Bound Hearts: My Vows to My Disabled Spouse

Nervousness

As the staff was making arrangements, Darren sauntered over to Elyse, his eyebrows raised in curiosity. "So, it's a toss-up, right? Cody Tucker seems to have a soft spot for both Vicky and you?"

Elyse, still reeling with confusion, shook her head. "I'm not sure. My < heart's racing so fast I might just burst," she replied, her nerves on edge.

Grace chimed in, leaning closer to whisper, "Regardless, Mr. Tucker's taken notice of you. Talent always wins out in our line of work."

Bart let out a small sigh. "I really stepped up my game this time, but did Mr. Tucker even notice?" The collective disappointment hung in the air.

Elyse racked her brain for a way to lift their spirits. Just as she was at a loss, she caught Vicky shooting daggers at her with narrowed eyes.

With a furrowed brow, Elyse marched over to Vicky, her tone firm. "Not convinced I've made the cut, huh?"

Vicky met her gaze with a smug smirk. "You've never had proper training. You're just lucky. Think I'l give you the satisfaction of being so cocky?"

Elyse's anger flared at the jab: "Lucky? Can't accept that I pose a threat? Fine. I'll show you just how capable I am. Brace yourself, because if you doubt me, I'll prove you wrong, over and over again.

Let's see who truly has what it takes."

Vicky's narrowed gaze held a challenge as she asked proudly, "Are you declaring war with me?"

"I will be the winner." Elyse shot back, her glare sharp as a blade.

The tension between them was palpable as they stood in a quiet corner, locked in a silent battle of wills.

Darren, sensing the charged atmosphere, intervened, breaking their standoff. <

"Everything's set. Let's head over there," he said, whisking Elyse away from the brewing storm. "Looks like you two were about to throw down," Darren teased, attempting to lighten Elyse's mood.

But Elyse remained silent, her mind consumed by the seriousness of the upcoming selection process.

"Elyse!"

Richie's voice broke through the corridor, drawing Elyse's attention.

As he approached, he offered a reassuring smile. "Heard you nailed it Maybe your dreams are about to come true."

His attempt at comfort faltered when he noticed Elyse's troubled expression. Richie playfully jolted her shoulders, trying to lighten the mood.

"Come on, Elyse, it's just a small competition."

Elyse shivered at the unexpected touch, her nerves on edge. "I wish I could relax, but this

competition has me on edge," she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration.

Then, a glimmer of hope flickered in her eyes. "If I win against Vicky, Mr. Tucker might become my instructor."Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"Uh... Well..." Richie hesitated, unsure how to break the news that Cody had already chosen Elyse as his apprentice.

Before he could respond, Vicky appeared, her demeanor defiant. With arms crossed and chin held high, she issued a challenge. "You think < you can beat me? You'll have to prove it first."

With a deliberate bump, she brushed past Elyse, leaving a trail of tension in her wake as she sauntered away.

After being knocked off balance, Elyse regained her footing with a stagger.

"Are you alright?" Darren asked with concern.

Elyse shook her head, silently entering the venue.

"It's hard to get her to unwind." Richie observed her with concern, noting how unusually serious she seemed. He had intended to tell her that Cody had already chosen her, but now didn't seem like the right time.

Darren watched Elyse with worry. "She's as tense as I was earlier. I'm worried she might mess up if she's too stressed"

"Everyone makes mistakes occasionally, It's not a formal performance. Don't worry too much," Richie reassured him.

But Darren shook his head. "You don't understand. We're all vying for first place so Cody Tucker will pick us."

Richie was taken aback.

He hadn't realized they were all aiming to be Cody's apprentice rather than just becoming the concertmaster.

He knew his uncle was influential, and he had his fair share of devoted fans, but this level of fervor surprised him.

For the competition, Abram had assembled two seasoned orchestras Vicky and Elyse stood in the positions of concertmaster, patiently awaiting their cues.

Feeling her palms slick with sweat, Elyse lowered her head, trying to calm herself. She opened and closed her fists repeatedly, trying to dispel the tension. Her palms eventually dried, but the nervousness still ingered.

She knew she needed to adjust her mindset and physical state for optimal performance.

As she waited, Elyse observed Vicky, who stood calmly without a hint of nerves.

Elyse couldn't help but wonder why Vicky seemed so confident and if she was assured of winning first place.

Lost in thought, Elyse's own tension began to mount, sending shivers down her spine.