Bound Hearts: My Vows to My Disabled Spouse

Chapter 188 Your Competitor Forever

Although Elyse missed out on the concertmaster position, she snagged a spot on the domestic concert tour. Now, she had to attend practice every day to hone her skills.

As she stood amidst her fellow orchestra members, her gaze drifted to Vicky's back, brimming

with envy.

As they delved into their rehearsal, Merlin entered the room. He looked at everyone in the room and said, "The tour begins in a month, Let's strive for excellence and leave our audience awestruck."

After saying that, Merlin exited the rehearsal room, leaving the orchestra members abuzz with excitement.

Since Elyse had never gone on a concert tour, she couldn't help but feel enthusiastic. "What a bunch of country bumpkins!"

Suddenly, Vicky's voice pierced the air. Elyse raised her head and saw her looking at everyone disdainfully.

The room fell into a hush as Vicky's words hung in the air. Did she just call them country bumpkins?

Elyse shot a helpless glance at Vicky before saying, "How irritating!"

Annoyed, Vicky snapped, "What did you just say?"

"I said you are irritating," Elyse replied, unflinching. "What has our discussion got to do with you? We didn't offend you. Yet you label us as country bumpkins. Oh, right, you are quite pleased with yourself."

Vicky gritted her teeth, shooting Elyse a resentful glare.

Never before had someone challenged her like this.

Vicky's demeanor was always overbearing and arrogant. She liked asserting her dominance over

other orchestra members, leaving them cowed and unwilling to challenge her.

Not even Darren, her longtime rival since childhood, had ever mustered the courage to confront her in such a manner.

However, Elyse proved to be an exception.

"What gives you the audacity to speak to me like this?" Vicky's laughter masked her simmering anger.

Elyse furrowed her brows. "Do you think you are outstanding? Are you above Merlin or more talented than Mr. Cody Tucker?"

Vicky retorted disdainfully, "I might not be on their level, but you lost to me."

Undeterred, Elyse chuckled. "Yes, I lost, but that doesn't mean I have to bow down to you, does it? I'll always be your competitor. You better step up your game because I might surpass you tomorrow."

"You!" Vicky was speechless with rage.

Darren couldn't help but laugh. This caused Vicky to shoot him a glare.

Unfazed, Darren smiled and looked at her fearlessly. "Vicky, have you forgotten Mr. Tucker's advice? He told you to be humble and curb your arrogance. Are you going against his words?" Vicky was at a loss for words. She knew she needed to improve her reputation, especially if she wanted Cody to take her on as his apprentice.

Reluctantly, Vicky held her tongue, choosing not to argue with Elyse.

Seeing Darren's supportive nod, Elyse felt a surge of gratitude. He was standing up for her.

Turning back to her practice, Elyse received a message from Jayden, saying he would be dining out with Peyton and wouldn't be home for dinner.

Frowning, Elyse wondered why Jayden had been spending so much time with Peyton lately, always going out for meals.

Without questioning their plans, she replied, "Okay."

Darren approached her and whispered, "We are planning to dine out tonight. Would you like to join us?"

Elyse was curious. "We? Who else is going besides you?"

"Bart, Grace, and Freddy," Darren said with a smile. "The competition brought us together. Since we all play the violin, we turned from foes to friends."

Intrigued, Elyse nodded. "Okay. Tonight, right?"

"Yeah, we are heading to Harvest Eatery. Bart's booked us a private dining room," Darren said, pulling out his phone. "Mind if I save your number? That way, you can join our group chat."

Elyse's face lit up with delight as she swiftly added Darren to her contact list.

Just as they were exchanging numbers, Vicky strolled over, eyeing them with an odd expression.

"What's going on? I heard you guys were about to join some chat group."

Elyse gave her phone a playful shake. "Yeah, we were. Do you want to be friends with us?"

Vicky scoffed, her disdain evident. "Who would want to be friends with losers? I'm not interested in lowering my standards."

Darren's brows furrowed in irritation. "Can't you change your attitude? It's not like you have a lot of friends anyway."

Vicky shot him a look of pure contempt. "Oh, and you think you are going to win anything by associating with these losers?"

Darren bristled, ready to retort, but Vicky simply brushed him off and turned away.

Elyse let out a resigned sigh. "Forget it. You know Vicky. She is not going to

change."

Darren sighed deeply. "Sometimes, I can't help but feel sorry for her. She must be really lonely. Maybe I have been too nosy."

Elyse nodded in understanding, offering him a comforting smile. Later, she discreetly messaged Driscoll, informing him that she wouldn't be coming home for dinner tonight.

Driscoll's heart sank as he read her message. Knowing that Jayden and Elyse wouldn't come home for dinner, he couldn't help but feel lonely..