Bound by love: Marrying my Disabled Husband by Devocean

Chapter 184:

As soon as Vicky wrapped up her performance, Abram wasted no time in showering her with praise. “Bravo! Excellent performance,” he exclaimed, his admiration evident. Vicky held a special place in Abram’s heart as his favorite apprentice. Her chest swelled with pride at Abram’s words. She couldn’t help but sneak a glance at the silent Elyse and stifled a laugh. She had already made it clear to Elyse that the latter was no match for her. Yet, there was Elyse, attending the selection only to be outshone by her. It was almost comical, like watching a clown trying to compete with a star performer.

As Abram, Merlin, and the others engaged in a flurry of post-performance chatter, they beckoned Cody to share his thoughts. It wasn’t long before the fate of the Celestial Sounds Symphony’s concertmaster for the upcoming domestic tour was sealed. “Congratulations, Vicky! You’ve earned the prestigious title of concertmaster for our upcoming tour,” Abram announced proudly, his eyes darting over to Merlin with a subtle hint of whose apprentice reigned supreme. Merlin, sensing Abram’s provocation, maintained a stoic expression and applauded along with the rest, refusing to engage in any overt rivalry.

The room erupted in thunderous applause and joyful cheers, a cacophony of celebration that filled the air as Vicky basked in the adulation of her peers. She had always stood out among her peers, her talent shining brighter than the rest. It was no surprise then that she deserved the title of concertmaster.

Elyse descended the stage stairs with a heavy silence hanging around her, her heart weighed down by the bitter taste of defeat. The stage reserved for winners had never felt more distant, more unattainable to her. Richie and Darren approached her, perhaps to offer comfort or words of encouragement, but she silently declined, shaking her head before leaving the performance hall.

was aware that Cody had been eager to mentor Elyse for some time, but he suspected Cody’s feelings might have changed. Despite this, Cody remained tight-lipped about his true intentions of watching the orchestra’s concertmaster selection. As the sole bearer of the truth, Richie found

The sting of a first failure

to defend Elyse, insisting that she hadn’t truly failed; she was Cody’s apprentice, and this setback wouldn’t define her. Abram’s booming voice interrupted their conversation. “Well done! You deserve to be my apprentice. No one your age can match you.” They glanced over to see Vicky standing confidently before a group of instructors, her demeanor oozing arrogance. Perhaps Vicky noticed their scrutinizing gazes and responded with a subtle lift of her chin, a hint of smugness and challenge dancing in her

and arrogance.” Darren resignedly added, “Vicky’s track record is flawless. She truly stands out among her peers.” Grace, wearing a displeased expression, interjected, “If only you could overcome your stage nerves, Darren. Then perhaps you’d surpass her one day.” Darren, caught off guard by Grace’s blunt critique, could only offer a helpless look in return. How could she

reveling in her victory as the newly crowned concertmaster, eagerly sought out Cody’s acknowledgment. However, upon scanning the room, she realized he was nowhere to be found. Turning to Abram, she tugged at his sleeve and asked, “Mr. Ellsworth, where’s Mr. Tucker? Wasn’t

in search of Cody, he puzzled aloud, “That’s odd. Where could he have disappeared to?” Vicky’s anxiety grew as she recalled seeing Cody engaged in conversation with Darren, Grace, and Bart—none of whom had been selected for the concertmaster position. She remembered how Cody had offered feedback, both constructive criticism and

the room with growing anxiety, oblivious to the fact that Cody had followed Elyse out of

hands clasped behind his back. Startled by his presence, Elyse rose from her seat, her eyes