Chapter 34 I stared at the keys , took a deep breath , and placed my fingertips on them , my fingers trembling slightly with anticipation . The cheers of the crowd below mingle with the sound of my playing , sending adrenaline soaring through my veins . The theme is ' Self . As I play the piece , memories of the past few years flash through my mind . I play stories about myself , but when I actually hit the keys , Leo starts to appear . Leo , have I been living in the shadow of who I think I should be , all because of you ? My heart thumped as I realised this and my hands stopped playing . Hey , what's wrong with her ? ' What's she thinking , did she forget the score ? ' I thought about what I had just done , and became increasingly dissatisfied . No , ' I whispered to myself . ' Leo is Leo . and I'm me . ' I subconsciously tied my hair up in a haphazard way to make sure they didn't block my view , just as I had done in college , and stopped caring about appearances and played with abandon . My heartbeat intertwined with the melody of the piano and together they played the music of freedom . The song ended and the cheers of the audience brought me back to reality . The announcement came soon after ; my performance had won third place in the general election . A mixture of relief and joy flooded my heart and tears threatened to spill over . Rolin pulled me off the stage and let me cry on his shoulder . ' Hey , it's just a friendly competition . Third place is pretty impressive ! By the way , everyone thinks you're my girlfriend and that I pissed you off to inspire you to play with such passion ….. I hit him jokingly . ' Elizabeth , this is what keeps you busy …… ' Leo's voice rang through the crowd as he handed out a bouquet of flowers . Chapterss Chapter 35 In "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" by CrushReel, Zoe Hale takes a daring step by marrying Ashton Cross, a man under suspicion for her sister's mysterious demise. As their relationship evolves, hidden truths unravel, intertwining love and suspense in this captivating romance novel. Exploring the complexities of loyalty and deception, the story delves deep into Zoe's quest for justice while navigating the unexpected twists of her heart. The enigmatic bond between Zoe and Ashton unfolds against a backdrop of secrets and revelations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each turn of the page. Set in a blend of romance and drama, "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" stands out for its intricate character dynamics and the seamless fusion of passion and intrigue. With every chapter, CrushReel skillfully crafts a narrative that immerses readers in a world where love confronts darkness, leaving them yearning for more. Discover the enthralling saga of Zoe and Ashton, available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in this unique tale that defies conventions and promises an unforgettable literary experience.