Chapter 7
Chapter 7
“Relax. You could show up like this and still be drop–dead gorgeous” Jasmin teased.
Camila burst out laughing, hugging Jasmin again, too giddy to care about anything else.
Jasmin could tell Camila was genuinely happy. It had been a long time since she’d seen Camila this thrilled.
In the evening. Camila arrived at the restaurant Brenden had picked. It was a cozy little bistro.
She’d shown up thirty minutes early on purpose, nerves bubbling under the surface. She must’ve checked her reflection in the mirror a dozen times, terrified of making a bad impression on Brenden.
After a while, footsteps sounded outside the private dining room. She immediately stood up, and the moment the door opened, her gaze locked with the person walking in.
Her heart gave a small jolt, and a rush of tears welled in her eyes. Her voice trembled as she called out,
Brenden gave a faint smile. “You’re early”
“Mr. Moone.”
After the brief greeting, the two sat facing each other. But Camila couldn’t bring herself to meet the eyes of the mentor she both admired deeply and felt overwhelmingly guilty toward.
Brenden seemed to read her thoughts. He picked up his glass, took a small sip, then cut straight to it. “Are you planning to keep your head down the entire time we talk”
Camila’s heart skipped. Slowly, she lifted her gaze, eyes full of apology. “I’m sorry for giving up the opportunity you fought so hard to get me to study abroad.”
Three years ago, she had the chance to study at Aldridge College of Music–a spot Brenden had fought hard to secure for her, despite the pushback.
But just before she was supposed to leave the country, she gave it up because Noel had proposed to her. She didn’t want a long–distance relationship, so she gave the opportunity up.
Brenden had boarded the plane with disappointment heavy in his chest, and after that, they’d completely lost contact..
Camila had assumed that was it–that he’d never speak to her again. But his call this morning had sparked a flicker of hope she thought was long gone.
Brenden poured her a cup of coffee with a faint smile. “There’s no need to apologize. Sure, it was disappointing, but it was your decision. I respected that. But…”
Then he paused. His eyes, usually kind, turned thoughtful and serious. Tell me this–do you regret that choice now?”
Camila thought, If he’d asked me back then, I would’ve said no without hesitation. But now, how could I not?
She gave a bitter smile. “Shame there’s no rewind button in life.”
Brenden gave a knowing smile. “So the man who convinced you to stay wasn’t the right one after all
Camila stayed quiet. She didn’t deny it.
“There’s a chance to redeem yourself. Are you interested?” Brenden asked.
She looked up at him, puzzled.
“I’m back this time for a concert tour,” he explained. “And I need a violinist to perform with me. Would you be willing to help me?”
Her eyes instantly filled with tears. “Mr. Moone, L.” She hadn’t expected him to still be willing to give her a shot
Getting the chance to perform alongside a world–class violinist like Brenden was beyond rare–it was the kind of opportunity violinists spent their whole lives chasing. And now, he was handing it to her.
Camila was overwhelmed with excitement. The only thing she could do was let the tears fall. This meant Brenden hadn’t given up on her and she was still his favorite student. That kind of affirmation felt even more incredible than winning the lottery
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Chapter 7
“Why the tears!” Brenden asked softly, clearly moved. “You’ve got talent. It’d be a damn shame to let it go to waste. I’d hate to see someone with your gift just fade away.”
If she hadn’t walked away from the opportunity to study abroad back then, Camila would probably be a well–known violinist by now. That regret still lingered in Brenden’s heart.
Camila hesitated as she said, “But I’m afraid I might have to let you down again.”
AD
