Bound Hearts: My Vows to My Disabled Spouse

Chapter 164 Pressure

Elyse and Vicky locked eyes, their parting marked by an unspoken

discord.

Upon entering the practice room, Elyse released a heavy sigh before retrieving her violin, poised to begin her

rehearsal, It was then that < Freddy stepped in, offering a friendly greeting. "You seem burdened," he remarked,

noting Elyse's solemn expression. "Vicky's existence must weigh heavily on you."

Looking up, Elyse met Freddy's gaze and confided, "It's usual forto feel this much pressure." Freddy nodded

knowingly. "Aside from Vicky, you have four other competitors to contend with: Grace Fuller in second place, Bart

Gino in third, Darren Bill in fourth, and Gary Hank in fifth. Are you familiar with their individuals?"

Hearing this, Elyse shook her head, indicating her lack of prior knowledge regarding the competitors.

"Grace, Bart, and Gary are all seasoned violinists from previous batches," Freddy explained. "While not

necessarily exceptional, they possess formidable skills."

Pausing, Freddy added, "Darren and Vicky, on the other hand, are rising stars. Although

newcomers, they show promise. Unfortunately, Darren's nerves got the best of him during his last performance,

likely due to seeing Cody Tucker."

Elyse absorbed this information, her curiosity piqued. "Is Vicky's instructor the assistant director of the

orchestra?"

Glancing around cautiously, Freddy leaned in to whisper, "Yes, Vicky's mentor happens to be the

assistant director. And Darren? He's the director's nephew."

Elyse was taken aback. "Both of them have influential connections?"

Freddy nodded gravely. "Do you understand why | felt compelled to share this with you?" After a moment of

contemplation, Elyse replied, "You wantto be vigilant and diligent." Freddy shook his head with a sigh. "I just

want to inquire if you have any influential supporters. Without strong backing, even if you secure victory in the

selection later on, your path won't be smooth."

Elyse opened her mouth, grasping Freddy's implication. She sighed helplessly. "You might as well have kept this

to yourself. Aren't you adding to my stress now?"

Freddy shook his head gently. "No, it's simply because | consider you a friend. | wanted to share this with you

before the selection."

Continuing in a serious tone, Freddy emphasized, "This also concerns your future. One is connected with the

assistant director, and the other is connected with the director. It wouldn't bode well for you to upset either of

them."

Elyse fell silent, contemplating the weight of Freddy's words.

She lacked a renowned mentor like many others did. In the orchestra,only Wanda extended her guidance to

Elyse.

Elyse cto the stark realization that she lacked a powerful advocate. In such a fiercely competitive

environment, lacking support could swiftly lead to her elimination.

Elyse spoke in a subdued tone, her determination evident. "I may not have a strong backing, but I'm not without

strength. 1 still want to give it my best shot."

Freddy nodded approvingly. "Now that you've thought it through, ga< for it."

Gazing at the violin clutched in her hand, Fiyse tightened her grip, resolve coursing through her.

She had already traversed a challenging path to reach this point, so she refused to surrender now.

As Freddy observed the resolute gleam in her eyes, a fleeting hint of concern crossed his own. Yet, amidst that

concern, he couldn't help but admire Elyse's unwavering determination.

After steadying her emotions, Elyse immersed herself in playing the violin for a while. Suddenly, a stranger

appeared at the doorway, calling out to her, "Are you Elyse Lloyd? The director Merlin Reynolds wants to see you

in his office."

Stunned, Elyse instinctively turned to glance at Freddy. Without a word, his expression conveyed a silent

message, and Elyse comprehended instantly. She said to the messenger in a hushed tone, "Okay. I'l head over as

soon as | stow away the violin."

The man's impatience was palpable, yet he still urged, "Please hurry. Mr. Reynolds doesn't like to be kept

waiting."

As the man departed, Freddy seized the moment and whispered urgently, "This might be your opportunity. Mr.

Reynolds must want to discuss the concertmaster selection happening in two days."

"I suppose you're right," Elyse replied with a composed expression.

Having been in the orchestra for quite stime, Elyse found it peculiar that Merlin hadn't

Planning your weekend reading? Ensure you're on 00005sfor uninterrupted enjoyment. The next chapter is

just a click away, exclusively available on our site. Happy reading! considered meeting with her before. However,

the sudden summon just as she was vying for the

position of concertmaster seemed like more than a coincidence, prompting her < to ponder

Merlin's intentions.

Setting aside her violin, Elyse remarked, "Rest assured, | won't make any rash decisions." Freddy nodded in

understanding, his concern evident as he watched her depart.

Upon entering the director Merlin's office, Elyse found him seated on the couch, drinking tea. Approaching,

Merlin offered her a warm greeting and invited her to join him for tea.

Feeling a twinge of nervousness, Elyse cut to the chase. "Mr. Reynolds, may | ask what prompted you to summon

me?"

Merlin waved his hand dismissively. "No rush. Let's take a moment to enjoy stea first. It's quite good,

Please, have a sip."

Observing Merlin's reluctance to dive into business matters, Elyse opted not to push the issue. With a gracious

smile, she accepted the tea from his outstretched hand and took a few sips. After Elyse had finished her tea,

Merlin raised his gaze, fixing it on her. "You're quite skilled with the violin. Who is your instructor? Who did you

learn to play the violin from?"

Elyse responded candidly, "I haven't had a formal instructor. Wanda Hopkins has offered guidance in certain

aspects, she's been akin to a makeshift instructor for me"