Chapter 255:
Jayden’s face was impassive as he said, “I didn’t mean it like that. Why do you always take it the wrong way?”
Elyse managed a tight smile. “Oh, so you didn’t mean any of it?” She got up quickly, changed into another outfit,
and was ready to leave. Jayden tried to follow her, but his struggle to get into his wheelchair slowed him down.
Elyse didn’t wait around; she walked out of the room, violin case in hand.
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As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Driscoll approached her with an update. “Just so you know, Miss Tracy
Bernard left early. Would you like to grab sbreakfast now?”
She gave a listless shake of her head. “No thanks, I'll skip breakfast.” Driscoll caught the frostiness in her
demeanor and concluded that Jayden had yet to smooth things over.
After departing from the house, Elyse took a taxi to a secluded park, dedicating her morning to practice. Later,
she made her way to a university practice room for a planned meeting with Cody.
Inside, Cody was engaging with two students. Noticing Elyse, he quickly dismissed them with a nod. “Your
students?” Elyse asked, a hint of curiosity coloring her tone.
“Not quite,” Cody answered, his eyes briefly scanning a document before him. “I'm just subbing for a friend this
week. Those two were here to pepperwith questions.”
Elyse nodded, a pang of envy for the students able to seek Cody’s advice—a privilege she wished for herself.
“How's your practice of Erlknig?” Cody inquired, setting aside the document and fixing his gaze on her, full of
genuine interest.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtElyse’s nerves spiked as she cradled her violin. “I've put everything into this. Today I'm here to let you hear the
results.”
Cody nodded approvingly. “Alright, let's get started.” He wasted no time, gesturing for her to begin without
further preamble.
Her hands trembled slightly as she took the violin out, drew in a deep breath, and commenced playing. The
piece Erlknig was notoriously challenging, known for tripping up even seasoned professionals with its complexity.
Despite her talent, Elyse had never before tackled a piece so demanding.
As the last note faded, she bit her lip and looked at Cody with a mix of hope and guilt. With a teasing smile, Cody
asked, “Did you notice your mistakes?”
She nodded, more embarrassed than before. It wasn’t just one error; there were several. Cody gently took the
violin from her, ready to demonstrate.
“Letshow you something,” he said, explaining every detail. Invigorated by his instruction, Elyse immediately
attempted the piece again, this twith a marked improvement in her performance.
“I'm getting better!” she exclaimed, surprised and elated at her own progress. Her natural aptitude was
undeniable, reminiscent of someone Cody once knew well. For a moment, seeing his old friend's reflection in
Elyse’s talent left him momentarily dazed.
Elyse’s prompt brought him back to reality, and he cleared his throat to mask his momentary lapse. “Good, you
did a great job. But...” He hesitated, then shifted the conversation, sensing a weight in her previous
performance. “Are you in a bad mood? Your music sounded so heavy, almost like it wasn’t meant to lift spirits.”
Recalling the previous day’s events, Elyse reflexively denied any distress. “No, nothing's been bothering me.”
Cody’s gaze pierced through her facade as he spoke with an understanding tone. “You don’t have to lie to me. |
know your music; your emotions are woven into it. | can hear the pain and sadness.”
Elyse was taken aback. She hadn't expected Cody to discern her emotional state simply through her violin
playing. His insight affirmed his mastery, yet it left her uneasy. She hesitated to share her troubles. The issues
between her and Jayden were theirs to resolve; outside interference wouldn't mend their rift.
Cody, recognizing her reluctance to divulge more, didn’t press further. Instead, he made a single request for her
to perform “Erlkdnig” for him again in a week. The invitation left Elyse puzzled and intrigued. Was Cody subtly
offering her tutelage? She recalled hearing about Cody’s decision to choose an apprentice during the last
selection period; he hadn't taken anyone on then.
The thought of asking outright if she was being considered as his apprentice flitted through her mind, but
embarrassment restrained her. She worried that such a question might seem presumptuous, as if she were
flattering herself.
With these thoughts swirling in her mind, she bid Cody farewell. Carrying her violin case, Elyse wandered
aimlessly across the campus. She wasn’t ready to go hand face Jayden, preferring instead to while away the
hours in solitude.
Just as she was about to exit the campus grounds, a car pulled up in front of her, and the window slowly rolled
down to reveal a familiar face. She recognized the man instantly—he was the enthusiastic fan who had sent her
flowers.
Elyse glanced around nervously, hoping someone might be nearby to offer assistance. Noticing her
apprehension, the man quickly introduced himself, hoping to ease her fears. “Don’t be nervous, Miss Lloyd. My
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmnis Pearce Benson, and I'm a big fan of your work.”
Elyse eyed him warily. “How did you know where to find me?”
Pearce offered a gentle smile, hoping to appear nonthreatening. “I'm an honored professor here at the university.
| just happened to be here for swork today and was surprised to see you.”
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