Chapter 17

"Mr. Brooke! We found her! We saw her name on the contestant list for a music competition. We've confirmed it multiple times—she's in Veloria!" The moment the news came through, Theodore was overjoyed. He immediately arranged a private jet to Veloria. The day he landed happened to be the very day Clarisse was taking part in the competition. He could not help but think back to the beginning. How he had fallen for her at first sight, watching her shine beneath the stage lights as she played the piano. And now, as if fate had looped back on itself, there he was again, as though God had decided to give him another chance to start over. He swore to himself. This time, he would not let Clarisse suffer, not even the slightest bit! Theodore changed into the same white suit he had worn back then, arms full of a bouquet of fresh, vibrant roses. Just like before, he was ready to confess to her again, right after her performance. He wanted to remind her of what he once was with this suit a