Page 37 of Symphony for Lies

I styled my short hair into an elegant updo, put on some matching makeup, and paired the ensemble with a small purse.

When Grandma was done getting ready, I heard her humming as she descended the staircase.On the last step, she clapped her hands with a delighted smile.

She looked stunning.She wore a black two-piece ensemble, and a hint of light makeup softened her already graceful features.Her short hair was neatly styled, and her pearl necklace and earrings added timeless elegance to the sophisticated outfit.

I stepped forward and extended my hand. “May I have the honor of escorting you tonight, young lady?” I asked playfully.

“But of course,” she laughed, looping her arm through mine.

Just before we stepped out, she paused, studying me warmly. “You look beautiful, Amelia.”

She leaned in and kissed my cheek, and I thanked her with a tight hug.

We took a taxi to the venue, where a large crowd had already gathered outside. Everyone was dressed stylishly in black.

The entry process was smooth, and to my surprise, our seats were in the front row, next to the right side of the stage.I took the outermost spot, and my grandma settled beside me.

The venue filled quickly, with not a single seat left empty. The hall buzzed with murmured conversations, a symphony of voices overlapping, rising, and falling like waves.And the air was thick with the intermingling scents of expensive perfumes.

A little overwhelming but tolerable, for a few hours at least.

My gaze drifted toward the stage, where a grand black piano dominated the space, commanding attention.

Other instruments waited to the side. A perfect harmony of contrasts.

As I was taking it all in, my grandmother lightly tapped my shoulder and discreetly gestured to her left.

Right beside her, an older couple sat. And just one seat away from them was Mr. and Mrs. Cole.

I immediately sank lower into my chair, trying to make myself smaller and avoid eye contact at all costs.

My grandmother eyed me suspiciously. “I knew something happened!” She clicked her tongue. “You’re telling me everything later!”

“There’s really nothing to tell,” I tried to dodge, but she didn’t buy it.

With a sigh, I leaned back in my seat.

I just wanted to enjoy the concert.

The lights in the hall dimmed, leaving only the stage illuminated. A man with a sharp black suit stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.

He began his speech, and a photo of Jacob Wales appeared on the large screen behind him.

A chill ran down my spine.

I recognized the boy as the body I had found in the pavilion. Even though I never knew him, my eyes burned with unshed tears.

They played a short video of him at the piano. His fingers glided across the keys with effortless grace. A boy full of potential who was brutally murdered.

The announcer stated that all the proceeds from the night’s event would help Jacobs’ family cover the funeral expenses.And amidst a flurry of applause, the musicians took the stage.

Tristan, Ella, Ian, Allan, and finally Zane.

It was the first time I had ever seen them all together.

The men wore perfectly tailored black suits, while Ella appeared in a long, flowing black gown.Her blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, shimmering under the lights. She looked ethereal. Untouchable.

But my eyes focused on Zane. He was the complete opposite. Dark and rough. A commanding presence.