Heaven or Hell: Loving My Twisted Billionaire novel Chapter 20

hapter 20

“Obviously,” Finn muttered. “This is the music room.”

I guided him a few steps toward it, my fingers itching to touch the

keys. “Do you mind if I play something for you? Music can help create

spatial awareness.”

Finn scoffed. “If you sing like you did outside my door last night, I’d

rather not suffer through your playing as well.”

I felt my cheeks warm at the reminder of my sleep–deprived crooning.

“Singing and playing instruments are two entirely different skill sets,

Mr. Sterling,” I replied primly. “I’ll have you know I’m quite

accomplished on the piano.”

I led him to a comfortable armchair near the piano. “This is a chair,” I

said, guiding his hand to the armrest. “You can sit here while I play.”

Once he was seated, I walked to the piano, deliberately narrating my movements. “I’m now standing at the piano, placing my right hand over my heart as I bow to my distinguished audience.”

“Is this commentary really necessary? Finn asked dryly.

Chapter 20

“Absolutely,” I replied cheerfully. “I’m helping you visualize what’s happening. Now, I’m sitting at the bench, adjusting it to the proper

height. My hands are hovering over the keys, ready to begin.”

I took a deep breath, positioned my fingers, and began to play

Chopin’s Nocturne in E–flat major. It had been years since I’d had

access to such a magnificent instrument. At the Sunshine Special

Education Center, I often played for the children on our worn–out

upright piano with its slightly out–of–tune keys and chipped ivory.

But this this gleaming grand piano with its perfect action and

resonant tone–reminded me of the one in Lancaster Manor’s music

room where I’d spent countless hours practicing as a child. The

melody flowed from my hands, filling the room with its haunting

beauty.

As I played, I stole glances at Finn. His posture had changed–the

rigid set of his shoulders gradually relaxing, his head tilted slightly as

he listened. His expression softened almost imperceptibly, the hard

line of his mouth easing.

I noticed his fingers on the armrest, moving slightly in time with the

music. The sight made something catch in my throat. Was he once a

pianist himself? Or was he simply responding to the melody?

When the final notes faded, I lifted my hands from the keys with a

flourish. “And now I’m taking my bow,” I announced, rising from the

Chapter 20

bench. “That concludes today’s performance. Applause is customary

at this point.”

To my surprise, Finn slowly brought his hands together in a measured

clap. The gesture seemed almost sincere, lacking his usual mockery.

“Thank you for your generous applause,” I said, smiling despite

myself. “I’m now lowering my hands and bowing again to my only

listener. Thank you for attending.”

“Your Lancaster family had musical traditions?” Finn asked

unexpectedly, his voice softer than I’d ever heard it.

The question caught me off guard. “Yes,” I replied, moving to sit in a

chair near him. “Every child had to choose an instrument to master.

My father believed music cultivated both discipline and soul.”

And your brothers? His question seemed genuinely curious.

James played violin–he was quite brilliant at it. Ethan learned

organ, which suited his serious personality. And Thomas…” I smiled

at the memory. “Thomas had a wonderful voice but no patience for

instruments. He was the singer in the family.”

I studied Finn’s face, wondering at this sudden interest in my past.

“Did you ever learn to play anything?” I asked gently.

Chapter 20

His expression darkened instantly, shuttering whatever openness had

briefly appeared. “I spent ten years in fighting pits,” he said coldly.

“What instrument do you imagine I’d have time to learn?”

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