His Obsession Began After Losing Her-Chapter 33: Thirteen Years Ago: Shuri’s POV (5)

The following week.

As I stepped out of the car at the entrance of the Virtuoso Grand Hall, I was instantly awed by the grandeur around me.

The tall columns and detailed architecture gave off a timeless elegance, while the sound of music floated through the night, promising enchanting performances inside.

I made my way towards the entrance quietly and joined the line of people waiting to go inside.

When it was finally my turn, the usher looked at me with an unfriendly gaze, but when I handed him my ticket, his expression shifted noticeably.

He glanced at my VIP ticket and then back at me.

"Is there a problem, sir?" I asked, noticing his disbelief.

"Ah, no, not a problem," he said, bowing slightly.

His demeanor instantly transformed into one of utmost respect and deference. "Please allow me to call someone to personally escort you inside. One moment, please."

After a brief wait, another usher arrived and, with a courteous nod, extended his arm slightly. "Please follow me, Miss Lee."

I nodded politely and walked behind the usher.

As I moved further into the grand hall, I noticed the curious gazes and whispered murmurs.

It was clear that those around me viewed me with a mixture of intrigue and skepticism, their eyes lingering on my simple attire and light makeup.

The people in the surrounding area were adorned in luxurious attire, their elegance and sophistication standing in stark contrast to my modest appearance.

I could feel their scrutinizing stares, their whispered criticisms cutting through the air like a sharp knife.

"Who is she? Why is she allowed into the VIP box when she's dressed like this?" I overheard one woman whisper to her companion, her voice tinged with disbelief. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

"I wonder which bigshot invited her," another murmured with curiosity.

"Could she be someone's mistress?" a third person speculated, their tone a mix of intrigue and judgment.

"Mistress? In such a cheap dress? Tsk, she should know her place."

I smiled to myself quietly.

Despite knowing I would receive such criticism for the way I dressed in a prestigious place like the Virtuoso Grand Hall, I decided not to spend lavishly on dressing up.

I didn't want to do unnecessary things like pretending I was someone from high society; I knew my place and understood that I didn't belong here.

However, as someone who grew up appreciating classical music, it would be a lie to say it wasn't my dream to watch a live orchestra in such a grand hall.

In fact, I had always dreamed of attending a performance by Noran and hearing him play live. I just never imagined my dream would come true, and certainly not in this manner.

I ignored the judgmental whispers and disapproving looks and followed the usher into the VIP box, leaving the scrutiny of the crowd behind me.

Inside the box, separated from the rest of the balcony by a velvet rope, I found an oasis of luxury and exclusivity.

Plush, velvet-covered seats were arranged to provide an unobstructed view of the stage, and a small, elegantly set table offered refreshments.

The walls were adorned with intricate, gilded designs, and soft lighting created an atmosphere of sophistication and privacy.

I sat down in one of the plush seats, feeling a mixture of awe and disbelief.

The usher bowed slightly and spoke with utmost politeness, "If you need anything, Miss Lee, please press the service button on the table, and someone will attend to you promptly."

"Alright, thank you," I replied politely, and the usher quietly left the box.

Then I looked around at the splendor around me and shook my head with a smile. "We are really from two different worlds."

Although I wasn't dressed in a luxurious gown, I guessed it was fine to be Cinderella for a night and enjoy the performance.

While waiting for the main event to start, I took a look at the program booklet and noticed that Noran would be appearing as a guest soloist in the middle of the program, performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18.

"Didn't he say he'd be performing his new original?" I wondered in confusion.

My thoughts were interrupted when the first orchestral performance started.

The rich, harmonious sounds of strings and brass filled the grand theatre, setting a majestic tone for the evening.

Each note resonated through the hall, captivating the audience with a blend of classical elegance and powerful crescendos.

After a few more performances, each piece executed with precision and passion, a voice came over the speaker system.

The audience kept quiet as the announcement began, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a slight change in tonight's program. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Noran Kingston will not be performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2.

Instead, he will be delighting us with a special piece – his new original composition, 'To Rin.' We are pleased to welcome Noran Kingston to the stage."

"What?!" I couldn't help but exclaim in shock at the announcement.

With such a title, it was clear he composed the piece for me.

My heart raced as I tried to process the significance of what I had just heard.

The applause grew louder, and Noran appeared, walking gracefully onto the stage.

His presence was mesmerizing, his every movement exuding charm and confidence.

I found myself utterly captivated, unable to tear my eyes away from him.

