"Golden Melody" is a tale of love, dreams, and resilience, exploring the power of music and memory as Zatariel fights to bring back the melody of their hearts amidst the challenges they face.
Will their shared passion for music be enough to bridge...
I reached the garden, and the cool night air brushed against my face.
But it did nothing to soothe the burning shame and hurt that filled my chest. I could hear the muffled sounds of laughter and music from inside the hall, but it felt like I was in a different world, a world I didn't belong in.
"Why is it like this?" I whispered to myself. It wasn't just about finding out Ron had a girlfriend at the Christmas ball, or my family neglecting to even visit me on my birthday. It wasn't even about the obvious difference between Riel's world and mine. It was the realization that, in their eyes, I was just a rich girl with a disability, a girl they pitied.
I sank onto a bench, trying to catch my breath, but each thought only made the tears flow more freely.
"Exy?" I heard a voice call out. I looked up and saw Ron at the entrance of the garden. Panic surged through me. "What are you doing out here alone?"
"Nothing, I'm okay," I said, quickly wiping my tears. I didn't want him to see me like this.
"Come on, let's go back inside. I'm sure everyone's looking for you," he said, stepping closer, concern etched on his face.
I nodded, but my heart felt heavy. Maybe I needed to let go of our friendship, a friendship that felt so one-sided.
As we walked back towards the event hall, I couldn't shake the feeling that everything had changed.
My birthday, once filled with promise and excitement, now felt like just another day in a life where I was still searching for my place.
The ballroom was a vibrant mix of light, sound, and laughter.
I felt a wave of nausea as I stepped back inside, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and champagne.
Ron was talking, his voice a soothing balm on the storm brewing inside me. "You're okay, Baby? It's just a party. Don't let it get to you."
But it wasn't just the party. It was everything. It was the feeling of being lost, of being invisible, of not belonging. I didn't even realize that Ron left me in the crowd as my mind was occupied with thoughts.
I wandered aimlessly, my feet carrying me through the throngs of people, each one a reminder of my own isolation.
The music pulsed around me, a relentless beat just like the chaotic rhythm of my heart.
I caught a glimpse of Thyron on stage, speaking with a charming smile that seemed to captivate the entire room.
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the crowd.
"And now, for a special birthday girl," he announced, his voice echoing through the room.
My heart skipped a beat. He remembered!
He walked towards me, his smile widening as he approached. "Ex, happy birthday. I hope you're having a wonderful night."
I felt my cheeks flush as he handed me a small velvet box.
"I wanted to give you something special," he said, his voice soft and gentle.
I took the box from him, my fingers trembling slightly. I opened it, my eyes widening in surprise. It was a beautiful bracelet, crafted from silver and adorned with sparkling diamonds.
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"It's beautiful," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
He placed the bracelet on my wrist, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. His fingers lingered on my skin for a moment longer than necessary, and I felt a strange mix of gratitude and unease. He was so kind, so charming, but there was something about him, something that made me feel a little bit uncomfortable.
"Thank you," I whispered, my voice still trembling.
"You're welcome, baby girl," he said, his gaze lingering on me for a moment too long. His eyes held a warmth that was both alluring and unsettling. He seemed to be looking at me, not just as a birthday girl, but as something more, something that I couldn't quite understand.
Then, he turned to the crowd, his smile radiant. "Exy, I know you're a bit shy, but I wanted to share something with everyone."
He paused, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Miexha Wayne Verra, you are a star. You shine so brightly, even in the darkest of times."
The crowd erupted in applause, their cheers echoing through the ballroom. I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment, but a small spark of warmth ignited in my chest. Thyron was right. I did shine, even in the darkest of times. I was a star, and I was ready to let my light shine.
