As Ashlyn rapidly dished out the notes like crazy, the cameraman decided to focus on her hands.
Everyone watched in awe as they saw Ashlynâs slender fingers dancing across the piano like countless butterflies.
It was so visually and audibly stunning that they had completely forgotten about the unpleasant incidents that took place earlier.
The audience was so captivated by Ashlynâs enchanting performance that they wished they could have an encore when it ended a few minutes later.
Having completed her performance, Ashlyn gracefully stepped away from the piano and bowed at the audience once more before returning to her seat.
To everyoneâs surprise, Caleb got off his chair and made his way toward her.
âAshlyn, my friend! It has been so long since I last saw you! As always, your beauty never fails to dazzle us!â he exclaimed with a huge smile as he reached out and hugged her.
He didnât have a chance to talk to her that entire evening, so he took the first chance he got and expressed all of his thoughts in one go.
Unbeknownst to him, however, a certain someoneâs expression turned gloomy instantly after seeing him hug her on stage.
Ashlyn quickly let go of him and said, âYou really startled me with your sudden act of enthusiasm, Mr.
Powell!â
For some reason, Mary had a bad feeling in her gut when she saw that.
âMom, I thought Uncle Ryan is supposed to be his friend?â Penelope whispered into her ear.
âIâm not too sure myselfâ¦â Mary replied as beads of sweat started trickling down her forehead.
Still holding on to Ashlynâs hand, Caleb turned to face the crowd and announced proudly, âLadies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce my good friend, Ashlyn Berry! She is truly a musical genius musician! Not only is she able to play the piano superbly well, but she is also able to compose her own songs! Oh, she can also play the harp andââ
âMr. Powell, this is an international piano competition, so how about we end the introduction here and get off the stage?â Ashlyn cut him off coldly, her cold and calm demeanor forming a huge contrast with his enthusiastic and passionate personality.
Caleb was practically beaming with excitement as he shouted, âNo way! I must seize this rare opportunity to fulfill a dream Iâve had for a really long time! As the president of the International Piano Association, I hereby invite you to perform a duet with me with the whole world as our witness!â
What the⦠Didnât Mr. Powell say he only came because of Ryan? Iâve been going around telling everyone about this! Oh, no⦠How will I face those people now?
Mary thought to herself upon hearing that.
Penelope, too, went completely pale as she had bragged about it to Jenny and Hera a lot.
âI thought you said he came here because of your uncle? How did it end up becoming Ashlyn instead?â
Jenny asked with confusion written all over her face.
âI donât know! Maybe he liked how well she played or something!â Penelope exclaimed in frustration.
Of course, Jenny could tell that Caleb had come because of Ashlyn and not Ryan.
Even so, she kept those thoughts to herself and maintained a straight face as she shifted her gaze back toward the stage.
After sitting next to each other at the piano, Caleb asked with a smile, âCan you play Sergei Rachmaninoffâs Piano Concerto No. 3?â Despite being a middle-aged man, he still looked as elegant as ever.
Ashlyn arched an eyebrow at him as she replied, âYes, I can.â
Her confidence was exactly what Caleb liked the most about her.
The two of them then raised their hands and began hitting their respective keys in perfect sync.
Sergei Rachmaninoffâs Piano Concerto No. 3 expressed the determination and strong will to survive of the people of Remdik. It was something that only true music enthusiasts would be able to appreciate.