cried, laughed, and pleaded under him.

He had long fallen into the abyss of love.

In this life and the next, he was destined to never escape.

As the show neared its end, Aria finally appeared.

After a brief darkness, a single beam of light illuminated the stage center, accompanied by the sound of raindrops.

Aria, dressed in a white gown adorned with tiny reflective pieces, seemed to be cloaked in rain as she slowly walked from the center of the stage.

Her ethereal voice told her story through a haunting melody.

As the performance reached its climax, it was as if a thunderclap split the rain. 

Aria's voice soared, transforming into a bird trapped in the storm, desperately flapping its wings, using all its strength to await a new beginning!

Scarlett watched her quietly.

The bird in the song was Aria herself.

After being abandoned in love, she faced Zack's situation.

Although these issues had been resolved, they were stepping stones in Aria's growth.

Thankfully, she had this opportunity.

On stage, she sang about the bird in the rain, and she sang about herself.

She was a bird flying against the wind, a phoenix rising from the ashes!

When the performance ended, the applause was thunderous.

Tammy was already in tears.

Even Moira, who hadn't experienced these events firsthand, couldn't help but get teary-eyed.

She pressed Tammy's head against her shoulder. "Aria has a bright future ahead."

Tammy sniffled and nodded vigorously.

She had seen Aria at her lowest, so more than anyone, she hoped Aria could soar to higher skies and farther places.

After Aria, the headliner was the diva Catherine Patel.

But by then, their minds were elsewhere.

Moira was whispering to the two people beside her, discussing where to go to celebrate.

As a beloved boss, she didn't want to ruin her employees' weekend.

According to her plan, they would have a small gathering tonight and a bigger celebration next Monday.

They were so engrossed in their discussion that they didn't notice the performance had ended.

As usual, after all the performances, the lead designer Evan would come out with the cast and models to take a bow. This time was no exception.

Under the spotlight, Evan began his thank-you speech.

Moira, in the middle of a conversation, suddenly found the voice familiar.

She instinctively looked up and met Evan's gaze.

Evan paused for a moment.

Then, his eyes lit up with joy, and he couldn't hide his happiness as he hurriedly concluded his speech. "...and thank you to my muse, whom I met at Solstice."

Moira's excitement turned to tension.

She stiffly turned her head away, her voice unsteady. "Scarlett, should we... leave now?"

"What's the rush?" Scarlett was puzzled. "We need to pick up Aria from backstage first."

But the next second, Moira grabbed her hand.

Her eyes flickered with emotion, as if hiding something.

Scarlett, though confused, could tell something was off with Moira.

She immediately instructed Tammy, "I'll take Moira outside first. Tammy, you go get Aria from backstage, and we'll wait for you in the car."

Scarlett was surprised to feel cold sweat in Moira's palm.

She frowned and looked at Moira. "What's wrong?"

Moira forced a smile. "I'll explain outside."

Before they could take a few steps, Evan called out from behind, "Ms. Collins!"

As recent collaborators, it was only polite to explain their sudden departure.

Scarlett slowed down to speak, but Moira refused to stop.

However, they couldn't outpace Evan's long strides.

In no time, he caught up with them.

Scarlett was still confused when Evan placed a hand on Moira's shoulder.

He smiled brightly, his joy evident. "I'm so happy to see you again."

Faced with his sincere words, Moira only lowered her head.

Scarlett recognized this behavior.

Moira was avoiding something.

This was too strange.

How did these two know each other, and why was one so happy while the other avoided him?

Solstice!

Evan had mentioned meeting an unforgettable girl at Solstice, and Moira had vacationed there.

Plus, there was Evan's sketch.

Their story was becoming clear.

Scarlett was about to ask when Evan turned to her. "Could you give us a moment? I have something to say to her."

Scarlett didn't answer immediately.

She looked at Moira, seeking her opinion.

But Moira kept her head down, even as Evan held her hand, their fingers intertwined, without any resistance.

It seemed Evan hadn't harmed her.

Scarlett nodded and patted Moira's shoulder. "I'll come with you, but I won't interrupt."

Evan beamed and led Moira backstage.

Scarlett followed, somewhat speechless.

A vacation fling wasn't unusual, and Moira had mentioned meeting a handsome guy.

But who would've thought she had caught the eye of the famous fashion designer Evan!