Chapter 15 1/2 When Clarisse wheeled her suitcase out of Veloria Airport , sunlight poured gently through the clouds , casting a golden warmth across her shoulder . For the first time in a while , she felt at ease . She had come to this city of music to pursue her love of the piano once more . The apartment she rented sat in the heart of the city . It was not large , but it was clean , bright , and cozy . It was equipped with a well - tuned piano and a south - facing floor - to - ceiling window . Her favorite part of the day was always the same . When the sun was high and steady , she would sit by the window and play . The light streamed through the glass , dancing across the black and white keys , while her fingers followed the shifting glow , fluttering across the keys like wings in flight . Every note carried bits of her pain away . With each day of repeated practice , her spirit settled into peace with the melody . It had been months since that broken marriage came to its end . The agony and confusion had long since been replaced by the rush of constant practices and the joy of chasing her dream again . Her days were busy but satisfying . She almost immersed herself completely in the world of music . Though some nights were still haunted by the nightmares , she had learned to wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes and gently remind herself it was all over . At a cafe , Clarisse wrapped up her part - time shift for the day . " Clarisse ! " a warm , low voice called out from the door . She turned to look . Zachary Sinclair was leaning casually against the frame , dressed in a charcoal - gray wool coat tailored to perfection . He smiled and waved . The scent of fresh - baked bread drifted over from the exquisite paper bag in his hand . " Zachary , you're here . " Clarisse greeted him with a gentle smile and a small nod . They had met at a music gathering . He was a well - regarded pianist in Veloria . He was struck by the raw emotion and quiet resilience in Clarisse's performance , like the way her music seemed to claw its way out of darkness . He admired her talent , but even more , he admired the steel hidden beneath her soft exterior . Without ever making a show of it , he had helped her get a few critical performance opportunities , quietly clearing a path for her when she was still finding her footing . " There's a new bakery that just opened around the corner , " he said . " I was walking past , and the pleasant smell nearly knocked me over . Didn't you say you love croissants ? Here , try this one . " Chapter 15 2/2 Clarisse opened the bag and took a bite on the spot . The buttery aroma hit instantly . The crust flaked under her teeth , while the insides were light , soft , and delicately sweet . Her eyes fluttered shut in delight as she enjoyed the delicacy . " This is incredible ! It's the best croissant I've ever had ! " She gave him a big thumbs - up . Zachary chuckled , watching her indulge in her food joyfully . There was a hint of fondness in his eyes . " Knew you'd like it . " He paused for a moment , then added , " Clarisse , there's an upcoming duet piano competition . It's a pretty good one . Want to enter it with me ? " Clarisse's eyes widened . " Me ? " " Of course . " His smile deepened . " You're the one I wanted to play beside the most . " She hesitated for a moment before nodding . These past few weeks , she had buried herself in solitary practice . She wanted to find out what it was like to be on a stage again . Chapter 16 Chapter 16