*Noah's POV*
Victoria Jade's eyebrows rise with surprise and interest. "Of course! Are you a musician?"
I don't answer directly. Instead, I walk toward the stage, feeling every step echo through the suddenly quiet venue. Behind me, I hear Ethan's sharp intake of breath.
"What the hell is he doing?" Ethan hisses to Chloe.
I climb the small steps to the stage. Victoria gestures toward the piano with genuine curiosity. "Do you play?"
"A little," I reply, settling onto the bench.
The truth is, I've been playing since I was seven. Classical training, jazz improvisation, composition. But Chloe never knew. In three years of marriage, she never asked about my interests beyond how much money I was bringing home.
My fingers find the keys, and I begin the opening notes of "A Thousand Reasons to be Sad." The melody flows through the intimate space, haunting and raw.
I hear Chloe gasp. The sound cuts right through me.
