A Symphony of Betrayal
CHAPTER ONE
The applause thundered through the concert hall as Aria took her final bow, Sweat glistened on her forehead, but her smile remained radiant. The orchestra behind he stood in unison, their own faces beaming with pride
“That was quite the recovery,” James, bet lead violinist, whispered as they walked offstage. “Who would’ve thought a fallen music stand could cause such chang?
“Don’t remind me. Aria laughed, adjusting her conductor’s jacket. “Though Mitchell stepping up last minute was a blessing”
“you pulled it oft beautifully,” Jenny, her assistant, chinned in. “No one in the audience noticed a thing
The post–concert reception burred with energy. Aria accepted congratulations while scanning the crowl, her heart skipping when she caught sight of familiar broad shoulders,
Dand appeared behind her, sliding an arm around her waist, “That was incredible, love
“You’re just saving that because you have to, “she teased, tuming to face him.
“I’m saying it because it’s true.” His fingers traced bet jawline. “Thongh being madly in love with you might make me a bit hlæsed.”
She melted into his touch, still amazed after two years that this man was hers. David Holloway–successful executive, charming gentleman, and somehow,
inexplicably, her fianc
“six months,” she whispered against his chest. “Then get to call you busband.
“Not soon enough” the kissed her temple. “Though speaking of talent, there’s somente love for you to meet ”
David gestured to a young woman hovering nearby. She couldn’t have been more than twenty–two, with delicate features and an air of quiet confidence
This is Sofia Romanov,” David said. “She just graduated from Juilliard ”
Sotia’s handshake was surprisingly firm, catching Aria off guard. She hadn’t expected such strength from someone so delicate–looking.
“Your interpretation of the third movement was breathtaking, Ms. Martinelli.”
“Please, call me Ara” She studied the girl with interest, noting the quiet confidence in het stance. “You’re a musician?”
“Violin I specialized in Romantic era compositions, though lately I’ve been exploring contemporary pieces
David’s hand lingered on Sofia’s shoulder, and Aria noticed his fingers flex slightly. “Show her what you can do, Sofia. That Sibelius piece you played at the charity
event was extraordinary”
Sotia’s eyes lit up. She retrieved her violin case from nearby, drawing out a gleaming instrument. The reception crowd quieted as she positioned it under her chin.
The first notes of Sibelius Violin Concerto filled the air. Arta watched intently as Safia’s fingers danced across the strings with practiced precision, but it was the emotion in her playing that truly caught her attention
Remarkable control,” As murmured, aware of David nodding beside her. She couldn’t help but notice how his gaze remained fixed on sotia’s hands
Sofia transitioned into a more challenging passage. Her body swayed with the music, and Aria observed David unconsciously mirroring the movement, a detail that
made something twist in her stomach
-We have an opening in the string section,” Aria found herself saying as Sofia lowered her bow, immediately wondering why she’d offered. “You should audition
ally?” Sofia’s face flushed with pleasure. “I’d be honored.”
the should come to the engagement party,”
“David suggested suddenly. Ada felt her shoulders tense at his words.
“Please?” Let’s eyes darted between them. “I promise not to impose
David squeezed Aria ́s lund, but the prutute tell performative. “What do you say, beautiful? The more the merrier, nig!
Put on the spot, Aria nodded, fighting to keep her expression neutral. “Of course. You’re welcome to join us.”
i brained, turking a strand of hair behind her car. Arla watched as David’s eyes followed the movement.
“Speaking of the party,” Marcus Holloway’s voice boomed as he approached. “The caterers need Einal approval on the menu,
“Dad, It’s a celebration” David vigled. “Can’t business wait?”
“Business never sleeps: “ Mattus clapped David’s shoulder. “Temininites, SOLT
David placed his phone on the table “Hubice kenthat champagne toast?”
Aria started lain away, lived for the interption “eed to mingle anyway.”
i disapprat into the crowd, David already pulling out papers from fits balelcase.
Her two pleur boozzed willce message from Jenny about tomorrow’s rehearsal, and she welcomed the distraction from the inease settling in her chest.
response, David ‘s plesne lit up beside her. The notification preview caught her eye before she could look away
“Sofia ät. Last night was made. Miss your hands already…
(Aria’s lingers froze over her screen, Her mind tared to rationalize the words starting back at her..
CHAPTER ONE
The phone went dark. She knew his passcode–had watched him enter it countless times. Her hand hovered over the device.
“Oh! There’s my phone!.” David appeared suddenly, snatching it up: “Almost forgot it. Wouldn’t want to lose my lifeline, right?”
Aria forced a laugh. “Can’t have that!!!
He kissed her cheek before hurrying back to his father. Ana watched him go, the text message burning in her mind like a brand. She took a shaky breath, then another. There had to be an explanation. David loved her. They were getting married.
the reception continued around her, the words kept flashing behind her eyes: Last night was amazing.
The champagne in her glass had gone flat. She set it down carefully, her hands steady despite the trembling in her chest. Miss your hands already
CHAPTER TWO
