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nAdrian and Cassidy made out for one whole moment.

nWhen they finally parted, she let go of his hand and spared him one last smile before she started to walk away. He offered her a smile of his own, feeling more determined to give her the performance of her life.

nBreathing in deeply, Adrian started reciting the music notes in silence.

nHe had practiced like crazy for this moment. He needed to make sure he didn't mess up. He wanted to show his son just how wonderful and enjoyable it was to play the piano.

n'Now, then, shall we get going?'

n---

nAdrian stood in the middle of the stage with the grand piano right behind him.

nOnce the curtains were lifted, he was immediately faced with a sound of applause. He bowed down, trying to stay calm and composed. His palms were starting to feel a little sweaty, and his breathing was beginning to get out of control. Funny how he's getting all nervous now after reaching this far.

n'Perhaps, it's because this is what I've always wanted. So, it's only expected that I'll take this very seriously.'

nAdrian closed his eyes for several seconds. When he finally raised his head once more, he immediately scanned the front rows and sighed in relief when he found Cassidy and the others on their designated seats.

nHe could see them clearly despite the dimness of the music hall.

nCharles is clapping like an idiot, giving him a thumbs-up. Olivia is all-smiles beside him. Edward is looking in his direction with a proud expression on his face. Damien, Joshua, and Hugo are also giving him a round of applause, just as thrilled as everyone else. Bryan and Aira are sitting next to them.

nThen, his gaze went toward his wife and children.

nAdelynn is clapping happily – with a smile that's brighter than the sun. Carsein appears as serious as ever, seemingly trying to pull off a cool act again. Cassidy was clapping along with Adelynn and the rest.

nShe was the main reason he was even standing up there at all.

nHe gave the audience another bow before he finally turned around and made his way to the grand piano at the center. Slowly, he took his seat and looked down at the keys with awe and disbelief – he was actually there.

nThe last time Adrian had been on that stage was when he had played for Cassidy personally years ago.

nNow, he is there again. But this time, everybody else has come along.

nWhen he put his fingers over the piano keys, the applause from the crowd finally ceased. He was not the only one performing today, and he knew that many more famous musicians were going to take the stage. Still, this is yet another big accomplishment for him.

nIf Cassidy had not crossed paths with him, he would not be there at all. With that thought motivating Adrian, he took in a deep breath and started playing the piano.

nHis hands struck the keys passionately. He didn't even have to look at his music notes for he knew that song by heart. It was the same piece he played for his most beloved back then, after all. The only difference was that he had perfected it – and that he was not only playing it for her. He's now dedicating it to all of his loved ones.

nTo his children, his siblings, his nephews, his friends.

n'This was it. I finally did it.'

nAdrian had become a husband that Cassidy would be proud of.

nHe had become a father that his children would boast about. He had become a man that people could actually admire. He was no longer the same cold-hearted jerk he used to be. He was not purposeless anymore.

nAdrian is now someone who cares a whole lot about his family - more than anything in the world. Adelynn, his pretty little daughter, would always give him a smile that would cast away his doubts and insecurities. Carsein, his strong beloved son, would always motivate him indirectly to become better and better. Cassidy, his one and only love, was his number one pillar.

nShe's the one who's given him the strength to move forward, and she's the one who's given him the courage to face anything. Without her and their children, he just won't be complete.

nAdrian paused briefly before pressing the piano keys again.

nAfter everything that had happened, he was actually there, living a life that he never thought he would have. He's happy even when he still thinks that he doesn't deserve it. Then again, he finally understood that everyone, no matter how messed up their past was, deserved happiness.

nThe minutes continued to tick by.

nIt was not long before he finally pressed the last key. By that point, his hands were already trembling for a bit. He had no idea how he had even managed to finish the song.

nThe crowd sat silent for a second or so until they all erupted in a wave of applause.

nAdrian lets out a deep breath before standing up again. Though his legs had almost gone numb, his mouth dry, he's glad he'd done it – he had performed again. Cassidy and the rest have seen it until the end. He'd played in front of his children for the very first time.

nWalking up to the middle of the stage, Adrian made another bow.

nThis time, he could feel all of his emotions piling up at once. This would be the beginning of his new music life. He hoped he would be able to get a chance to perform in another bigger and better music hall – one where legends would be born.

nHe lifted his head before walking off the stage. Then, he looked at his family again.

nHe waved at Cassidy and the others with pride and joy. Without them, Adrian would not have become the person he was.

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"I love you,

" his wife mouthed to him at that moment, tears filling her beaming eyes.

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"And I love you more,

" he mouthed back to her with a fond, loving smile.

nAnd with that, the curtains finally closed.

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