Jack was surprised by the changes that he noticed in Bella. She was even more beautiful than before.
The photo he had seen of her did no justice to her beauty. It was no wonder that she had attracted the admiration of so many talented men, turning into their ideal first love in their hearts.
"How have you been for the past couple of years?" Jack asked.
Although it was an awkward way to start the conversation, it also clearly reflected the state of their current relationship. They were once close enough to talk about anything and everything. However, the passing of time had chipped away at that closeness, turning them into strangers that they were oddly familiar with.
"I… I've been good," Bella answered after hesitating for a moment.
She doubted her own answer the moment the words left her lips. Had she been living well? When she thought about Clarice's arrangements for her, she couldn't help the melancholy laughter that resounded in her heart.
Jack's heart clenched tightly upon hearing her answer, but he pushed his feelings aside and fixed a smile on his face. "That's a relief! I won't have to worry about you anymore if you're living a good life."
He decided to change the topic. "I heard that you were invited to Golden Hall to perform, is it true?"
At the mention of Golden Hall, some color returned to Bella's face. She felt validated in life if she achieved spectacular results in her studies and career. The invitation from Golden Hall was one of her greatest achievements ever since she transferred to Montclair Conservatory.
"Congratulations," Jack said. "I didn't expect that you'd achieve something so impressive after not seeing you for so long," he praised in the most genuine tone he could muster.
Bella only nodded to show that she had accepted his praise.
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