Chapter 147. The Envelope

Tristan's POV

The final notes of the piano echoed through the auditorium like a heartbeat settling into the calm after a storm. My fingers lingered over the keys for a second longer than necessary, holding onto the last chord as if it anchored me in place. Then I slowly stood, bowing to the applause that erupted from the crowd. A wave of relief swept over me. I did it.

The performance I had practiced for, the one I’d poured the years of grief, guilt, and love into, was over and they loved it. The standing ovation should’ve made me feel like I was floating, but instead, I felt… grounded. Like something heavy inside me had finally found stillness. This was supposed to be the moment I proposed to Elona. That was the original plan. To kneel before her on this stage and give her something beautiful, but when the night arrived, I knew deep in my gut that it wasn’t the time...not yet.