Melodies Of Love

Chapter 10: The Concert

Alex

I felt the hand resting on my shoulder, firm yet familiar. Turning my head slightly, I wasn't surprised to see her - Isabella. She stood there with her piercing green eyes, her lips curved into a small, knowing smile. Isabella was never the type to sneak up on someone quietly; her presence always commanded attention, but tonight it seemed deliberate.

"Well, well, look who's nervous. You're usually the most cocky performer I know," she teased, her voice low and silky, reminding me of the late nights we once spent together. I hadn't seen her in months, not since we decided to end whatever it was we had - if you could even call it a relationship.

"Isa," I muttered, trying to keep my voice neutral. "Didn't expect to see you here."

She raised an eyebrow, her hand still lingering on my shoulder. "Oh, come on, Alex. Did you really think I wouldn't show up? You know I love a good show. Besides, I'm not one to miss the return of the great Alex Barlowe after his little London debacle."

I clenched my jaw at the reminder of my chaos in London. I didn't need this tonight - not her, not the ghosts of our past, and definitely not the mocking smile on her face. The nerves were already building up, and she wasn't helping.

"Shouldn't you be off in Paris or something, designing overpriced clothes for your elite clients?" I shot back, trying to deflect. She laughed, her laugh sharp and a little too amused.

"I still have time for a little fun, you know that. And besides," she leaned in closer, whispering just by my ear, "I always make time for you."

Her words sent a shiver down my spine, but not in the way they used to. Now they felt more like a warning than an invitation. We were never more than a fling, a way to pass time and satisfy desires, but I could see the glint in her eyes - she wasn't done with me yet.

"Listen, Isa, I'm not in the mood for any of this tonight. I've got a performance to focus on." I stepped back slightly, shrugging her hand off my shoulder.

She sighed dramatically, flipping her hair back. "Fine, fine. I'm not here to cause trouble - yet. I'll be watching you, though." Her eyes narrowed, and for a moment, it felt like she was seeing through me, like she knew something was off. "Good luck, Alex. You're going to need it." With that, she turned on her heel and walked off, leaving me with my thoughts.

I exhaled slowly, rubbing my temples. God, why did she always have to pop up at the worst times? The last thing I needed was Isabella stirring up old memories when my mind was already a mess with Lily.

Lily. My brother's crush.. Damn it, how had things gotten this complicated?

I was so lost in thought that I almost didn't notice when my manager came over, frantically waving his arms. "Alex! Showtime in five! You ready?"

I nodded, even though my head was still spinning. "Yeah, I'm good. Let's do this."

As I headed toward the stage, I could hear the crowd's cheers getting louder. The lights dimmed, and for a moment, everything went quiet - except the pounding in my chest. I took a deep breath, the weight of everything I was feeling starting to settle on me.

And then, just as the spotlight hit me, I saw her. Lily. She was in the front row, her eyes locking with mine. I almost stumbled, my heart doing a somersault in my chest. What was she doing here?

I forced myself to look away, trying to focus on the music, but it was no use. Her face, her presence, was burned into my mind. And as I started to sing, the lyrics suddenly felt different, like they weren't just words anymore - they were pieces of everything I was feeling. Confusion. Guilt. Desire.

God, this was a mess.

But there was no turning back now.