Bound Hearts: My Vows to My Disabled Spouse

The Gauntlet Has Been Thrown

The room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of everyone's breathing. No one dared to breathe heavily. They were puzzled by Vicky's actions-why she had slapped Elyse and why Elyse had found the courage to slap back.

Vicky rubbed her reddened, swollen cheek. The reason for her singular focus on Elyse was unknown to the others. They didn't realize that she saw Elyse as her biggest threat. Earlier that afternoon, Vicky had been discussing her future career plans and upcoming international competitions with Abram in the office. Yet abruptly, Abram had shifted the conversation to Elyse.

"In fact, during the concertmaster selection, I had a feeling that Cody was considering taking

Elyse as his apprentice," he had said. "He watched her play the violin very intently. Fortunately, he ended up not choosing anyone. I was relieved. Cody didn't choose you or Elyse. So you didn't lose."

Vicky's internal reaction to Abram's words remained a mystery to everyone but her.

She harbored an inexplicable resentment that she couldn't let go of "Do you think Elyse is better

than me, Mr. Ellsworth?" she had asked Abram directly, desperate for an answer.

Abram looked at her with a complex expression, hinting at thoughts she couldn't decipher. "No

one is perfect. She possesses some talents you don't have. You must heed Cody's advice, or else

Elyse might surpass you."

This conversation ignited a sense of urgency in Vicky, fueling her fear and disdain for a potential rival.

She worried that Elyse might usurp her leading position. Thus, when Rebekah suggested that Elyse was scheming against her, her < immediate response was anger.

But then, fear crept into her heart. She worried that Elyse might not only surpass her but could rally others to sabotage her career in the future.

Regardless of what happened today, Vicky was determined to strike first, hoping to deter Elyse from any thoughts of defeating her. However, Elyse retaliated with two slaps of her own. "Do you know what you are doing?" Vicky asked, staring intently at Elyse.

Elyse responded emotionlessly, "You dared to strike. Why shouldn't I? You came here just to slap me, to knock me down permanently, to instill fear, didn't you?" Her voice chilled further as she

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continued, "Do you think I can't see through your intentions? It's quite clear, Vicky. You're scared I

might threaten your position. You lost your composure and attacked me."

After a brief pause, she flashed a challenging smile. "I once thought you were beyond reach. Now,

I see you're just another person. You've been unopposed for so long, your arrogance grew unchecked. But now,you see a rival in me."

Vicky's mind was laid bare, her cheeks burning with humiliation and pain from the slaps.

Touching her throbbing cheek, Elyse's resolve hardened, her determined gaze unsettling Vicky further.

Vicky fought to keep her fear at bay, maintaining an indifferent facade.

She would never allow anyone to see her vulnerability-it was a fate worse than death for her.

"Do you want to fight this out to the bitter end?" she hissed with a malicious smile. "Let's see who will win."

With that, she turned and stormed out, ignoring the others.

Left behind, Rebekah still wore a smirk, though it quickly faded under the scrutiny of the room.

Grace snorted disdainfully, "Vicky has left. Aren't you going with her?"

Rebekah, feeling the sting of rejection, glanced subconsciously at Freddy, only to be met with his cold gaze. Stung by the encounter, she exited with her head bowed.

After the two had left, everyone gathered around Elyse to check her face.

Bart, noticing the mark from the slap, frowned and said, "Was Vicky out of her mind today? How dare she slap you?"

Darren's expression darkened. "It's the first time I've seen her lose her composure like that. She's never acted this way before." Elyse, covering her face with her hand, responded coldly, "The gauntlet has been thrown. It's her and me now, to the bitter end."

The group fell silent, unsure of what to say. They knew all too well that competition in music could be just as fierce as in any other field.

Freddy sighed, feeling responsible. "This is all my fault. I turned Rebekah away earlier, and she

must have stirred Vicky up and led her here."

< Elyse looked at him and replied, "It's not on you. This is between me and

Vicky."