Chapter 2

Andrew always knew how to hurt a person's feelings.

After my father died of a heart attack, I was in a car accident and lost my sight. My mother, unwilling to be burdened with me, quietly left. Because our families had been friends for generations, Antonio Gibson, Andrew's father, took me into their home.

When did Andrew's attitude towards me change? Probably it was when his friends teased him for having a blind girlfriend. When I heard them, I scolded those people fiercely and then playfully threw myself into Andrew's arms.

"Andrew, you'll never abandon me, right?"

He used to always put his arms around my waist, but at that moment, I felt his entire body stiffen. It took him a long time to respond with a humming sound.

My thoughts were interrupted by the warm touch of Eric licking my hand. I knew he felt sorry for me. I touched the dried blood and realized it was time to let go of some feelings. But my hands couldn't have any issues because I had just signed up for the piano competition at the North City Grand Theatre. Winning the championship would give me a chance to join the orchestra and possibly become the lead pianist.

After getting my wound treated at the hospital, I went to my usual place to practice piano. Running my fingers over the keys, even though the wound had been treated, waves of pain still came through.

"Do you need help?"

A gentle male voice sounded like a spring breeze. I sensed someone watching me from above.

"Are you the piano teacher?" I asked tentatively. I had heard there was a very skilled and handsome piano teacher here who many people came to learn from.

The man chuckled softly, and I felt the seat next to me sink slightly as a faint woody scent filled my nose.

"My name is Primo Joseph."

"Sorry for any offense."

As soon as he spoke, his large hand covered mine. My heart trembled slightly as the pleasant sound of a piano filled the entire room, making the frustration troubling me dissipate.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Joseph!" I was thrilled with today's progress and turned to thank him.

A faint breath fell on my face mixed with the woody scent, giving me a tingling sensation. I could almost feel the man looking directly at me. The rustling sound of fabric rubbing against each other made me bite my lip involuntarily. The man beside me tensed up and seemed to take a step back.

"If you have any questions in the future, feel free to ask me anytime. But now there's something more important."

I was still puzzled when a sharp pain came from my injured hand.

"Your hand is hurt. Even though it's been treated, you still need to rest."

"Oh, okay."

As I stood up, something got tangled in my hair, causing me to whimper softly. A few minutes later, I found myself in an unexpected position lying across the man's lap. Shame and embarrassment filled my mind.

"Remember to tell me if it hurts."

It turned out my hair had gotten caught on his button.

"What are you doing?"

A scolding voice came from the doorway. It was Andrew. He walked over quickly as Primo helped me stand up. Andrew grabbed my hand and roughly pulled me away.

"Can you let go? You're hurting me."

Andrew sneered and suddenly laughed, "Cynthia, do you think finding another man will get my attention? Don't degrade yourself like this."

I was incredulous. Humiliation, disappointment, and anger surged within me.

"Andrew, stop being so arrogant. This is Primo. I'm not as filthy as you think."

"And besides, I'm not your possession. I don't need your permission for what I want to do."