Chapter 68 Something Came Up
Victoria's heart fluttered as if tickled by feathers, causing a slight itch.
"I thought you'd come during the performance."
"Just passing by, wanted to see how ready you are," Nathaniel's eyes lingered on her bare back, "Nice dress."
He kissed her, unfazed by the admiring screams of the women around them.
"It's almost showtime, I'll be waiting for you in the audience," he said, pulling away, his tone back to its usual briefness.
"Sure thing," Victoria replied, a smile dancing in her eyes.
Nathaniel turned and walked away, the crowd parting for him.
Once he disappeared backstage, the tense atmosphere lifted, but the looks directed at Victoria grew more complicated.
Ignoring them, she took a deep breath, focusing on the performance ahead.
Thirty minutes later, the curtains rose.
Spotlights lit up the stage where Victoria, a member of the orchestra, sat in her spot. She couldn't help but glance at the best seat in the VIP section below.
It was empty.
Her heart sank.
How could this be? He had just said he would be waiting for her in the audience.
Maybe he went to the restroom?
Victoria made excuses for him in her head.
Then, she noticed the empty seat beside it.
A man sat there elegantly.
Dressed in a sharp white suit, his eyes behind gold-rimmed glasses held a faint smile as he waved at her from afar.
Why was Adrian here? Victoria wondered.
The orchestra's opening piece had started, and she refocused on her sheet music.
As the piece ended and applause filled the room, she stole another glance at the seat.
Still empty.
A deep disappointment gripped Victoria's heart, spreading through her bones.
Why was Adrian in Nathaniel's seat? Did Nathaniel's absence have something to do with him?
Countless questions swirled in her mind, almost overwhelming her.
Throughout the rest of the performance, Victoria relied on muscle memory and her professional skills.
Her fingers glided over the keys, each note precise and flawless, but deep down, she felt disconnected.
Finally, it was time for her solo.
The spotlight beamed on her, casting her in a solitary glow.
She took a deep breath, pushing aside all distractions. This was her moment, she couldn't afford to falter.
A melodious and slightly melancholic tune flowed from her fingers, her expertise evident as she poured her emotions into the piece.
As the piece concluded, the audience erupted into thunderous applause.
Victoria stood, gracefully bowing in gratitude.
After the performance, she returned backstage feeling adrift. She mechanically accepted congratulations and praise from her fellow musicians, her mind elsewhere.
Changing out of her performance attire, she checked her phone, finding no missed calls or messages.
Just as she was about to set her phone down, a text from Nathaniel lit up the screen.
It was short and indifferent, typical of him.
[Something came up suddenly, had to leave.]
No explanation, no apology, just cold words.
Victoria stared at the message, feeling a pang of disappointment.
She chuckled wryly, tossed her phone into her bag, and turned to leave.
But as she looked up, she saw Adrian leaning against her dressing room door, a smile on his face.
"Miss Chase, that was an amazing performance."
His voice was warm as he approached, placing a bouquet of flowers in her arms.
"Thanks," she replied absentmindedly.
Adrian adjusted his golden-rimmed glasses, the smile behind them widening.
Today, he sported a well-fitted white linen suit, his tall, slender frame standing out amidst the backstage chaos.
"Miss Chase, you don't look too thrilled," he observed.
"Just a bit tired, that's all," she replied.
Adrian smoothly continued, "How about I take you to unwind? Drinks and music can work wonders."
Victoria hesitated. She knew she should keep her distance from Adrian.
But Nathaniel's abrupt cancellation and his indifferent message left her feeling disposable.
An unnamed anger mixed with disappointment surged within her.
Raising her head, she met Adrian's gaze with a hint of defiance.
"Sure," she agreed, her tone tinged with defiance.
Adrian's smile deepened, gesturing for her to follow.
"My car's right outside."
Thirty minutes later, at the bar.
The music pounded like a tidal wave, colorful lights slicing through the dance floor, the air thick with alcohol and excitement.
Bodies writhed and swayed to the beat, releasing pent-up energy.
Adrian guided her through the crowded dance floor to a secluded booth on the second floor.
The vantage point offered a great view of the lively dance floor while muffling most of the noise.
Several well-dressed young men and women occupied the booth. As Adrian brought Victoria over, they whistled in approval.
"Adrian, is this the 'friend' you mentioned?" teased a silver-haired man.
Adrian sat gracefully, pulling Victoria close.
Glancing at the menu, he leaned in and asked softly, "What can I get you to drink? The 'Deep Sea Dream' here is a hit, perfect for a lady like you."
His warm breath, laced with a hint of woodsy cologne, tickled Victoria's ear.
She subtly shifted, creating a bit of space between them.
"Anything's fine," she replied.
Adrian, noticing her distraction, a flicker of intrigue in his eyes, signaled the waiter, "A round of 'Black Swan' and another 'Deep Sea Dream,' please."
The drinks arrived promptly.
Amidst the crowd's cheers, Victoria downed two drinks.
The fiery liquid slid down her throat, momentarily sharpening her thoughts but also weakening her emotional barriers.
"Drinking solo is dull!" the silver-haired man piped up, "How about a game? 'King's Game,' anyone?"
"Too cliché," a girl with smoky eye makeup disagreed, "Let's play 'Pass the Card,' more thrilling!"
The suggestion gained unanimous approval.
The rules were simple: pass a playing card from mouth to mouth, with a penalty for any drops.
Victoria hesitated at the intimate game but the alcohol and lively atmosphere left her no choice but to reluctantly join in.
The music crescendoed, the booth's energy escalating.
Playing cards circulated smoothly among the group, met with cheers and whistles.
Eventually, the card landed in Adrian's hands.
He delicately held the card's edge between his lips, turning to face Victoria.
The gap between them closed, his deep eyes visible behind the golden-rimmed glasses, a captivating smile threatening to draw her in.
The mingling scents of alcohol and his cologne enveloped her.
Victoria's heart raced, tensing slightly as she leaned in to take the slender card.
Just as their lips were about to meet the card, Adrian's head tilted ever so slightly.
The card, maintaining a safe distance, slipped away soundlessly.