Chapter 34

• I watched as Michael stood, facing the crowd, holding the microphone near his mouth as he spoke to the audience with an air of confidence that never failed to captivate everyone in the room. His voice was steady and soothing, carrying a sense of warmth that drew people in effortlessly.
• “We all believe that true love exists,” he declared, his voice resonating loudly in the room. His eyes scanned the crowd before settling on me. A small smile curved his lips, and my heart fluttered at the intensity of his gaze. The familiarity and comfort of having him beside me seeped deep into my bones.
• He reached out and gently took hold of my wrist, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. My heart raced, knowing that his next words were directed at me. “Over here is my childhood friend,” he said, his voice soft yet unwavering. “The song I'll be performing is one of my own, the first song I ever wrote.”