Chapter 46
Chapter 46
Way past 2 AM, the streets were dead quiet, a far cry from the noisy chaos just a few hours back.
The only sound cutting through the silence was the haunting notes of a viola drifting out from Ebb & Flow, giving the quier summer night a lonely vibe.
Suddenly, some tires screeched to a halt, and a sleek black Rolls-Royce came to a sudden stop, breaking the stillness Out stepped a tall, imposing figure, followed by three men in black, their faces almost identical, like a squad of dark angels. The drive from Beinisburg to Betrico, which should have taken ve hours, was rushed to just three by Morris’s relentless pushing. Steven and Hugh were puzzled, trying to figure out what kind of woman could make Morris so frantic.
As Morris stepped out of the car, the mournful viola from Ebb & Flow hit him full-on. With a serious expression, he strode forward.
The dozing doorman, caught off guard by Morris’s arrival, jolted awake. “Mr. Chivers, what brings you here at this hour? Right this way.” He quickly ushered Morris inside.
Morris made his way down the narrow hallway and turned the corner, and there he saw Cherise in a form-fitting red dress that showed off her fine shoulders, and she was pouring her heart into the viola on stage.
Cherise’s eyes were a bit glossy, but it couldn’t overshadow her radiant presence. Her viola played a lingering, heart-wrenching melody, a performance of stunning beauty and solitude.
Truman, in the crowd, was on a video call with Morris, with tears streaming down his face. He was completely mesmerized by Cherise’s performance. Xenia, Dora, and a handful of other staff were also wiping away tears. Morris reached the front of the stage, his gaze fixed on the banner hanging above.
Truman spotted Morris, quickly wiped his tears and snot, and rushed over. “Mr. Chivers, you made it! I was about to wail. Cherise is playing so beautifully and heartbreakingly!”
Hugh muttered under his breath, “Without the red banner, I’d think we were at a wake. It’s that somber.” He quickly clapped a hand over his mouth, worried he’d spoken out of turn.
Morris gazed at Cherise on stage and slowly climbed up.
Xenia, about to stop Morris from interrupting Cherise, was held back by Dora.
“Maybe Morris can. I have a feeling there’s something between them, Dora said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Morris walked to the center of the stage, dragged up a stool, and sat beside Cherise.
Cherise turned her head, catching sight of Morris. Her dazed eyes sparked with a flash of recognition. Morris saw that spark and felt a surge of joy.
Now, Cherise still recognized him, and a charming smile, one she had never worn before, hit up her face. Her viola fell silent suddenly, and she turned to Morris, saying, “Mr. Chivers, you’re here,”
Cherise still addressed him with the formal “Mr. Chivers”. A snicker from the crowd made Morris give a wry smile.
“Cherise, let me stay with you, okay?” Morris said, gently touching Cherise’s head. He felt her hair smooth and fragrant, quite captivating.
Cherise stared at Morris, unblinking. Then, with a sweet smile, she said, “Okay, sing for me.”
Morris chuckled and said, “Alright, Cherise, what’s your pleasure? I’m at your service.”
Cherise tilted her head and said, “Hmm, something nice.”
“Got it,” Morris coaxed Cherise patiently.
Then, Morris’s voice, deep and sultry as a double bass, filled the air. “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away”
When the song ended, the audience was still spellbound. They couldn’t believe that the legendary Morris, known for his detachment and decisiveness, sang so enchantingly.
On stage, Cherise and Morris locked eyes, as if time had stopped
From afar, they looked like a perfect match, one as noble as a goil, the other a mix of enchanting and pure like a fairy.
Dora and Xenia were silent, not wanting to break the moment.
Standing behind, Hugh said, “Ms. Leach is indeed a beauty that could bring a country to its knees. I’ve never seen anyone so stunning, not even in Betrico or Clusia. She’s more beautiful than any celebrity, and she looks perfect with Mr. Chivers, right, Steven?” “Steven, what’s wrong?” Leo asked, panic setting in.
Leo and Hugh were instantly in a flurry as Steven clutched his chest in pain.
“You’re right. Ms. Leach is so beautiful that it’s breathtaking,” Steven managed to say, looking at Leo.
Where’s the oxygen tank you brought? Quick, Hugh. Let’s get him to the infirmary, Leo said with urgency in his voice. Together with Hugh, he rushed Steven towards the infirmary at Ebb & Flow