Chapter 10 - The Song of Blackthorn
One year later.
Blackthorn Manor was once again filled with gold light, crystal chandeliers, and the happy chatter of hundreds of guests.
But tonight was not a charity gala hosted by arrogant donors. Tonight was the grand opening of the Thomas Marlow Conservatory of Music—a fully funded, non-profit music academy built by the Voss Foundation to provide world-class musical education to underprivileged children across the country.
In the center of the grand ballroom, surrounded by lush floral arrangements of white lilies and dark roses, sat a magnificent ebony grand piano.
The crowd gathered around, buzzing with excitement.
Standing at the front of the room was Cassian Voss, looking impeccably handsome in a bespoke tuxedo. On his finger gleamed a solid gold wedding band. Beside him stood George, the old butler, who was now the head administrator of the new conservatory, wearing a proud, tearful smile.
The crowd parted as Elena Voss walked toward the stage.
She was radiant. She wore a breath-taking sapphire-blue silk gown that hugged her gorgeous curves perfectly, her dark hair falling in elegant waves over her shoulders. On her finger sat a flawless ten-carat canary diamond engagement ring, glowing brightly under the chandeliers.
She walked up to Cassian, smiling warmly. He stepped forward, wrapping a arm around her waist, bringing his lips down to whisper softly in her ear.
"Are you nervous, my love?"
Elena laughed softly, resting her hand against his cheek. "With you standing beside me? Never."
Cassian kissed her tenderly in front of the cheering crowd, not caring about the flashing cameras of the press or the respectful applause of the city's highest elite.
Elena sat down gracefully at the grand piano. She looked out at the audience, seeing young children from poor neighborhoods sitting in the front row, their eyes wide with wonder and hope, holding their new violins and sheet music.
She looked at Cassian, who stood right beside the piano, his eyes filled with infinite love, devotion, and pride.
May you like
Elena smiled, raised her small, powerful hands, and brought them down onto the ivory keys.
The music soared through the halls of Blackthorn Manor—no longer a song of anger, vengeance, or sorrow, but a beautiful, triumphant symphony of redemption, freedom, and an everlasting love that would play for the rest of their lives.
