Chapter 334

This was... unexpected.

"What could it be?" Vivian asked, tilting her head as she studied the massive crate being wheeled into the foyer.

Adrian's lips curled into that infuriatingly confident smirk. "Patience, darling. The reveal will be worth it."

She trailed behind the movers as they carefully navigated the priceless cargo through the marble archway. When they finally pried open the wooden container, her breath hitched.

There it stood - a breathtaking crystal grand piano, its faceted surface catching the afternoon light like a thousand diamonds. The instrument seemed to glow from within, casting prismatic patterns across the walls.

Her fingers flew to her lips. "The piano from Eternal Melody?"

Ethan nodded, clearly pleased with her recognition. "It was the highlight of today's auction in Crestwood. Mr. Blackwood insisted on acquiring it for you."

Vivian approached slowly, her fingertips ghosting over the cool, smooth surface. Each facet told a story, each reflection held a memory from the iconic film that had shaped her teenage years.

Though she'd never mastered more than basic scales, she'd always dreamed of owning such an instrument. Especially one so steeped in cinematic history.

Ethan, observing her reaction, added with quiet pride, "Mr. Blackwood recalled your childhood piano lessons. When this came up for bid, he didn't hesitate."

Her hand stilled mid-caress. A peculiar weight settled in her chest, dimming the initial spark of joy.

"I see," she murmured, her voice distant.

Adrian didn't know.

The film's tragic love story played through her mind like an old newsreel. The male protagonist had braved war zones to retrieve this very piano, only to perish before delivering it. His final wish? That it reach his beloved as a testament to their eternal bond.

To Vivian, this wasn't just an instrument - it was a symbol of love that defied death itself. To Adrian? Likely just another shiny object to add to his collection.

A soft sigh escaped her lips. Without its history, the gift felt... empty.

"Not the reaction I expected from such an extravagant present." Adrian's rich baritone vibrated against her back.

Vivian startled.

Before she could turn, his arms encircled her waist, pulling her against his solid frame with practiced ease.

She schooled her features into polite neutrality before facing him. "It's too much," she said evenly.

Adrian stood close enough that she could smell the crisp bergamot of his aftershave. Droplets from his recent shower still glistened in his dark hair, which fell carelessly across his forehead.

"Value is subjective," he countered smoothly. "At its core, it's just wood and strings."

Exactly as she'd thought.