Chapter 34

Under the spotlight, Eira stepped onto the stage, her black dress swaying elegantly with each step. A hushed gasp swept through the audience-who would've thought someone like her would show up here! Hearing the crowd's surprised excitement, Sophia tightened her jaw and forced a smile. "Didn't expect to see a familiar face. I wonder if Miss Johnson knows how to play the piano? If not, I could..." "I can." Sophia had been convinced someone like Eira, straight out of nowhere, couldn't possibly play piano. But she didn't even get to finish before that reply shut her down. Not that it bothered her. If Eira said yes, it just gave Sophia the perfect excuse to humiliate her. She had picked "Moonlight Sonata" for the duet-a piece she had practiced to the bone. The melody started flowing from the piano under their four hands. When Sophia's tempo subtly quickened, Eira noticed and smirked. ‘Trying to embarrass her? Nice try. Not happening.' Eira sped up too, her hands a blur. Her part rose an oct