Chapter 129
Chapter 129
Violet
His voice was steady and strong, like a safety net holding me securely in place.
I looked into his eyes. All I saw there was myself.
No evasion, no hesitation—just an honest, unwavering devotion.
Ethan's words were completely cast from my mind.
Lily was right. Whatever he had been through in the past, I was the one he chose now.
I couldn't let a few words of instigation from someone else make me doubt what we had—something real and solid.
"I understand." I rose on my toes and kissed him lightly on the lips. "Safe travels, Julian."
The smile in his eyes deepened. He cupped the back of my head and turned the kiss into something deeper.
We only pulled apart reluctantly when it was almost time for class.
I carried the breakfast back to the dorm and handed Lily the iced Americano.
"At least he has a conscience—knows how to bribe me." Lily stuck in the straw and took a long sip, glancing at the gleaming new bracelet on my wrist with raised eyebrows. "Looks like you two worked things out?"
"We didn't need to." I bit into a croissant, feeling lighter than I had in days. "I think you were right. I shouldn't burden him with worries over things that don't even exist. He's good to me—that's enough."
After breakfast, Lily and I headed to the rehearsal hall at the music conservatory.
This morning was the orchestra's regular practice session.
The moment we walked into the hall, something felt different.
Everyone was huddled in whispered conversations, their faces animated with excitement.
Before long, the orchestra director walked in alongside our conductor, Professor Owen.
Owen stepped up to the podium and clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.
"Everyone, I have some very important news to announce." Owen swept his gaze across the rehearsal hall, and for once, his typically stern face showed a trace of excitement.
The hall fell silent instantly. Everyone held their breath.
"Our performance at the anniversary celebration a few days ago was exceptional." Owen cleared his throat, his voice resonant. "The recording was seen by several board members of the New York Violin Society, and they gave our overall performance extremely high marks."
A wave of suppressed cheers rippled through the crowd.
The Violin Society held enormous prestige in the classical music world. Earning their recognition was a tremendous honor for the entire orchestra.
Owen raised his hand to quiet everyone down.
"More importantly, thanks to the Society's recommendation, we've just received a formal invitation." He paused, his tone growing solemn. "Next Saturday evening, at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan, there will be a top-tier annual charity gala. This is an extraordinarily high-profile event—attendees include New York's elite society, business magnates, and even some European aristocracy. The hosts have invited our orchestra to perform as the special opening act for the evening."
The rehearsal hall erupted.
"Oh my God! The Waldorf charity gala!"
"I heard tickets to that kind of event cost tens of thousands of dollars each!"
"If we perform there, it'll be absolute gold on our résumés!"
Even Lily, standing beside me, grabbed my arm in excitement.
My heart was racing too.
A performance opportunity of this caliber was once-in-a-lifetime for students at Manhattan School of Music.
"Quiet! Quiet!" Owen tapped his music stand to restore order.
His gaze shifted toward the string section, and finally landed on me.
"For the opening piece at this gala, the organizers specifically requested a violin concerto." Owen looked at me, his eyes filled with approval and expectation. "Violet, your performance at the anniversary was flawless—both technically and emotionally. Therefore, after consultation between the conservatory and the Society, it has been decided that you will perform the opening solo at the charity gala."
The moment Owen finished speaking, the rehearsal hall fell into a brief, stunned silence.
Then, countless pairs of eyes turned toward me all at once.
Envy. Shock. And more than a little barely concealed jealousy.
I stood frozen, my mind blank.
A solo.
At a charity gala attended by the most powerful elites and celebrities. As the opening act.
This wasn't just a performance—it was a golden opportunity to make a name for myself in New York's classical music scene.
"Violet, do you have the confidence to take on this responsibility?" Owen asked, his voice grave.
I took a deep breath, steadying the wild pounding of my heart.
I straightened my posture and met Owen's gaze, my voice clear and firm.
"I do, Professor Sheldon. I will absolutely not let you or the conservatory down."
"Rehearsal is over." Owen closed his score and gestured for everyone to stop, then dismissed the group.
The moment he did, I was immediately swarmed by orchestra members.
"Violet, congratulations! A solo opening at the Waldorf—that's incredible!"
"Yeah, performing at an event like that will open doors to any symphony orchestra after graduation."
Voices crowded around me.
Some were genuinely happy for me. Others had an edge to their tone, unable to hide their bitterness.
"What luck, huh? I heard those galas are packed with big names—maybe she'll meet a few more Wall Street tycoons while she's at it." A violinist who'd competed with me for concertmaster muttered snidely nearby.
I ignored the jealous stares, keeping a polite smile as I thanked those who congratulated me.
After everything I'd been through recently, I'd learned how to tune out meaningless hostility.
The crowd gradually dispersed. Owen called me over.
"Violet, come to my office."
I followed Owen into his office, crammed with sheet music. He closed the door behind us, walked to his desk, and pulled out a thick score from a drawer. He handed it to me.
"This is the score for the opening piece. Take it home and familiarize yourself with it." Owen's expression returned to its usual sternness.
I accepted the score with both hands and glanced at the cover.
It was an excerpt from a Paganini concerto—extremely difficult, with intricate technical passages and demanding emotional intensity.
"Professor Sheldon, this piece…"
"What? Getting cold feet?" Owen raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp.
"No, not at all." I looked up, running my fingers along the edge of the score, my pulse quickening with excitement. "I just think this piece is perfect for the atmosphere of the gala."
Owen nodded with satisfaction.
"The organizers of this charity gala are some of New York's most prominent families. Among the guests will not only be business titans, but also board members from Juilliard, and several principal conductors from world-class symphony orchestras."
He leaned forward, hands braced on the desk, his expression turning deadly serious. "Violet, this is an exceptional opportunity."