To the Love of My Life

Steve’s face was indifferent: “No problem.”

“How about the clubhouse next door?” Maya suggested.

Steve nodded without speaking.

–

The clubhouse that Maya suggested to Steve was a high-end one.

Having been Steve’s secretary for so many years, some of Maya’s habits hadn’t changed. She still acted like Steve’s secretary, walking in front of him, leading the way, pushing doors for him, pressing elevator buttons, and going to the second floor.

The second floor of the clubhouse had a hall with a glass floor, beneath which was a bathtub. In the center of the room stood a piano, and every day, a professional pianist would come here to play.

As they stepped out of the elevator and before they entered the hall, melodious piano music wafted out.

Recently, Maya had enrolled in a piano class to improve herself. Hearing the piano music, she wanted to show off her versatility to Steve, so she smiled and said, “The pianist’s skill is very professional.”

Just as Maya finished speaking, one note inside the piano music was played a tone higher than in the original sheet music. Steve’s steps suddenly stopped in place, not responding to what Maya said but just listening intently.

The piano music flowed like running water and, just like before, was always one note higher in some parts.

Maya, who had only learned the basics and didn’t know much, looked puzzled, turning her head toward Steve.

Steve’s hand, however, was clenched tightly into a fist. The playing style was so much like hers. Back then, when he listened to her playing this piece, he had always been correcting her on this small mistake, but she had stubbornly argued that raising the note by one tone would make it sound better.

“Mr. Burton? What’s wrong?” Maya noticed that Steve hadn’t moved for a long time and spoke up to remind him.

Exiting his thoughts, Steve pursed his lips and spoke with a cold tone, “I’m sorry; I just remembered I have something to do this afternoon. Let’s reschedule another day.”

Having said that, not waiting for Maya’s reaction, he headed straight for the elevator and went downstairs, leaving Maya standing there, puzzled and disappointed, until the receptionist at the door asked her, “Can I help you with anything?” Then she came to her senses, shook her head, and left as well.

When Maya walked out of the building, Steve had disappeared. She stood by the roadside for a long time before hailing a taxi and leaving.

About five minutes later, Steve’s car emerged from the parking lot around the corner, parked in front of the clubhouse, and remained there motionless.

All afternoon, Steve’s phone kept ringing non-stop. He didn’t pick any calls, only feeling his heart pounding fiercely.

The sun moved westward, setting, and darkness fell, neon lights illuminating the streets one by one. Traffic on the streets waxed and waned until, around nine o’clock, a familiar figure emerged from the revolving door of the building.

Her hair had been cut short, reaching only to her ears. Just as she stepped out of the revolving door, a gust of wind blew, messing up her hair. Still, he saw her facial features clearly, which were exactly the same as he remembered.

Steve’s breath was suddenly strained, and he felt dizzy.

PS: Today’s part is done; we’ll continue tomorrow. Don’t forget to vote for the Golden Keyboard Award, which ends at the end of the month. If you really like this piece, consider voting for the novel on the website. If it wins first place, I’ll add an extra ten chapters. If you don’t know the link, join the group: 30046636