I was finally admitted to my father's recommended school. I found the study materials quite dull, but I had no choice but to complete these boring classes.
However, I found the kids in my class very interesting. They are at the peak of high society, so most of them are somewhat haughty. But I was able to make some genuine friends among them.
"Samantha, are you going to participate in the piano competition?" my best friend Camilla asks, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
Camilla is a bright and vivacious girl, her cleverness shining through in every conversation. Her sparkling blue eyes, framed by stylish spectacles, light up with excitement, while her blonde hair, tied up in a playful ponytail, dances with every movement. A warm and inviting smile graces her lips, making it impossible not to feel uplifted in her presence.
"Yeah, I am. At first, I found it quite boring and didn't want to participate. But Xavier challenged me yesterday, saying that hateful Violet is going to win this competition. How can that happen under my watch? I'd rather win it myself," I say resentfully.
"He really has the ability to control our wonder girl. I really want to see him. Please tell him to get out of the car for a moment, one day," Camilla begs cutely.
"I told him before to meet you guys, but he never listens. Sometimes I think maybe he's the young master," I pout.
"You tolerate him too much," she says thoughtfully.
I just laugh silently.
Nobody knows about my family drama, so my friends don't really understand the significance of Xavier in my life. I also don't tell anyone; that's our personal matter.
The competition will be held in three days, and I need to select my piece. As an angel, my learning capacity is far better than that of humans. I just need one day for practice. Then I have to choose a proper dress too.
One day, when Xavier was watching TV with me, I noticed his hand pause on the remote while he was changing channels. Curious, I look away from him to see which channel it was. A piano competition was being broadcasted on the channel.
I realized then that he loves music. I've observed him for a long time, and any kind of soothing music attracts him. So I learned to play them all—piano, violin, flute.
I genuinely love music as well; I used to sing and play the harp in Heaven. It delights me that we share similar tastes.
Now, I'm in our car, on the way home from school. I ask Xavier, "What piece should I select for the competition? Give me a suggestion."
"Have you heard of 'Sean's Rhapsody'?" he inquires with a hint of mischief.
"Absolutely, I came across it last year. Back in the last century, Sean was certainly one of the most celebrated master pianists, though he was never keen on being labeled as just 'one of them.'
He displayed remarkable musical ability from the age of three, and by eleven, he had already gained international fame. His confidence bordered on arrogance, as he boldly asserted that he was the greatest pianist of his era, which drew considerable criticism.
In response to his detractors, he composed 'Sean's Rhapsody' through improvisation, proclaiming that no one but himself could ever perform it in its entirety.
When he created the piece, he didn't infuse it with any personal emotion; it was simply a way to demonstrate his extraordinary talent. The composition is structured into four distinct sections, each requiring a unique playing technique for every note. It incorporates a wide range of piano styles and is regarded as one of the most challenging piano compositions." I say this with a sense of pride.
"Do you want to try it?" Xavier asks.
"Why not?" I reply with a proud smile.
So it's decided that I'll practice from noon until late at night, and the next day after coming back from school as well. I'm now confident enough to play it in front of everyone. On the last day before the competition, I'll go to buy a suitable dress.
Due to my ordinary appearance, I always felt somewhat hesitant during dress trials. I try on several dresses, but nothing feels suitable. Finally, I find one that works: a black-and-white top with a mid-length skirt. I try it on, in the changing room and step out.
As I find Xavier leaning against the doorframe, I stand in front of the mirror, my dark eyes reflecting a mix of determination and uncertainty. The fabric of the dress clings to my body in all the right places, accentuating my figure.
He watches as I twirl, the skirt flaring out like a blooming flower. A small smile creeps onto my lips, and a spark of confidence ignites within me. It's as if this dress has transformed me, pulling me out of the shadows of self-doubt and into the spotlight.
"Turn around," he urges, unable to contain his hidden excitement. I oblige, and he admires how the back of the dress dips just low enough to be elegant without crossing into the level of being too revealing. It's perfect for the piano competition—sophisticated yet playful.
"Do you think it's too much?" I ask, my voice laced with a hint of insecurity. He can see the flicker of doubt in my eyes, so he shakes his head. "You look stunning. It's perfect for the competition," he says in a confident tone.
My heart swells with pride. In that moment, I can see myself on stage, the spotlight illuminating me as I pour my heart into the keys of the piano.
"Okay, I think this is it," I finally say, my voice steadier now.
