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

me! I can always take a picture of it! That way, I could keep a

with me.”

the photo on a flat surface on the seats before crouching down

case I lose it

happened,” Matthew joked.

just a photo! Besides, I’m right in front of you now. We can take

and he smacked his forehead. “Oh no! Now you’ve seen

guess it’s because you’ve been trying to look for me for so many years but with

her unblinkingly, his amber eyes filled with

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

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

missed you.”

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

rock star

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

him, a living and breathing embodiment of his dreams. He no longer cared about

photo!

a moment, she was at a loss

now that her relationship with Chandler was still

feelings

like she was giving Matthew false hope. Remembering the incident with Caleb, Erin decided that she didn’t want to make the same mistake

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

thought May said you were divorced!”

May to leak the one thing she

people. She struggled to free herself from his

of me first. We can

day all those years ago, she didn’t

or wrong answer when it came to matters of the heart.

whomever they wanted.

really

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

reunited with her again after

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