Chapter 133

Evelyn's chestnut hair was tied in a loose braid, cascading over one shoulder as she adjusted the strap of her guitar. She wore a fitted leather jacket over a flowing ivory chiffon dress that swayed with her movements.

Taking her position on the elevated stool center stage, she tested the microphone with a soft hum. The auditorium plunged into darkness, leaving only the golden spotlight tracing her silhouette.

Her fingers danced across the guitar strings, weaving a haunting melody that filled the concert hall. Evelyn's crystalline voice rose effortlessly, though her eyes remained half-lidded, lost in the music.

Yet she could sense him. That familiar, intense gaze burning through her performance from somewhere in the sea of faces.

A sudden gasp rippled through the audience as thousands of crimson rose petals began raining from the ceiling. The stage lights flared to life, casting the falling petals in a dreamlike glow.

Evelyn's dark lashes fluttered open in surprise. No one had mentioned this elaborate production during rehearsal!

Her cheeks flushed pink beneath the spotlight as she continued singing, though her pulse raced at the unexpected romantic gesture.

Then came the whisper of mechanical wings. A sleek black drone emerged from the shadows, carrying a lavish bouquet of midnight-blue orchids - her favorite.

The crowd erupted in delighted screams and applause.

Evelyn's heart hammered against her ribs as she carefully retrieved the flowers. Their intoxicating scent wrapped around her like an embrace.

"Happy holidays, everyone!" she called out, her voice trembling slightly. Her eyes instinctively sought the front row, where a familiar broad-shouldered figure had been seated moments ago.

Backstage, Sophie clutched her chest dramatically. "I take back everything I said about Dominic being predictable!" she sniffed, wiping imaginary tears. "That man just redefined romance!"

As Evelyn exited the stage, the swarm of curious classmates descended.

"Who sent the flowers? That drone delivery was insane!"

"Tell us about your mystery man, Evelyn! We saw you looking at someone special in the audience!"

Sophie materialized like a guardian angel, steering Evelyn through the throng. "Back off, vultures! Can't you see she's—"

Their escape was blocked by a lanky senior nervously shifting his weight. "E-Evelyn? I've admired you since freshman orientation. Since we're graduating soon, I thought—"

"Sorry, champ," Sophie cut in, patting his shoulder. "The flower rain? The drone? That wasn't Santa's handiwork. She's very much taken."

As if summoned, the sound of polished dress shoes echoed down the hallway. Dominic emerged from the shadows, his tailored overcoat dusted with stray petals, his piercing gaze locked on Evelyn.

The student blinked. "Oh! Are you... her father?"

Dominic's jaw tightened imperceptibly as he came to stand beside Evelyn, his hand finding the small of her back in a possessive gesture that answered all unspoken questions.

Under the flickering hallway lights, the contrast between them was striking - the youthful musician still buzzing with performance adrenaline, and the powerful businessman whose very presence commanded the space around them.

Evelyn bit back a smile as she inhaled the lingering scent of orchids mingled with Dominic's distinctive cologne - sandalwood and something dangerously intoxicating.

This was no dream. The petals in her hair and the warmth of his hand against her back proved it.