The Deadly Assassin Robin by Tristan Storm

Chapter 191

Chapter 191 All I Want is Your Simplicity

Robin held Vera's cold, trembling hand, his thumb brushing gently over her damp palm.

"Just look into my eyes, and you won't feel nervous."

His voice soft yet steady, cutting through the distant hum of the music.

Vera's gaze lifted to meet his.

In that instant, the world around them faded. It was like being struck by lightning-a flash that left everything else in shadow.

His eyes were clear and steady, as vast and calm as a night sky full of stars.

The anxieties that had gripped her melted away in that starlit glow.

For a heartbeat, she was utterly captivated, lost in the warmth of his smile.

Waves of emotion rose within her.

She realized, with a start, that she'd never looked at him this closely before.

"Feeling a little better?" Robin asked, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

His broad hand and his soft words were a far cry from the emotionally clueless Robin she thought she knew.

"Just follow my lead. Do what I do, and you won't feel embarrassed."

Still holding his gaze, Vera gave a resolute nod. Everything else had faded; there was only him, grounding her in this surreal moment.

"Can you play an instrument?" he asked as they walked, hand in hand, toward the center of the stage, with Ivy just ahead of them.

"No," Vera admitted, her voice barely a whisper.

Robin chuckled softly. "Then what can you do?"

That disarming smile nearly sent her heart racing out of her chest.

"I ... I can't really do anything," she replied honestly, feeling oddly vulnerable.

"Nothing at all?" Robin's smile was as gentle as a spring breeze.

Vera nodded with conviction, a determined look in her eyes.

A smirk curved across Robin's lips. "So, in 20 years, you've done nothing but eat and sleep like a pig?"

"Huh?" Vera was momentarily stunned, catching a hint of mischief in those starry eyes.

She snapped out of her trance.

D*mn him. Did he seriously just call her a pig? Right now?

She shot him a sharp glare, hissing under her breath. "You jerk! You better come up with something-I really don't know what I'm doing up here!" Robin's grin only widened. "Alright, it's official. You're a helpless little pig," he teased. "Fine, then. Just follow me."

"Okay." Vera nodded, resigned. She didn't really have a choice.

Her mind was a complete blank.

She used to think standing on stage looked easy.

Now, under the glaring lights and with all eyes on them, she knew she'd been wrong.

Gripping his hand tighter, she let him lead, grounding herself in his steady presence.

The bright lights and countless faces blurred together, an endless sea of anticipation.

She barely registered what Robin was saying. She just knew she had no control over any of it.

But strangely, she wasn't afraid. She wasn't nervous.

As long as Robin was beside her, holding her hand, she could face anything.

simple phrase

the stage, then turned to Ivy with a smile. "This is your moment. How about Vera and I play

Vera

polite applause, they walked to the grand piano at the edge of

on the bench, and Vera stared blankly at the black-and-white keys, not sure

still hadn't let go of

her

the corner of her eye, she stole a glance at him. Was he planning

he... trying to get closer? Maybe even ...

he is... I don't mind one

her thoughts, she barely noticed

and soft, flowing

she thought she'd accidentally pressed something, afraid she'd ruined

then she noticed the beautiful music filling the space,

was guiding her hand, playing the piano alongside her.

her fingers could be part of

the gentle melody unfolded, the

radiant and poised at the center of the

that Vera and Robin

with her free hand, watched Robin's other

to follow his lead, pressing down the keys he indicated, letting

was pulled directly from her heart, an expression of feelings she'd never dared to speak

Robin, and she felt

same rough-edged Robin

seemed different-his usual rough edges softened, his sharp features illuminated with an almost serene intensity. Wasn't this the hero she'd been

and gave her a gentle smile before leaning

the hall, rich and warm, like honeyed wine lingering on

far away, or just yesterday

or across the

the twists and turns, joy

and

go of right and wrong to find the

"Living takes courage too....

"No halo from above...

and I

frozen, her heart wide open, as if

Is this real?

and the stage seemed to pulse with

stage, Ivy felt it too-a

through the air, each note an arrow

for the rhythm of breath and heartbeat,

her seat in the VIP section, Shirley watched Robin's shadowed

felt like

never cared much for music, was struck speechless. She never imagined a voice could be this powerful, could reach so deeply into a person's soul. She never would've guessed that Robin's piano playing and singing would be so

wonder lit

talents and secrets do you

flowed on, his voice low and weathered, lingering in the air like a

heartbreak, I learned

is long, yet fleeting,

once broken, vines will grow

all,

into

face dirt-streaked

"No halo from above...

holding on to the

all into another world,

lights dimmed further, casting the stage in a soft

front, Ivy stepped forward gracefully, her dancers moving in

lifted her voice, clear and pure, bringing the audience to an emotional

maybe I'll

maybe we'll meet

the crowd or

see the

my eyes fill

silent, they'll wash away