The Deadly Assassin Robin novel Chapter 191

Chapter 191 All I Want is Your Simplicity
Robin held Vera's cold, trembling hand, his thumb brushing gently over her damp palm.

"Just look into my eyes, and you won't feel nervous."

His voice soft yet steady, cutting through the distant hum of the music.

Vera's gaze lifted to meet his.

In that instant, the world around them faded. It was like being struck by lightning—a flash that left everything else in shadow.

His eyes were clear and steady, as vast and calm as a night sky full of stars.

The anxieties that had gripped her melted away in that starlit glow.

For a heartbeat, she was utterly captivated, lost in the warmth of his smile.

Waves of emotion rose within her.

She realized, with a start, that she'd never looked at him this closely before.

"Feeling a little better?" Robin asked, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

His broad hand and his soft words were a far cry from the emotionally clueless Robin she thought she knew.

"Just follow my lead. Do what I do, and you won't feel embarrassed."

Still holding his gaze, Vera gave a resolute nod. Everything else had faded; there was only him, grounding her in this surreal moment.

"Can you play an instrument?" he asked as they walked, hand in hand, toward the center of the stage, with Ivy just ahead of them.

"No," Vera admitted, her voice barely a whisper.

Robin chuckled softly. "Then what can you do?"

That disarming smile nearly sent her heart racing out of her chest.

"I ... I can't really do anything," she replied honestly, feeling oddly vulnerable.

"Nothing at all?" Robin's smile was as gentle as a spring breeze.

Vera nodded with conviction, a determined look in her eyes.

A smirk curved across Robin's lips. "So, in 20 years, you've done nothing but eat and sleep like a pig?"

"Huh?" Vera was momentarily stunned, catching a hint of mischief in those starry eyes.

She snapped out of her trance.

D*mn him. Did he seriously just call her a pig? Right now?

She shot him a sharp glare, hissing under her breath. "You jerk! You better come up with something—I really don't know what I'm doing up here!"

Robin's grin only widened. "Alright, it's official. You're a helpless little pig," he teased. "Fine, then. Just follow me."

"Okay." Vera nodded, resigned. She didn't really have a choice.

Her mind was a complete blank.

She used to think standing on stage looked easy.

Now, under the glaring lights and with all eyes on them, she knew she'd been wrong.

Gripping his hand tighter, she let him lead, grounding herself in his steady presence.

The bright lights and countless faces blurred together, an endless sea of anticipation.

She barely registered what Robin was saying. She just knew she had no control over any of it.

But strangely, she wasn't afraid. She wasn't nervous.

As long as Robin was beside her, holding her hand, she could face anything.

One simple phrase—"Follow me"—was enough.

Robin guided Vera to the center of the stage, then turned to Ivy with a smile. "This is your moment. How about Vera and I play piano to accompany you?"

Ivy gave a knowing nod, her eyes twinkling.

Robin led Vera by the hand.

Amid polite applause, they walked to the grand piano at the edge of the stage.

They sat together on the bench, and Vera stared blankly at the black-and-white keys, not sure where to begin.

Robin still hadn't let go of her hand.

She felt her pulse quicken.

Out of the corner of her eye, she stole a glance at him. Was he planning to hold her hand the entire time?

Was he ... trying to get closer? Maybe even ... taking advantage of the situation?

If he is ... I don't mind one bit.

Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed Robin's grip tighten slightly.

Then, suddenly, her fingers touched the keys, and soft, flowing notes began to fill the air.

Startled, she thought she'd accidentally pressed something, afraid she'd ruined the song.

But then she noticed the beautiful music filling the space, seamless and smooth.

She realized Robin was guiding her hand, playing the piano alongside her.

Astonishment flooded through her.

She'd never imagined her fingers could be part of creating something so beautiful.

As the gentle melody unfolded, the stage lights slowly dimmed.

Everyone's attention was focused on Ivy, radiant and poised at the center of the stage.

The audience seemed to forget that Vera and Robin were even there.

Vera, unsure of what to do with her free hand, watched Robin's other hand moving effortlessly over the keys.

Instinctively, she began to follow his lead, pressing down the keys he indicated, letting each note resonate within her.

It felt as if every sound was pulled directly from her heart, an expression of feelings she'd never dared to speak aloud.

She stole another glance at Robin, and she felt her heart stir.

Was this really the same rough-edged Robin she'd known?

In the soft glow of the lights, he seemed different—his usual rough edges softened, his sharp features illuminated with an almost serene intensity.

Wasn't this the hero she'd been waiting for?

As if sensing her gaze, Robin looked over and gave her a gentle smile before leaning toward the microphone.

His deep, resonant voice filled the hall, rich and warm, like honeyed wine lingering on the air.

"Maybe far away, or just yesterday ...

"Here or across the sea ...

"Through the twists and turns, joy and pain ...

"People meet and part again ...

"Let go of right and wrong to find the truth ...

"Living takes courage too ...

"No halo from above ...

"You and I are born ... ordinary."