Chapter 33
Chapter 33:
But she didn’t expect that the usually empty music room would have an unexpected visitor today.
Meanwhile, Marcus Owen had just returned from an international tour. Upon learning that his younger sister was enrolled here, he went straight to the campus, not really expecting to find her right away.
From across the courtyard, a melody floated through the air — unfamiliar, yet so powerful that it drew him toward a nondescript building.
As a professional concert pianist, Marcus had never heard this composition before. The notes were alive, each passage weaving strength with delicacy, the performer’s technique rivaling world-class talent.
He traced the music to a modest piano room and found a girl seated at the keys, sunlight streaming over her. Despite her simple attire, she looked completely absorbed in the moment, her face radiant with emotion — an image that reminded Marcus of his own rapture at the piano.
Just then, Rylie’s hands fell silent, and she twisted around, sharply calling out, “Who’s there p>
Marcus, catching sight of her and feeling an uncanny connection, blurted the words before he could think, exclaiming, “My sister p>
A flicker of uncertainty crossed Rylie’s face. She lowered the piano lid and rose from the bench. “Your sister? Me? You must be mistaken p>
Marcus snapped out of his reverie and asked, “I am sorry. Maybe I have your name p>
“Rylie Kirk,” she replied calmly.
Rylie Kirk? He remembered that his grandfather was sitting in a hospital room, waiting anxiously for a DNA match. The name on those records was the same: Rylie Kirk.
All the signs lined up now. The way she played, the striking features — he couldn’t shake the feeling that she was family. Even so, Brad’s advice came back to him. No matter how convincing, they couldn’t reach out until every detail was confirmed. A false step could destroy everything.
Carefully hiding his excitement, Marcus adopted a gentle tone as he drew closer. “Forgive me, Miss Kirk. I lost my head for a moment. You resemble my sister so much. That piece — I’ve never heard it before. Is it something you wrote p>
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Rylie gave her head a quick shake. “No, it isn’t original. I came across a ruined score and did my best to restore what could p>
That revelation left Marcus speechless for a moment. Pieces like that were often the remnants of great composers, their legacies nearly erased by time. Bringing one back required uncommon skill.
“You pieced it together yourself p>
She nodded. “I did. Is that strange p>
Marcus only smiled and shook his head. “Not at all. Actually, it’s impressive p>
Rylie responded with a quiet laugh, modest as ever. “I’m hardly impressive. If I stand next to you, Mr. Marcus Owen, I’d barely be noticed p>
His eyebrows shot up in mild surprise. “So you recognize me p>
She released a gentle sigh, amusement in her voice. “Do you really think anyone interested in music wouldn’t p>