Did she even deserve to love him again?
The thought lingered in Lily's mind, heavy and unshakable.
The opera's first act had ended, and the lights dimmed. She barely noticed, assuming the second act was about to begin.
A single note broke the silence.
A saxophone.
Its deep, rich tone echoed through the empty theater, filling every inch of space with a haunting melody.
Lily's breath caught.
The curtain lifted.
Soft lighting illuminated the stage, casting a warm glow over a single figure standing at its center.
Ethan.
Dressed in the clothes she had bought for him, the saxophone poised at his lips, he played that song.
"Green Island Serenade."
A song he had learned for her.
A song that once filled a room when he had boldly declared to everyone that she was his girlfriend—not his mistress.
The memory surged back like a tidal wave, crashing over her, drowning her in emotion.
Lily sat frozen.
