Chapter 72

Aria's POV I couldn't really blame Elena for initially wanting to downplay the incident. Today's charity concert was truly impressive—the stage design rivaled professional competitions I'd performed in before. Going from closing act to opening performer left me feeling surprisingly nervous as I stood backstage preparing to go on. I'd be performing a specially arranged piano piece called "Our World," accompanied by a dance troupe of hearing-impaired performers. Though not particularly intense, the combination created something deeply moving—a true feast for the senses. After my final bow, I instinctively glanced toward the audience. When I'd first stepped onstage, I'd spotted Aiden immediately. He sat in the middle of a row, his exceptional features and commanding presence making him stand out like a beacon. Now, as I took my final bow, my eyes naturally sought him out again. What I hadn't expected was for my gaze to crash directly into the depths of those dark eyes. I froze, my heart s