Coolest Girl in Town

Elise was in a dilemma. She didn’t want to dance with Matthew, but she couldn’t find any reasons to refuse. Luckily for her,
Alexander stood before her. “According to the rules, everyone’s dance partner is decided by the draw.” In other words, there was
no changing of partners once it was set.
Finally finding an excuse, Elise said, “Sorry, Matthew. We got the same number, so I can’t dance with
you.” Perfect. Nobody can refute me.
Matthew smiled and slowly pulled his hand back. “It’s fine. Let’s leave it until next time then.”
Elise nodded. It was then the hall went dark, and everyone gasped. About a minute later, everyone heard the sound of wheels
creaking, and someone was singing Happy Birthday
“Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday to you...”
The crowd parted and made way for Danny and Jack. They were pushing a big cake on a cart, heading toward Alexander.
Everyone around them also started singing as well.
Once they were done singing Happy Birthday, someone shouted, “Make a wish, birthday boy!”
Everyone looked at Alexander. He put his hands together, closed his eyes, and made a wish. “Together, everyone. Three, two,
one... Blow.”
Everyone blew out the candles, and the guests clapped.
At the same time, the lights came back on again. Alexander picked up the knife and cut out a slice before handing it to Elise.
“Have a taste.”
She took it from him and thanked him before popping a small chunk into her mouth. The cream melted in her mouth at once.
“How is it?” Alexander asked.
Elise nodded. “Not bad.”
Alexander cut a slice of cake and popped a small chunk into his mouth as well. Immediately, his taste buds were assailed by the
sweet scent of the cake, and a handsome smile appeared on his face.
Jonah was delighted to see the both of them standing together.

“Sir, I think Mr. Jonah likes Miss Elise.”
Jonah answered cryptically, “Perhaps, but honestly, they do make a good couple. I just hope he’ll realize that soon. You did a
great job, but something is still missing.”
“Sir, you’re saying we should—”
Jonah stopped him. “Let’s stop while we’re ahead. This is a big project, and I want to take it slow. I just hope they’ll start going
out eventually.”
“Don’t worry, sir. They’ll get it eventually,” the butler said. A smile broke out on Jonah’s lips, and he went back upstairs.
Apparently, he was in a good mood.
The banquet went on until eleven at night. Once the guests made their departure, the villa fell into its usual silence.
Elise’s stomach was acting up after she had too much to eat. Even after she had washed it down with water, she still felt bloated,
so she went out to have a walk. The night was beautiful, with the moon covering everything in a silvery sheen, and the stars
twinkled down upon the earth. Elise sat on the yard’s swing alone, enjoying the scenery. But then a while later, she heard the
sound of the piano in the distance.
“Who’s playing at this hour?” She was surprised, but she listened to it silently. The music was delightful and sad at the same
time, as if these two opposites were getting merged together. Curious, she went in the direction of the sound.
It wasn’t until she got to the top floor did she realize where the sound was coming from. The piano room. She went over and
noticed that the door was ajar. Once she stepped in, what she saw was a man sitting before the piano with his back turned to
her. His fingers flew across the piano keys, playing the same tune Elise heard earlier. “Not bad,” she praised genuinely.
The moment she talked, Alexander stopped and turned around. “It’s late. Why are you still here?”
Elise snickered and went closer to him. “Because I heard the music. It’s great.”
“It’s just something I played on a whim. Not anything great,” he answered.
Elise didn’t think so. “You must have trained for years. That’s gotta be around grade
eight.”
He arched his eyebrow. “You play too?”

Elise rubbed her nose, slightly nervous. “Not a lot though.”
But that intrigued Alexander. “Wanna play a song together?”
Elise didn’t refuse his invitation. “Sure,” she answered.
Alexander was surprised she agreed so readily, but he freed up half of the bench for her, and she went to sit by his side. Elise
put her hands on the keys, and they started playing a tune together. They worked harmoniously and grasped every beat to
perfection. Alexander was surprised that Elise was so talented at piano as well. Elise thought the same about him
too. Oh, I found a kindred soul.
They hastened their tempo a moment later, then they slowed down. The tune was never out of sync for even a single beat. Once
they were done playing, Alexander smiled. “Looks like I’ve underestimated you, Elise. You’re a good pianist.” He was genuine
about that praise.
Elise praised him as well. “You’re better than I am. You moved really fluidly. You play this song a lot, don’t you?”
It was the truth, but Alexander didn’t feel awkward about it. “Not bad. You saw through me.”
Elise pulled her hands back from the keys and got up. “Thanks. It’s late, so I’ll retire for the night.”
However, Alexander stopped her. “You know, I like playing the piano with you. Can we have another session together if it’s fine
with you?”
Elise smiled. “Sure.”
Then, she left the room while Alexander saw her off. Once she turned the corner, he looked back at the piano keys and closed
his eyes as he recalled how they played the piano together earlier. It was the first time anyone could match his speed and sync
up with him so perfectly.
A moment later, he opened his eyes, and for some reason, he got curious about Elise. How many more secrets does she have?