Chapter 3

Andrew stopped talking, but the atmosphere around him suddenly changed.

He was the one who hated me clinging to him.

"Cynthia, is this your boyfriend?"

Cecilia appeared out of nowhere, always with that innocent and naive look.

I was about to deny it when I heard Andrew's mocking voice.

"Boyfriend? Always hanging out with these dubious men, you'll turn bad sooner or later."

"Are you being sarcastic because you're jealous?"

"So what if I like Cynthia? Who are you to her?"

Primo stood in front of me, comforting me by holding my hand.

Andrew, who was always vengeful, kicked the table in anger.

The loud noise echoed as he left without turning back.

Every day after that, Primo stayed with me to practice until it rained heavily one day.

After I repeatedly declined, Primo insisted on driving me home.

I must have been too tired recently because I fell asleep in the passenger seat.

When I woke up, the car had already stopped.

I fumbled to apologize and struggled with the seatbelt that wouldn't unbuckle.

"Let me."

His voice was soothing. I clutched at my clothes nervously.

When one lost sight, other senses became exceptionally sensitive.

In an instant, I felt a heavy pressure on my body.

The man's hot breath fell on my neck.

I felt my face burning.

Even though I couldn't see, I could sense the elegance and grace of this man.

With a click, my body leaned slightly forward.

My lips brushed past his warm skin, and I instinctively froze.

"Sorry, Mr. Joseph."

I nervously clenched my palms as a car horn blared from the front of the vehicle.

The honking grew more impatient, almost conveying the driver's irritation.

I fled from the car, my heart racing wildly.

"What? If I hadn't come back, would you have brought a man home?"

I instantly calmed down, unsure why Andrew was acting so crazy.

"Please move aside. I need to rest."

"I'm telling you. As long as I'm here, don't even think about it!"

His voice behind me carried a hint of anger.

Of course, someone like Andrew couldn't tolerate being ignored by others.

The piano competition was imminent. Primo had given me many pointers.

On the day of the competition, he even called to encourage me.

But soon I realized that the chauffeur who was supposed to take me there was missing.

Panicking, I tried to call a ride. But since the Gibson family’s villa was in the suburbs, no one accepted the ride request.

I attempted to hail a cab on the road and ran into Andrew returning home.

"Looking for Hubery? I sent him to take Cecilia. Isn't her piano competition today?"

"But I'm competing today. Do you know how important this competition is to me?"

My voice quivered with tears. The start time of the competition was very close now.

If I missed it, I'd have to wait another three years.

"You're not going to win anyway. Why waste time going? You're blind. What if someone accidentally hits you on your way there?"

"Who are you to decide for me? Why are you doing this to me?"

My hands trembled as I tightly gripped my phone. On the other end came Primo's voice.

"Cynthia, come out. I'm waiting at the door."

"Okay." I wiped away my tears as Andrew walked toward me with car keys in hand.

"What's all the fuss? I'll take you there. Why are you crying?"

"No need."

A deep voice came from ahead.

It was Primo. I almost ran towards him.