The venue was dimly lit, and the spotlight fell exclusively on Sophie, giving her an almost magical glow.


    A sh of red caught James''s eye. Sophie''s red dress was bold and striking, yet it felt like it was made just for her. She seemed like she was at an event like this for the first time, her face showing the sweet awkwardness of youth. In that moment, James thought that her delicate beauty and otherworldly aura were perfectly fitting. It was as if she deserved all the beautiful words the world could offer.


    With that thought, a strange pang of pain gripped his chest. It was a feeling he''d never had before, and instinctively, James ced a hand over his heart, as if it no longer belonged to him.


    "Thank you all foring to my eighteenth birthday party. I''ve prepared a piano piece for you. I''m not the best pianist, but I hope you''ll enjoy it," Sophie said, her cheeks a rosy hue, her clear eyes masking her shyness.


    Sophie walked over to the white piano and began ying a cheerful and melodious tune. While everyone else listened to the music, James couldn''t take his eyes off her. He felt more certain that he had seen her before and heard her y, but he couldn''t recall when. Nearby, Jenna was beside herself with nerves. "What if she hits a wrong note? I stayed up with her practicing all night!" she fretted.


    Harold, noticing Jenna''s anxiety, chuckled, "If she messes up, I''ll never let her live it down."


    Soon, the music ended, and everyone pped for the young princess who was adored by all.


    "Where''s Gordon? Hasn''t he finished work yet?" Jenna wondered aloud, scanning the crowd for him.


    "No way he''d miss this. It''s Sophie''s birthday. He would''ve dropped everything to be here," Harold assured her.


    "Then why can''t I see him anywhere?" Jenna asked, her eyes darting around.


    Harold found it strange as well. Normally, his brother would have been there by now. "I''ll go find him!"


    As Harold dashed off, Jenna called after him, "Where are you going to look for him at this hour?"


    Harold hurried upstairs, and when he reached his brother''s door, he found


    it locke


    He knocked, calling, "Bro!Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    The party''s already started. Why


    aren''t you out here?"


    There was no response from inside. Harold frowned, "Bro, if you don''te now, Sophie''s going to be upset."


    Everyone knew how much Sophie


    had been looking forward to today. Gordon had been there for every important moment in her life. Missing something as special as her birthday would definitely bring her to tears. ,


    Inside the room, it was dark, with only a sliver of moonlight creeping in. Gordon sat slumped on the floor his tie and jacket strewn across the room, his white shirt rumpled. He heard the music from downstairs and a bittersweet smile crossed his face.


    The piano had sounded beautiful. If only all of this weren''t just a dream.