I watched as Noran seated himself confidently at the grand piano, his fingers poised over the keys.

The theatre fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air.

Then, with a graceful motion, he began to play.

The melody was tender, each note imbued with a warmth that seemed to wrap around me like a gentle embrace.

As the piece progressed, the music grew richer and more complex, weaving a tapestry of emotions that spoke directly to my heart.

The notes danced and intertwined, creating a beautiful harmony that was both intimate and profound.

I could feel Noran's emotions flowing through the piano, each part of the music a heartfelt confession.

The piece expressed longing, hope, and deep affection.

It was as if he was telling me everything he had ever wanted to say, using the piano as his voice.

My heart swelled with emotion as I listened, the beauty of the music moving me to tears.

I murmured, "Since when...?"

Since when did you feel this passionate about me?

The melody was a reflection of our shared moments, our unspoken words, and the deep feelings he had for me.

Noran's fingers moved gracefully over the keys, bringing the piece to a gentle, lingering close.

The final notes hung in the air, resonating with a sense of completion and peace.

The hall erupted in applause, but I was momentarily lost in my own world, overwhelmed by the depth of Noran's love and the power of his music.

As the applause continued, Noran stood and looked directly toward the VIP box I was in, his eyes filled with the same emotions that had flowed through his music.

I just stared back at him, at a loss, and watched him slowly walk backstage.

I had thought his feelings were just a passing interest; I didn't know they were this deep.

As I was lost in my thoughts, there was a gentle knock on the door.

The usher then entered and informed me politely, "Miss Lee, Mr. Kingston has requested to see you in his private room backstage. Would you kindly follow me?"

Still startled, I could only nod quietly and follow the usher.

The rest of the performance was still ongoing, so there weren't many people around.

We navigated through the quiet hallways until we finally reached the entrance to his private room.

The usher stopped and knocked softly on the door. "Mr. Kingston, Miss Lee is here."

"Come in," Noran's charming voice replied.

The usher then bowed slightly to me before turning and leaving.

I hesitated for a moment, my heart racing.

Summoning my courage, I opened the door and stepped inside, my breath catching as I saw Noran standing there in the private waiting room, looking ridiculously handsome.

He turned to face me, a warm, inviting smile on his lips.

"Why does he have to be so handsome?!" I screamed in my head but tried my best to keep calm, not realizing I was clutching the hem of my dress.

"You don't have to look so nervous, Rin. I won't eat you," Noran said gently as he approached me.

"Your presence is devouring me alive!" I wanted to tell him that, but instead, I extended my hand toward him and exclaimed nervously, "Wait!"

Noran stopped, his expression faltering slightly as he looked at me with a hint of hurt.

"Did my feelings not reach you?"

"N-no, it's...it's just that..." I stammered, struggling to find the right words. "I'm just not ready."

He let out a sigh of relief and smiled warmly. "Ah, I understand. It's okay, I'll wait for you."

Then, he gently took my extended hand and brought it to his lips, planting a soft kiss on it.

"You don't have to reciprocate my feelings now, Rin. I'll work hard to make you fall for me."

"H-he... k-i... kiss my hand?!" I screamed internally, my face already burning red.

I wanted to take back my hand, but Noran held onto it firmly.

He looked at me amusingly, clearly enjoying seeing me flustered because of him.

I took a deep breath to calm my racing heart before looking back at him earnestly and replied, "W-We come from different backgrounds. We aren't suitable for each other."

"You taught me that we tend to keep things we like. I've never liked anything or anyone before in my life, Rin. You're the only one, and I intend to keep you by my side for life," he replied with a gentle smile, his eyes looking at me with unwavering resolve.

"You..."

He was using my own words against me!

Wasn't that cheating? How could I reject him when he said it like that and after all he had done...

I felt defeated by his affection as I muttered, "You weren't like this before. How did you change so much?"

He leaned in closer, his breath warm against my cheek as he whispered, "You changed me, Rin. So, please take full responsibility for that."

Although my heart was beating rapidly from his intimacy, my body refused to move.

He had mesmerized me with his presence, actions, and words.

Then, as I looked at him, I found myself unable to resist his deep, swirling blue eyes as he gazed passionately at me.

"Rin..." he breathed my nickname with affectionate warmth, his presence completely seducing me.

Before I knew it, I was kissing him.

His large hands softly cupped my jaw and cheek, holding me tenderly yet firmly.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, and the kiss grew longer and deeper.

At that moment, I readily accepted his presence and decided to face whatever obstacles lay before us.