The Royal Concertgebouw was filled with charity events, particularly showcasing captivating performances by the talented children from Mrs. Margaret's orphanage association. Although Beatrice found the children's performances enjoyable, she couldn't help but feel that time was passing at a sluggish pace. She found comfort in the knowledge that Mrs. Margaret's journey was coming to a close. Beatrice, typically composed in the presence of others, couldn't conceal her unease from Jenna. Noticing her friend's discomfort, Jenna lightly tapped Beatrice's shoulder while she gazed at the stage. Beatrice turned, meeting Jenna's empathetic gaze, and felt a wave of appreciation for her insightful companion, who consistently knew how to provide solace in these instances.
"Shall we go now Tris?" Jenna looked at Beatrice.
"We'll wait a little longer after Mrs. Margaret finished talking Jenn," Beatrice replied to Jenna with a smile (fake).
"Ohh, is it true that you are still ugly when you lie, Tris?"
"Hmm, too visible, huh?"
"It's okay if that's the case, besides the fact that you're a good person is already good, Tris." Jenna's warm smile lightened Beatrice's mood.
"Hmm, what's wrong with you today, Jenn? You're a bit strange hahaha"
"Nothing, Tris, I just know that you're not very comfortable here now."
"You're right Jenn, then let's go, the last event is just banquet"
After Mrs. Margaret's speech, she warmly invited the guests to head outside and take in the meticulously prepared banquet. Beatrice and Jenna rose from their seats, gracefully navigating through the bustling crowd to say their goodbyes. As they neared Mrs. Margaret, they discovered she was engaged in conversation with Jeremy. The trio exchanged warm greetings, and Beatrice seized the chance to convey her heartfelt appreciation for the delightful afternoon. Jenna, with her keen perception, detected a spark of familiarity in Jeremy's gaze as he acknowledged their presence. With warm smiles, Beatrice and Jenna gracefully made their way towards the exit, prepared to bid farewell to the event and embrace the rest of the afternoon.
"Oh, hello, Beatrice and Jenna" Jeremy greeted them in an elegant suit of his own design from France.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Jeremy," Beatrice responded to Jeremy's greeting with a smile. Behind him, Jenna smiled and nodded respectfully at Jeremy.
"How is Beatrice? Did you enjoy the show?" Mrs Margaret asked Beatrice.
"Yes, Mrs. Margaret, I really like it, especially the part when the children dance ballet."
"Oh, is that so? Thank goodness, then please enjoy the banquet, Beatrice." Mrs. Margaret enthusiastically invited Beatrice.
"Thank you, Mrs. Margaret, but I have to say goodbye first because I have business matters to attend to." Beatrice put her hair behind her ears.
"Is that so, oh dear, I hope you don't push yourself too much and take care of your health" Mrs. Margaret hugged Beatrice feeling worried.
"No, Mrs. Margaret, it is my duty not to disappoint the company. Apart from that, the performance you put on was very entertaining, Madame," Beatrice also hugged Mrs. Margaret.
"It's good if you don't force yourself dear"
"Then I will leave first, Mrs. Margaret and also Mr. Jeremy."
"Yes dear, be careful on the road"
"Yes, Beatrice, oh yes, if you have a problem with our event with Mrs. Vanesha, don't hesitate to ask me for help," Jeremy winked with a little teasing at Beatrice.
"Yes, Mr. Jeremy, thank you for the offer. I have prepared it too. Apart from that, Jenna has helped me," Beatrice responded comfortably to Jeremy's words.
"That's good, then, be careful on the road, because it's dangerous if two beautiful women like you and Jenna get into trouble" Jeremy smiled warmly at Beatrice and Jenna.
"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Jeremy," Jenna replied to Jeremy by nodding respectfully.
