The pair stepped down the stage and were instantly greeted by a prolonged applause from the crowd and roaring praise.
"Isn't that girl Fiona? She is so beautiful!"
"You know, I actually heard that she and Ryan are quite close. They seem to be together!"
"I think they would certainly make a good match. They're both so talented and their chemistry is undeniable.
They look like the perfect pair."
Spencer was sitting among the crowd. He could feel his anger rising as he heard the audiences reactions towards Fiona and Ryan. He abruptly stood up and headed towards the backstage.
Meanwhile, Ryan and Fiona were alone backstage. He was holding her hand tenderly.
"So, how did it feel being on stage?" Ryan asked, breathing shallowly.
"Not bad. You played your violin beautifully," she replied, smiling at him
"Thank you. You also played the piano really well tonight," Ryan said. "I'd love to hear you playing the piano more often."
"Hmm," she replied with shyness.
"Fiona, did you hear what the audience were shouting after our performance?" He was looking at her intently, and smiled mischievously.
"I..." Fiona was blushing. She felt nervous and her palms were sweaty. She looked down and realized that Ryan was still holding her hand. "Ryan, we're not on stage anymore but our hands..."
Ryan held her hand tighter and said, "Fiona. I don't want to let you go anymore."
"What are you saying, Ryan?" Fiona was surprised. She looked at him with confusion, wondering what this all meant.
"I want to be with you, Fiona. Don't you see? Everyone wants us to be together." Ryan's expression softened. He looked at her gently and continued, "Fiona, I've never cared about anyone this much. I love you. Please get to know me. Please give me a chance." He gently took her into his arms in an embrace, and Fiona found herself in a daze.
She could feel his heart beat against hers, and they were in the same rhythm.
Fiona felt excited hearing the cheers from the crowd, and at the same time, she had never felt so calm than she did at that moment in his arms. She felt so relaxed in Ryan's company. He was considerate, gentle, and cultured.
She couldn't refuse the magnetic attraction she felt towards him. She buried her head in his arms. Her mind was clear, as she reciprocated his gentleness and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Fiona's response filled Ryan's heart with so much joy.
"Fiona, I..." Ryan said to her softly.
Out of the blue, they heard someone clapping behind them.
Fiona felt her body tense up and she didn't want to leave the safety of Ryan's arms. She turned to see where the claps were coming from and saw Ella, looking elegant as ever.
Ella was walking towards them, smiling. "Congratulations, your performance was amazing. And now I find you both here, backstage, being so sweet. Please do come and join the public!"
Fiona's face was bright red. Ryan, however, kept his calm and asked her, "Why are you here?"
"Well, I do have a reason, of course," Ella said. "There's someone looking for you, Ryan. Why not leave and have a look?"
Ryan nodded. He turned to Fiona and said, "You go ahead and get changed first. I'll be back soon."
"Okay." Fiona nodded and watched him leave.
"Good for you, Fiona," Ella said, giving her a pat on the back. "Go for it. I'm going to go on stage now."
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