Chapter 1228 Sweet Words
Stella blinked in surprise. "You want Randy to take you as his student?"
Emeric nodded solemnly. "I know Randy once said he'd rather remain teacherless for life than settle for an unsuitable student. But he's been my idol for years. When I hit that creative wall, he diagnosed my problems effortlessly and guided me through it. After just two weeks of his guidance, my improvement has been so dramatic that even my professors have noticed. That's Randy's influence."
His voice gained intensity as he continued. "I refuse to stagnate at this level. Randy achieved international acclaim as a teenager—they called him the Piano Prince. I'm already twenty-three, and time is running out. In classical music, if you haven't made your mark by twenty, your window is essentially closed unless lightning strikes. To break through my current limitations, I need a master teacher, and Randy's abilities are unparalleled."
He paused, studying her face carefully. "I've observed how he treats you—there's genuine affection there. If you asked, he wouldn't refuse you."
Stella's expression clouded over. "So you agreed to be my boyfriend just to get me to approach Randy?"
Emeric's face was half-hidden in shadow, making his expression unreadable. "Not entirely. In twenty-three years, my antisocial nature and poverty have made me a pariah among my peers. You're the first person who's ever voluntarily sought my company, who's tolerated my difficult personality. I don't find your presence unpleasant—in fact, I believe I'm genuinely drawn to you. I think we could work."
Relief flooded Stella's features, her earlier suspicions melting away.
"But let's be realistic," Emeric continued, his tone becoming more urgent. "You're the Nexus Holdings Corporation heiress, an only child from one of the most prominent families in the country. The gulf between our social positions is vast, made worse by my crushing debt. We're fundamentally mismatched in every conceivable way."
His composure began to crack as passion crept into his voice. "If we're going to have any future together, I need to become worthy of you. Piano is my only talent, my only hope for advancement. But this path is brutal, and I've barely survived it this long. I promised my mother that if I can't achieve something significant before graduation, I'll abandon music entirely and find steady employment."
By now his voice was thick with emotion, and he suddenly grasped her arms, his eyes boring into hers with startling intensity. "I refuse to surrender my dreams without one final push. Stella, you'll help me, won't you?"
This was the first time he'd ever looked at her with such raw vulnerability, and Stella felt heat flood her cheeks as she ducked her head shyly. "I'll try."
Then, worried about raising false hopes, she quickly added, "But I can't guarantee success. Randy may seem easygoing, but he's incredibly strong-willed. If he's made up his mind, no one can sway him."
For the first time since she'd known him, Emeric smiled—a genuine expression that transformed his entire face. "I have faith in you. I know you can do it."
Stella found herself mesmerized by that smile, her brain turning to mush as she nodded like a bobblehead. "Yes, absolutely! I'll do everything I can to convince Randy."
Mission accomplished, Emeric smoothly released her arms and escorted her to the waiting car. Even after settling into the backseat, Stella remained in a daze, replaying that devastating smile in her mind.
The Next Day
Stella joined Maximilian, Carol, and Kaleb aboard the Reed family's private jet bound for Sunset Bay. Before takeoff, she dutifully texted Emeric: [About to take off, so I'll be unreachable. Send me messages if you miss me—I'll respond once we land.]
His reply came swiftly: [Safe travels!]
Stella: [You too! Take care of yourself. I'll be back soon!]
Kaleb noticed his daughter's lovesick expression and pulled her into the seat beside him once they were airborne. "Have you got yourself a boyfriend?"
Stella saw no reason for secrecy and beamed proudly. "Yes! We made it official last night!"
Maximilian and Carol exchanged startled glances. "Things moved that quickly?"
Stella lifted her chin with characteristic confidence. "Please—look who you're talking to. I'm gorgeous and I was voted campus beauty queen at D University. When I set my sights on someone, failure isn't an option. It was basically inevitable."
"Tell us about him," Kaleb prompted with amusement. "He must be exceptional to catch your attention."
Once Stella started talking about Emeric, the floodgates opened. "Oh, he's absolutely extraordinary! Devastatingly handsome, mysteriously aloof—basically every girl on campus worships him from afar. And his piano playing is simply transcendent—"
The flight passed in a blur of animated conversation and laughter.
Meanwhile, at Sunshine Manor, Sunset Bay
The estate buzzed with frantic activity as wedding preparations reached fever pitch. Charles and his bride had opted for an intimate celebration, inviting only close friends, family, and essential business associates. The ceremony would take place on the natural lawn beside the resort's spectacular waterfall.
Despite the summer season, the elevation kept temperatures pleasantly cool, and the mist from the cascading water provided a refreshing breeze that carried the scent of wildflowers.
Though planning had begun months earlier, countless last-minute details continued to surface. Every day brought new crises—missing decorations, conflicting vendor schedules, and endless disagreements among the planning committee.
"A traditional ceremony would be so much more meaningful!" Fannie declared passionately.
"Absolutely not—a Western-style celebration is far more elegant!" Maria countered with equal fervor.
"We're from Country Z! We should honor our heritage with a traditional wedding!"
The two women had been locked in this debate for hours, their voices growing increasingly shrill. In desperation, they'd dragged poor Hannah into the fray, demanding she choose sides.
Just as Hannah felt she might be literally torn in half by their competing demands, she spotted a familiar figure in the doorway. Her face lit up with relief as she called out desperately, "Stella! Thank God you're here! Please, come save me from this madness!"
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