Chapter 143
Aria’s POV
I counted the days Aiden would be back while he was on his business trip.
Now that he’s actually here, my emotions keep spiraling out of control. I’m finding it harder and harder to manage my feelings for him.
Thank goodness Julian’s concert is coming up soon. As a dedicated pianist who appreciates good side income, I’ve been able to push aside those messy romantic feelings. The concert starts tomorrow at eight, and I need to go rehearse today.
This morning, I actually left the house with Aiden – a rare occurrence. It wasn’t until we reached the door that I remembered the concert tomorrow night.
Julian had sent me five tickets yesterday. I gave two to Eleanor, two to Summer, and kept one for Aiden. Not that it meant anything special – just being polite.
“Um… Julian’s having a concert tonight. I have a ticket if you want to come?” My voice sounded shakier than I intended.
Aiden looked at me without committing either way. “What time does it start p>
“Eight p>
“When do you perform p>
His direct question made my face flush hot. “Just the opening and middle section p>
The concert runs two hours total, but my piano parts barely take up ten minutes combined. No wonder that three million payment feels like easy money!
“Hmm.” He took the ticket from my hand.
Our separate cars waited outside. Summer was already in our car, watching Aiden and me with undisguised interest.
As soon as I got in, I noticed Summer’s grin. “That look on your face is kind of scary,” I told her.
“Darling, do you and Mr. Carter always have such ‘tender farewells’ every morning?” she teased.
Did Aiden and I really look like that? The thought made the tips of my ears burn red.
I cleared my throat and changed the subject. “Let’s get going. We have two rehearsals today!” After all, I had to work a little for that three million payment!
Summer gave me a knowing look. “I understand completely p>
She turned to our driver. “Chen, let’s go p>
What exactly did she understand? I hadn’t even said anything!
Summer glanced between me and Aiden’s departing Maybach with a sigh. “Real married couples are so much fun to watch p>
If only she knew we weren’t actually a real couple. But obviously, I kept that thought to myself.
We arrived at the concert venue quickly. Julian clearly had major star power – the setup was incredible. I’d participated in countless performances and competitions, but never seen such an elaborate stage.
No wonder everyone wants to enter the entertainment industry. The money is ridiculous!
While I was lost in these thoughts, Julian’s manager approached us. “Miss Aria, Miss Summer, thank you for coming p>
With my three-million payment in mind, I couldn’t possibly complain about any inconvenience. “It’s our pleasure, Mr. Garcia. Shall we go in p>
Julian had invited quite a few special guests, with Kevin Washington as the finale performer. When I entered, Julian was chatting with other guests as Christopher Garcia led us over.
The stage was completely built, and they were adjusting the equipment before starting rehearsal.
Julian had been talking to someone, but when he saw me, his eyebrows lifted and his gaze fixed directly on me. “Let me introduce you – this is my specially recruited guest, piano prodigy Aria Jones p>
I’d been called a “piano prodigy” before, but hearing Julian announce it in front of all these celebrities
made me uncomfortable. Still, l’on et
weathered bigger storms. Despite
my her embarrassme Despite
maintained my composure. “Hello everyone, I’m Aria Jones
“It’s an honor to meet you p>
After brief pleasantries, the coordinator announced it was time to start rehearsals. Since I was appearing in the first performance, I needed to get ready immediately.
I wore a French-style dress with bellflower patterns today. Since I’d be getting professional makeup before the show, I came bare-faced with my hair casually braided over my left shoulder.
When Christopher first brought me in, I appeared gentle and composed, speaking softly and slowly. I was beautiful, certainly, with exceptional poise but the entertainment industry had plenty of women like me.
Julian had been in the business for ten years, with countless admirers from both inside and outside the industry – wealthy heiresses included – all pursuing him.
Kevin had heard that Julian personally added two million to bring my performance
f*e to three million, just to have me play piano for two songs.
Whether this was worth it remained debatable, but as Julian’s mentor who had guided him from obscurity to stardom, Kevin understood him well. Their relationship went beyond mentor-student – they were like brothers separated only by blood.
Kevin was certain Julian’s interest in me wasn’t purely professional appreciation. He’d barely exchanged two sentences with Christopher before confirming his suspicions.
Watching me sit at the white piano on stage, Kevin clicked his tongue. “What does Julian see in her p>
She was undeniably beautiful, but Julian had never been swayed by looks alone.
Christopher, who hadn’t understood either until he’d seen me perform, said simply: “You’ll understand in a moment p>
That moment came quickly. As Christopher finished speaking, piano notes filled the
air.
The gentle, elegant woman from moments ago seemed transformed. Kevin struggled to describe it. Playing the piano, I remained gentle and quiet, but my elegance now radiated an incomparable magnetism.
When the song ended, Kevin began to understand why Julian was attracted to me.
Some people are simply born to be the moon in the sky. When they appear, even stars must yield to their brilliance.
“Diana really doesn’t compare,” Kevin remarked sincerely.
At the mention of Diana Hayes, Christopher winced. “Don’t mention Aria in front of her, or she’ll get upset p>
Kevin smiled. “If Diana had even half of Miss Aria’s qualities, she wouldn’t have been chasing Julian unsuccessfully for so long p>
Speak of the devil, and she appears.
“Senior!” A voice called from the distance.
Kevin exchanged a glance with Christopher, who looked instantly stressed.
How did she get here?
After that incident, Diana’s popularity had plummeted. Coupled with her unadvised social media outbursts, the company had decided to keep her “quiet” for about six months.
The official explanation was waiting for public opinion to settle, but the reality was they were freezing her out as punishment.
Christopher was well aware of the issues between Diana and me. He’d specifically arranged with the company to send Diana out of town during Julian’s concert. Surprisingly, Diana had sneaked back and used her status as Julian’s junior to get immediate access.
Diana spotted me on stage, and her expression immediately darkened. “Senior Kevin, why did Julian insist on inviting that Jones woman p>
Kevin, unwilling to get involved in young people’s conflicts, deflected: “You’d have to ask Julian about that p>