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.”

Keep it, then. Perhaps it has more meaning for you than it does for me.”

thought, she said, “Wait, how silly of me! I can always take a picture of it! That

with me.”

the seats before

just in case I lose it

happened,” Matthew joked.

It’s just a photo! Besides, I’m right

no! Now you’ve seen the dumb side

look for me for so many years but with no avail,

amber eyes filled

Matthew made Erin slightly uncomfortable. Hurriedly, she added, “I’m sorry! I

“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

missed you.”

looked at him, a little surprised. She couldn’t help but feel that Matthew’s words were somewhat at odds with his

rock star

do you have feelings for anyone at the moment?” Matthew asked suddenly. The beautiful woman he had longed

years was now standing before him, a living and breathing embodiment of his dreams.

photo!

For a moment, she was at a loss

intensely deep feelings. Especially now that her relationship with

feelings

Matthew false hope. Remembering the incident with Caleb, Erin decided that she didn’t

amber eyes darkened instantly. He was evidently displeased with

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

hadn’t expected May to leak the one thing she specifically told her cousin to keep secret,

to free herself from his grip, but Matthew

first. We

one fateful day all those years ago, she

was no right or wrong answer when it came to matters of

whomever they wanted.

she really didn’t wish to

waited for you for ten years!” Matthew told her

was but his memories and imagination. Now that he had reunited with her again after ten years, the

birthday, he had made a promise to himself. If he could find her