chapter838

Simone felt her heart sink.

At this point, she was certain: the person Joshua was searching for could only be Stella.

Joshua continued, Back then, I was suffering from depression. Nothing brought me joy, and life itself felt pointless."

He paused, his gaze distant. "But her music... it was like a lifeline. It gave me hope again."

"In my heart, she's nothing short of a savior."

Simone's expression shifted with realization, but she didn't rush to claim the credit. Instead, she smiled and asked, "Did you ever meet this person? Reveal yourself to her?"

Joshua shook his head. "No. I was in a bad state and didn't approach her. When she left, I found an earring on the bench where she'd been sitting."

He looked at Simone pointedly. "Miss Lerman, do you play the violin?"

"A little," Simone replied, keeping her tone casual. But I'm far from an expert."

Joshua pressed on. "Do you know 'Moonlight'?"

Simone's eyes widened with sudden understanding. Joshua, are you suggesting that I'm the person you've been looking for?"

She laughed softly and shook her head. "It's true, I've lost an earring before, but I can't even remember where. By the time I noticed, it had been missing for ages."

"And as for the violin piece 'Moonlight'... it was incredibly popular during that time. Aurora practiced it every single day."

"I've played the violin myself, and yes, I did learn 'Moonlight' for a while. But it's just a hobby-something I put aside long ago."

Her gaze grew nostalgic. "Come to think of it, it's been ages since I last played."

Simone wasn't lying. In fact, she and Aurora had met and become close friends precisely because they attended the same violin class as teenagers.

A proper debutante was expected to master all the arts-music, languages, even

a bit of painting. Playing multiple instruments was just the norm.

Simone could play both the violin and the piano, and Aurora was no different.

Joshua lowered his gaze to the earring in his hand. "But Miss

Lerman, your earring is identiel

the one I found."

"Maybe it's just a popular design," Simone suggested lightly.

To admit outright that she was the person he'd been searching for would be far too deliberate, too desperate.

A truly clever woman never claims the role for herself; she lets the other person draw their own conclusions.

Simone noticed Joshua's silence

ve

and changed the subject: "I thought you lost your memory in the accident, Joshua. How do you remember all this so clearly?"

Joshua's expression didn't waver. "I've regained some of my memories," he said simply.

Simone didn't believe a word of it, but she didn't call him out. After all, half the fun was in the mystery.

Still, it looked like she'd have to start practicing the violin again especially 'Moonlight.'

Meanwhile, Aurora led Stella to the study.

She knocked softly, and Skyler's deep voice answered from inside, "Come in."

Aurora pushed open the door. "Dad, Star's here."

A warm smile broke over Skyler's face, paternal and welcoming. "Star, good to see you. Aurora, could you ask the kitchen if they've prepared Star's favorite tea?"

"Of course," Aurora replied, nodding before heading off.

A moment later, Jonathan entered the study, carrying a tray with tea and a plate of Stella's favorite fruit.

He greeted her with a polite nod. "Glad you could make it."

Stella returned the nod, her tone curious but composed. "So, what did you want to discuss with me today?"