On the day of the competition, I am fourth in the lineup. Next to me is Violet, an arrogant and mannerless young miss who has been persistently harassing me since grade three.
When my turn comes, I rise from my seat and take my place on the stage in front of the piano.
I take a brief moment to center myself, raising my hands to commence the initial short phrase. The tempo is deliberately slow, demanding meticulous control; even a slight misstep in timing could send the melody spiraling out of control, much like a train derailing.
With utmost precision, I execute the first phrase and seamlessly transition into the second, known among critics as the 'Whirlwind of notes'. This section contrasts sharply with the first, bursting with over a hundred notes packed tightly together.
The audience and judges are on the edge of their seats, anticipation hanging in the air as I approach the end of the first phrase and begin the second. I remain composed, finishing the first phrase flawlessly before plunging into the second.
My fingers dance across the keys, a blur of motion as the melody whirls through the auditorium like a storm, sweeping the audience off their feet and leaving them breathless, their hearts racing in response.
As I wrap up this segment, it feels akin to emerging from a fierce fight—a sense of survival and relief envelops me.
I fluidly alternate between four distinct techniques, sustaining a high energy level throughout, my gaze fixed on the keys with a hint of defiance as my eyelids drooping slightly.
As I finish my piece, the final notes linger in the air, a soft echo of my heartbeat. I glance over at Xavier, my heart racing with anticipation. His eyes are fixed on me, a mix of admiration and surprise dancing across his face. I see the corners of his mouth twitching into a smile, and it feels like the world around us fades away.
I can't help but smile back, my cheeks warming under his gaze. I want to capture this moment, to hold onto the way he looks at me as if I have just played the most beautiful melody in the world. A rush of exhilaration surges through me, knowing that my performance resonates with him.
I stand up and give a slight bow to the audience. Thunderous applause erupts; the judges in the front row immediately rise to their feet, and soon the rest of the audience follows suit, cheering and clapping enthusiastically.
Due to my outstanding performance, my immediate competitor, Violet, is unable to perform at her usual level. As a result, the champion position undoubtedly becomes mine. My friends increasingly tease me with the nickname "Wonder Girl."
I've already been labeled a nerd in my class because of my reading hobby and academic results. I've consistently achieved first place in all my exams since first grade.
I completed my school life with ease. Then, I was admitted to the best college in our city.
Xavier finishes his studies at the college level. I ask him if he has any interest in pursuing further education, but he declines, saying that as a butler, he doesn't need any additional studies.
My heart aches for him. He is such a brilliant student. If it isn't for me, perhaps he will have a brighter future.
He is incredibly talented—he excels in martial arts and is skilled with computers; he's already a qualified hacker. Yet, he always insists that he can't envision any future for himself other than serving me.
Today, is the last party of our senior year of college. Our entrance exam for university will be held in a month and a half.
We booked a convention hall in a big hotel. My friends are supervising all the arrangements. Everybody knows I'm a nerd and a rich princess, so I have no duties today. Xavier dropped me off here in the afternoon; he'll come back at night to pick me up.
I'm sitting in a corner, tasting various sweets arranged here. I have a sweet tooth and love all kinds of sweets. I'm enjoying my treats when my classmate Lily comes to interrupt my sweet time, "Hey Samantha, you're enjoying alone. How selfish!"
I reply, "Lily, I don't see how you're working harder than I am."
Her smile falters. "Oh Samantha, you're witty and not really unattractive, but I've never seen you with a boyfriend. Perhaps you have some hidden problem? You can actually share it with me," Lily says with a malicious smile.
It's true that this body isn't beautiful. Like my angelic self, it's very mediocre. But Xavier says my eyes are like black holes. When he stares into them for a moment, his breath catches. He always talks to me with his gaze lowered.
Sometimes, I want to tell him that his eyes are more beautiful. They are like a pair of green rubies—mysterious and captivating.
He is extremely handsome too. If it weren't for our outfits and social status, people might think of me as his maid, haha...
Anyway, I can't let a bitch like Lily spoil my mood on such a good day. So I whisper in her ear, "I absolutely have an extraordinary boyfriend. He's a family friend and a gorgeously handsome guy."
Lily stares at me in disbelief. I smile at her sweetly, seeing me smile like this, she flinches.
"He'll come to pick me up. Just wait and see." I say, before walking away with a cool demeanor. Because of which I failed to notice, the dangerous glint in her eyes....