CHAPTER 13: The Standing Ovation
The silence lasted three full seconds before the entire hall erupted into deafening applause.
Bravos echoed from the highest balconies down to the orchestra floor. People stood from their seats, cheering and wiping tears from their eyes. The judges at the center table were on their feet, clapping furiously.
Lily stood up from the piano, her face glowing with genuine joy. She bowed to the audience, but her eyes searched the front row until they locked onto Julian.
Julian was standing, clapping with all the strength in his body, tears streaming freely down his cheeks. Lily smiled, pointed directly at him, and mouthed two simple words: *“Thank you.”*
May you like
Up in the VIP box, Arthur Vance slowly rose to his feet. His hands trembled as he attempted to clap, but the weight of his guilt proved too heavy. A single tear rolled down the old man’s weathered face before he turned away from the light and quietly exited through the back curtains into the dark hallway, utterly alone.
---
