#22 “Why not Let Her Try.”

Biting her bottom lip, Sophia turns to Benjamin with a worried expression. You know, I think I am going to text him. Find out if something has happened.”

“Good idea,” Benjamin answers, concern also apparent on his face. Sophia quickly takes out her phone and sends a text to the violinist. Moments later, she receives a reply, and a quiet laugh escapes her lips before she turns to Benjamin.

“What did he say?” Benjamin asks, eager to know why the musician is absent and Sophia’s laughter.

Reading the text, Sophia says, “Well, it seems that he has run into a completely unpredictable circumstance. He says there is no way he will be able to arrive anytime soon.”

“Oh, no,” Benjamin says, clearly disappointed. “He also says that had he been made aware that I was attending the gala, he would not have wanted to come,” 11 Sophia says, her cheeks blushing.

Benjamin raises an eyebrow in question. Sophia hesitantly blushes even deeper before continuing, “He says he would have been too intimidated by me to perform.”

Benjamin chuckles, “That’s quite the compliment!”

Sophia shrugs, “I am sure he’s just being polite.” A lull descends upon the performance, and the conductor takes the stage, a concerned expression on his face.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I am afraid that our guest violinist has encountered an unforeseen situation and is running a bit behind,” he announces.

out an audible murmur of

soothe the restless crowd, everyone, he has promised that he should be here shortly, so if

expressing their frustration with impatient gestures and hushed complaints. Barbara’s face grows visibly tense, and she looks at her husband. “Do something, Daniel,” she demands As time ticks on, the tension in the room becomes palpable. People glance at their watches, impatiently waiting for any sign of the musician’s arrival. There are several shouts of wanting a refund, and murmurs of boos ripple through the space, creating an uncomfortable

escalating tension in the room. However, Sophia’s attention is immediately diverted as her phone starts

answers the call. She

going to step away,” Sophia states, walking towards a quiet corner of the room and putting

so sorry,” the thick English-accented voice asserts, “but there is absolutely no way

so disappointed,”

You have rehearsed the piece so much more than I

your connection to Maestro Paus, it would be much more momentous for

this side of her, Sophia knows what her friend says is true. She also knows he would help

agrees, her voice resolved. Returning to the gala, Sophia searches for Barbara. She spots her huddled in the corner

obvious. Noticing

a solution for you, Mrs. Williams,” Sophia says, trying to sound

“Really?” Barbara replies incredulously.

I

is noticeable. “While I am sure you are a fine violinist, I doubt you can provide the performance we need. Thank you,

with the conductor for a moment?” she requests, blatantly ignoring the condescension radiating from

and steps aside for her and the

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