After hugging Mrs. Margaret once more and exchanging greetings with Jeremy, Beatrice and Jenna made their way outside and patiently awaited Tom's arrival in the parking lot. Upon Tom's arrival, Beatrice promptly instructed for him to be escorted to Karvelstraat. Beatrice sat in the car, lost in thought, her silence enveloping the space. Beatrice found herself experiencing a range of emotions. Jenna stole a quick glance at Betrice, careful not to disrupt the tranquility that enveloped her, and resumed diligently working on the report. Upon reaching Karvelstraat, Beatrice kindly suggested that Tom go ahead to avoid any unnecessary waiting.
"Shall we go straight to Flourist Tris?" Jenna poked Beatrice, who was looking around.
"hmm? Yes, come on, Jenn."
As she walked, Jenna realized that Beatrice was looking around too often this time. Jenna knew that Beatrice might want to meet the street piano musician again.
"Hey Jenn, I want you to go to Flourist first" Beatrice stopped suddenly and looked at Jenna.
"Is it okay for you to be alone Tris?" Jenna was a little worried.
"Yeah, I'll just stop by the bookstore," Beatrice pointed to the bookstore.
"huh? Why don't I accompany you..." Jenna had not finished her statement and she saw in the mirror a man with black hair tied in a ponytail wearing a jacket and scarf who was reading a sample book in the shop.
"Hmm, okay Tris but I'm only tolerant if you don't catch up in half an hour or I'll force to pick you up"
"Thank you Jenn, you are my best pal" Beatrice smiled sweetly with her cheeks slightly reddish cutely from the cold.
"Just remember, no more than half an hour"
Beatrice entered the bookstore, instantly capturing everyone's attention despite the lack of a crowd. She and Jenna went their separate ways, with Jenna making her way to Flourist. Beatrice moved with sophistication as she moved further into the store, her gaze spreading across the shelves. The gentle whisper of pages turning and the hushed conversations surrounding her set a tranquil ambiance. As she rounded the bend, she found herself staring directly at that man. Their gazes locked, and in that instant, time stood still. The man couldn't help but fixate on her, his expression betraying a blend of intrigue and familiarity.
"Oh, didn't you say we wouldn't meet again?" Louis smiled and turned to Beatrice while holding a music book.
"Yes, of course, but I can't stand the thoughts that bother me." Beatrice struggled to maintain her cold demeanor, which had softened into something almost cute.
"Is that so? What's really bothering you?"
"I won't explain the details, but I want you to play the piano again."
"Hear? Really? You can see there aren't any musical instruments here, so how am I supposed to play? Haha." Louis chuckled at Beatrice.
"Ugh, look, I'm searching for a musician to perform at a birthday party, and I want to test you." Beatrice's excuse was obvious, her true motive being to confirm that the previous day's music wasn't a coincidence.
"Wow, what a sudden offer, haha. Isn't it true that a company in the music sector has many top choices compared to street musicians like me?" Louis replied with a mysterious smile.
"Ugh, look, I won't offer it again, so I hope you don't refuse, fool." Beatrice's pretty face showed frustration at Louis' teasing.
"If not, I'd better go so I don't waste any more time, hmph," Beatrice continued.
"Wait a minute, don't be so hasty. If it's this sudden, I don't even know what music is suitable for the event. Haha."
"Whatever it is, it doesn't matter. I just want to test you."
"Okay, okay, Miss White de Klaver. Right now my piano is in the apartment, and still tonight that I play it"
"Hmm, is that so, I wouldn't mind going there and hearing you, I mean, testing you play the piano."
"Is it true? It would be an honor if you were willing to come there, miss, haha"
"Of course, if your play is bad, I will immediately leave." Beatrice's curious face could no longer be covered.
"Of course, miss," Louis smiled as if he realized it.
"Then you've finished reading the book, right? Come with me to pick up my friend at Flourist"
"It's true, there's no need to mince words, haha, fine if that's what you want"
"Why? Is there a problem?"
"no Miss Beatrice"
The two of them left the bookstore with their own thoughts.
"What an interesting woman..." in the mind of Louis who was walking behind Beatrice.
"I don't know what that man is thinking, ugh. What a strange man..." in the mind of Beatrice who was walking in front of Louis.