Bound by love: Marrying my Disabled Husband by Devocean

Chapter 166:

Elyse stammered for a moment before finally managing to string a cohesive sentence. “Is it true?”

Darren nodded. “My uncle mentioned that Cody is here with the express intent of taking an apprentice. He just never said who he wants it to be. He was silent on the matter even in the second round of the competition.” He cocked his head to the side and stroked his chin. “As it is, they all think that Cody is going to make his decision after the concertmaster selection.”

Elyse held her face in her hands, still trying to recover from the shock of this new information. It would be a great honor if she could become Cody’s apprentice.

Darren noted the eager glint in her eyes and remarked, “You’re a talented participant for sure. Despite my uncle’s reservations in acknowledging your skills, the fact that he privately requested for you to withdraw is proof enough that you’re the one to beat in this competition.”

Elyse looked up at his calm face. “Aren’t you worried? What if I take first place? I heard that you’re a big fan of Cody as well. If you want to attract his attention and potentially bag his mentorship, you should be asking me to give up right now.”

“Quite right,” he replied slowly. “But I’d still like to win fair and square. What kind of victory is to be had if the strongest opponent bows out of the battle? That said, I do not support my uncle’s thinking.”

Elyse was taken aback. While Darren seemed to be an honest man, she couldn’t shake off the doubt about whether he genuinely meant what he said.

“Well, I’m heading back to practice,” she said, not wanting to talk to him anymore. “You should work on your mental fortitude, by the way. Stage fright shouldn’t be an issue for a concertmaster. It would be a shame if it affects your performance.” With that, she walked past Darren and left.

the best

Wanda approached her with a glum look on her face and asked Elyse to join her

followed her. They made their way to the café and settled in an empty corner. The atmosphere was somber, and Elyse was getting more and more curious about

happen, Miss Hopkins?” Elyse prompted

little talk with Merlin

without thinking, “Did he ask you to persuade me to back

surprise, then narrowed with suspicion in the next second. “Did Merlin…

he offered to appoint me as next

an apprentice. Merlin wants it to be Darren, naturally.” She slammed her fist against the table in frustration. “He should focus on improving Darren’s abilities instead of wasting his time on these underhanded schemes. He is the director of the orchestra, damn it!

on herself throughout this journey. Little did she know, Wanda

looked Elyse in the eye. “What do

I want a chance to be

greatest forms of art. Those who wield it must be pure in their talent and intentions. The

won’t abandon my dreams so easily. No matter the result, I will be in the competition until the

also heard that Merlin somehow managed to convince Gary Hank to withdraw. The poor boy apparently agreed after he was offered the position of concertmaster for next

of disbelief. “But that’s the same deal Merlin offered