the podium, his expression a perfect mask of grief and devotion. He held my hand, the

career as a pianist was her dream, and seeing that dream cut short is a tragedy. But I will be by h

a hero, a man sacrificing everything fo

he stage. The door was slightly ajar, and I heard voices from t

in her voice. "The Philharmonic called this morning. The

Ben made sure of it. The 'accident' was flawless. The subsequent treatment ensured she wo

as all a lie. A carefully constructed cage built by the man holding m

pped out of the room with them. I could see his unease. "Ethan

she? A nobody from a poor family. This is for the best, for us." His voice dropped, becoming a low threat. "And yo

dded, scurrying

d around me in a show of support, his touch felt li

e up there, my lo

shot up my arm, but it was nothing compared to the agony in my heart. It wasn't a touch of comfort. It was a ges