"Sure thing, kiddo, you can learn from Eugene - ah, | mean, Mr. Albright - and study violin with Jamie Noelle at the stime. It
won't have any conflict." Bruto patted her back, "I'm just waiting for you to steal the show."
"Don't worry, Dad. I'll make you proud," Lindsay was quite confident in her looks and talents.
Eugene had been standing so long his feet ached, and his smile was nearly frozen on his face. As guests continued to stream in, he
grew impatient - Arabella was yet to arrive.
Was it possible those old coots were deliberately keeping her from coming, planning to stand him up collectively??
They wouldn't dare, would they??
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With that thought, he pulled out his phone and sent a voice message to the group chat.
"Listen up, if you guys dare keep Bella from my birthday bash today, I'll have your heads tomorrow."
Beck. [Well, let's hear who's got that sour tone. Oh, it's today's man of the hour. Why? Bella didn't show up and you're blaming us
old folks?]
Charles. [Now, Mr. Eugene, aren't you a tad too anxious? It's only 7:15 p.m.; It's still early! Bella probably just left hafter
dinner.]
Tanner. [If she makes it in the last minute, you should count your blessings. That girl's busy, you know!]
Nelson. [What's the rush? | haven't even left my house yet. Could she be faster than me?]
Eugene glanced at the clock - it really was just 7:15 p.m., but why did it feel like an eternity had passed?
"I'll leave you folks to it; | need a break," Eugene said, his throat dry from all the schmoozing.
The butler spoke respectfully, "Mr. Albright, Ms. Collins..."
"Where? | don't see her." Eugene craned his neck looking around, "Where is she?"
Indeed, there were luxury cars pulling up outside, but not Bella's. He looked everywhere but didn't see the familiar figure.
"lI wasn't finished. What | meant was, when Ms. Collins arrives, I'll let you know. Please, go take a rest, have stea."
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Eugene barely suppressed the urge to punch him, "Can't you just speak in full sentences next time?"
He thought Arabella really arrived; turned out he got his hopes up for nothing!
As he noticed seven or eight guests disembark and head his way, Eugene quickly uttered, "I must be going."
"Mr. Albright!"
Just then, a voice called out.
Eugene looked up to see a young woman, arm in arm with Martin, walking towards him with a poised and friendly smile.
Martin was his invitee, that he knew, but who was this girl? She looked vaguely familiar. And why was she latched onto Martin's
arm??