Chapter 132

It was undeniable that her relationship with Dominic lacked the excitement others seemed to have.

Just last weekend, they'd spent every moment inside his penthouse.

Dominic alternated between working in his private study and reading in the sunlit lounge.

Evelyn divided her time between drafting her research paper and reading alongside him in companionable silence.

The book in Dominic's hands was written in some obscure European language Evelyn couldn't decipher.

She was engrossed in Professor Sebastian Whitmore's groundbreaking neurology publication.

Certain Dominic wouldn't comprehend a single term either, she felt no intellectual disadvantage.

"Don't you love my new bracelet?" Sophie suddenly removed the delicate chain from her wrist, thrusting it toward Evelyn.

"It's lovely. A gift from your beau?"

"Exactly! My Christmas present." Sophie's eyes sparkled. "Look - it's even got my initials engraved!"

"You can find jewelry stores offering free engraving for under twenty dollars," Evelyn said matter-of-factly. "Don't let commercial gimmicks cloud your judgment."

Sophie merely laughed.

"Darling, it's not about the engraving. I'm touched he remembered! The day he stops making my heart flutter is the day I walk away."

Evelyn had no rebuttal.

"You're being unusually cynical. Has Dominic never given you anything?" Sophie probed. "He might be older and more reserved, but you're young! Must you act like a jaded widow? If he won't initiate romance, you should!"

Evelyn ignored her and focused on her salad.

The evening concert commenced promptly at seven.

Backstage in the dressing room, Evelyn and Sophie made final preparations.

"Evelyn! Is your husb—"

"Mind your surroundings!" Evelyn hissed, glancing meaningfully at nearby performers.

Sophie lowered her voice. "Has Dominic arrived? Any calls? I peeked at the audience - it's packed. Where's he sitting?"

Evelyn checked her phone. No new notifications.

An unexpected pang struck her.

Had he changed his mind?

Perhaps he wouldn't come after all.

"No contact. I've no idea if he's here or where he might be seated." Evelyn straightened her dress. "Even if he attends, he'll likely maintain his anonymity. We might pretend not to know each other if our paths cross."

Sophie's jaw dropped, Evelyn's pragmatic words dousing her enthusiasm for romantic drama.

Dominic arrived on campus at eight sharp.

Evelyn's performance was thirteenth in the lineup, approximately an hour after commencement.

His timing was impeccable.

Entering the auditorium flanked by discreet security, Dominic commanded immediate attention.

Dressed in a powder-blue button-down beneath a tailored white blazer with matching slacks, he moved with deliberate grace.

No wheelchair. No cane.

Though not fully recovered, his measured steps exuded quiet strength.

He looked every inch the aristocratic lead from a period romance.

Whispers rippled through the crowd as Dominic took his front-row seat.

Backstage, Sophie spotted him instantly.

"Oh. My. God!" She gasped, rushing to Evelyn. "That ivory ensemble! He's devastating! He came! Definitely for you! Front and center! I might faint!"

Evelyn's breath hitched.

Edging toward the stage curtains, she stole a glance.

There Dominic sat, his luminous presence piercing her composure like sunlight through stained glass.

"Evelyn! You're on! Knock 'em dead! Show that husband of yours what he's been missing!" Sophie gave an encouraging shoulder squeeze.

Evelyn blinked back unexpected moisture.

"Must you be so theatrical, Sophie Mercer?"

"Next, the Ravenswood Conservatory's brightest star, Miss Evelyn Thorne, performing 'Tim McGraw' on acoustic guitar. Let's welcome her with applause!" Following the announcer's introduction, Evelyn stepped into the spotlight.