?<strong>Chapter 821:</strong>


    Elyse approached Theo and carefully ced her violin in its case. She lifted it with ease.


    Theo extended his hand, intending to help her with the case, but she stepped aside.


    His offer hung awkwardly in the air. “I just wanted to help,” he said, the awkwardness palpable.


    Elyse paused, then responded with a polite reserve, “I appreciate it, but I’m used to handling things on my own. The violin isn’t heavy.”


    Theo was reminded then that during the three years they were together, he had never once carried her things. Yet, he had carried a backpack for a flirty junior, a designer handbag for a brief affair, and even delivered cakes and coffee to Kaelyn on set, always eager to lighten their burdens.


    As he reflected on his past behavior toward Elyse, he recognized a troubling pattern. Despite her genuine affection, he had kept his distance, donning a mask of indifference.


    He pondered this deeply, realizing that perhaps he had believed no one could genuinely care for him without wanting something in return. This belief stemmed from his experiences in an environment rife with ulterior motives, where everyone seemed to seek a piece of his family’s fortune.


    Back then, Theo had convinced himself that Elyse was no different, that she was just another opportunist. So he guarded himself, waiting for her true colors to show, expecting to uncover a facade of greed and deceit. But that revtion never came. Instead, the news of her impending marriage to Jayden reached him, sending him into a state of unexpected panic and anger.


    Why did he react so strongly? Was it because Elyse had proven to be just like everyone else, insincere and untrustworthy? He had believed it was right to push her away.


    Yet, over time, he recognized a painful truth—no one had ever loved him as genuinely and unconditionally as Elyse had during those three years. Now, as he stood beside her, realizing her indifference to their past, he felt a profound sense of loss.


    Elyse’s voice broke through his thoughts. “Let’s go back. It’s past midnight; our date is over.”


    He checked his watch; it was indeed past midnight. He nodded, and they started walking back in silence.


    As they walked on, the silence stretched ufortably between them until Theo attempted to break it. “Your violin performance earlier—it took me back. The very first time I saw you, you were ying just like that.”


    Elyse, reminded of the memory, offered a soft smile and nodded. “Yes, I remember that day well. The school had organized an event, and I had signed up despite feelingpletely unprepared for the stage. I was so nervous about not being good enough that I would practice in secret.”


    “You were mesmerizing,” Theo admitted, his voice carrying a warmth that touched the cooler evening air. “I was captivated from the first note and found myself following the sound just to see who was ying with such passion.”


    A shadow of difort momentarily crossed his face as he reflected on those days. “It’s funny; I was the one who approached you first, wasn’t I?”


    Elyse’s brow furrowed in mild confusion at his sudden introspection. “What are you getting at?”


    “Nothing,” Theo replied, his smile twisting into a wry, self-deprecating curve. “I’m just realizing now how arrogant I was back then. How foolishly I behaved.”


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