Chapter 39

There she was. The intriguing woman he'd encountered on the rooftop.

Adrian froze, his gaze locked on the stage. Evelyn's soulful voice filled the entire lounge as she performed a bluesy rendition of "Young and Reckless."

Perched on the stool under the spotlight, her crimson lips parted to release notes that transported the audience through waves of nostalgia. The way her body swayed with the music made her glow even more radiant.

As the melody washed over him, Adrian vividly recalled finding Evelyn in tears that night on the roof. Those glistening eyes had added such poignant depth to her beauty - the kind of heartbreaking loveliness that could shatter a thousand hearts.

He didn't realize how intensely he was staring until his thoughts began drifting dangerously far away.

Meanwhile, Olivia shouted from the front row. "Too depressing, darling! You're making me weep! Give us something happier!"

Evelyn flashed her best friend a mischievous wink. "Your wish is my command." With a dramatic flip of her hair, she launched into an upbeat rendition of "House Party Anthem."

Her entire demeanor transformed as she sang, feet tapping to the rhythm, smile bright enough to outshine the stage lights. The playful energy matched the cheeky lyrics perfectly.

The infectious melody had the entire crowd dancing along, creating an electric atmosphere that pulsed through the venue. For Adrian, it suddenly transported him back to the streets of Montclair - he could almost feel Evelyn's hand in his as they strolled together.

He was utterly, hopelessly enchanted.

Never had he encountered a woman so beautifully unpredictable, so vibrantly alive that it shook him to his core. An insistent voice in his head kept repeating: "This is it, Adrian! She's the one!"

"That's your goddess of serendipity! The woman who outshone every star in the sky! Imagine how incredible life would be with her by your side!"

When the final note faded, the audience erupted in thunderous applause. Olivia whooped, "You slayed that, babe!" Even typically reserved Natalie was clapping enthusiastically with a rare smile.

Adrian quickly schooled his lovestruck expression and checked his appearance before moving to approach her. But just as he took his first step, the door burst open and a drunken Nathan Sterling stumbled into him, reeking of alcohol.