#Chapter 141: The Pianist

Iris The entire restaurant seems to hold its breath as Veronica plays. Even the waitstaff have paused, trays balanced on their palms, just to listen. It’s beautiful. Haunting and melodic, like a beautiful voice on the wind. I’ve always known Veronica’s music, have even attended some of her shows, but hearing her up close like this… It’s unlike anything I’ve heard before. So why is it making me uneasy? I glance around the room, noting the rapt expressions on everyone’s faces. Not a single soul in the room is looking away from her. It’s just like the exhibition all over again. I hate that I’m thinking it, but… this party—my party, meant to celebrate my exhibition, my residency, my accomplishments—now revolves around Veronica. Again. A twinge of something uncomfortable stirs in my chest. It’s not quite jealousy… or at least, I don’t want to admit that it might be. It’s more complex than that. Part of me is just as starstruck as everyone else—Vero