Love's New Bloom by Simone Hastings

Chapter 64 Ten Years of Waiting.

Matthew’s eyes were slightly teary as well. He sighed. “If it hadn’t been for your support all those years ago, I never would have been able to become who I am today.”

Erin wiped her tears away. “You’re too humble! Someone with the kind of talent you have will shine no matter where they are.”

Together, they walked to the seats. Erin was equally as emotional as she spoke again. “I never thought we would have the chance to meet again. Ten years really passed in the blink of an eye.”

Speaking of time. Matthew’s gaze lowered. “All those years ago, my father had never really supported my interest and pursuits in music. He’d always controlled my finances strictly. My only source of income was the money I saved from secretly selling scrap iron. When I heard that someone else was vying for the electric guitar I so desperately wanted, the guitar I now hold in my hands, thanks to you, I immediately rushed to bargain with the store manager. If it hadn’t been for you back then, I’m afraid. the ‘Blue Flame‘ that’s been fighting alongside me for ten years now wouldn’t have been mine.”

She smiled. “What’s yours is yours! No one can ever take it away from you!”

Erin’s words sent Matthew into a daze. There was a question burning in his heart that he dared not ask her.

Despite noticing him observing her with some restraint, Erin didn’t think much about his actions. Instead, she asked, “How did you find me?” Since Matthew already knew her name, she figured he would have also known of her basic information.

“Three hours ago. I posted a picture of you in an online forum created by a group of my loyal fans, saying that I would give away two front–row VIP tickets for my upcoming concerts to anyone who could help me find you.”

Erin laughed as she spoke. “So you used the powers of your fans. Got it. What photo, though? Can I see?”

Matthew immediately retrieved his wallet from the pocket of his pants. From the picture compartment, he then pulled out an old photo. It was colored, but it was already starting to yellow from age.

“When I was singing for you all those years ago, a foreigner in the music store caught the moment on camera. Five years ago. after I gained some international fame, the foreigner had someone find me again and send me the photo.”

Matthew stared at the photo, his eyes filled with gratitude.

Erin accepted the photo from him, understanding and clarity dawning upon her immediately. Her cousin, May, was part of

Matthew’s group of loyal fans. Having recognized Erin immediately after seeing the photo, she had deduced a roundabout way of deceiving her to Strata Arena in order for her to meet up with Matthew.

“Looks like you’ll have to give the two VIP tickets to my cousin. She was the one who provided you with the information about my whereabouts.” Erin couldn’t bear to part with the old photograph, having now laid her eyes on it.

“Well, thank god for her! If I hadn’t recognized you immediately, I wouldn’t have dared to believe it.” Matthew smiled as he took

the photo back from Erin. “The foreigner no longer kept the original films, and I only have this. I’m afraid I can’t give it to you.”

straight through my intentions. Keep it, then. Perhaps it has more

she said, “Wait, how silly of me! I can always take a picture of it! That way, I could keep a copy of

with me.”

flat surface on the seats before crouching

take a picture of it, too, just in case I lose it one day. God knows I’d murder someone if

happened,” Matthew joked.

a photo! Besides, I’m right

forehead. “Oh no! Now you’ve seen the dumb side of mine. Why didn’t I think of that

spoke. “I guess it’s because you’ve been trying to look for me for so many years but with no avail, so

unblinkingly, his amber eyes filled with indescribable depth..

uncomfortable. Hurriedly, she added, “I’m sorry! I was just

he stood up and told her seriously, “All those years we’ve been apart, it was your words, my memory of you, and Blue Flame that I depended on and trusted to give me the strength to go on when all I wanted to do was give up. This photo–it truly gave me the strength to persevere, and of course, it served

missed you.”

at him, a little surprised. She couldn’t help but feel that Matthew’s words

rock star personality.

at the moment?” Matthew asked suddenly. The beautiful woman he

standing before him, a living and breathing embodiment

photo!

For a moment, she was at a loss for words as to how to respond.

that her relationship with Chandler was still

for feelings for

Matthew false hope. Remembering the incident with Caleb, Erin decided that she didn’t want to make the same mistake again. Gritting her teeth and crossing her heart, she said decidedly. “Yes, I do have someone I already

Matthew’s amber eyes darkened instantly. He was evidently displeased

“Who is it? I thought May said you were divorced!”

one thing she

to free herself from his grip, but Matthew

go of me first. We can talk about this civilly-”

she had met one fateful day all those years ago, she didn’t wish to

was no right or wrong answer when it came to matters of the heart. Everyone had

whomever they wanted.

could change things, she really didn’t wish to

I’ve waited for you for ten years!” Matthew told her

memories and imagination. Now that he had reunited with

eighteenth birthday, he had made a promise to himself. If he could find her again one day, as long