Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1234

After more than two hours, Robert finally stepped down from the stage. Adolf, the university president, made sure to greet him personally, treating him with obvious care. Once Robert finished his speech, Adolf came over and invited him to take a walk around Harrisburg University.

Their conversation was light and friendly. Adolf did his best to leave a good impression, and before long, he brought up the special event that Walter Wilson and Audrey Williams had planned. “I’ve heard you’re a big fan of our country’s culture, Robert. As it happens, we’re holding a cultural exhibition here today. Would you be interested in checking it out with us?”

Robert’s blue eyes lit up, his face full of excitement. “Absolutely. I really do love Estonian culture. I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to be here today. There’s no way I’d miss this.”

Adolf grinned, clearly pleased. “Let’s head over right now.”

A short walk later, Adolf and a few others led Robert toward the exhibition. Even from a distance, they could see the place was buzzing with people. Before they got close, the soft, graceful sound of an ancient zither floated to them from the lakeside.

The melody was gentle and winding, sometimes swelling like waves, sometimes as clear as a mountain brook. The music was so beautiful it seemed to wash away every worry. Robert’s eyes shone with admiration.

Adolf noticed the look on his face and kept leading the way. When they reached the best spot to watch, members of the student club stepped onto the stage. They wore elegant, traditional costumes and flawless makeup, moving with practiced confidence. The classical dance began slow and dreamy, gradually picking up speed, every movement light and smooth, perfectly matching what foreigners might imagine about Estonian tradition. Each step and turn showed off the country’s poise and centuries-old cultural depth.

Robert couldn’t tear his eyes away.

Watching from just offstage, Audrey Williams and Walter Wilson kept their attention on Robert. When they saw how fascinated he was, Audrey leaned in and whispered to Walter, “Looks like our plan is working. One song, one dance, and he’s already hooked.”

Walter smirked. “He’ll love what’s coming next even more.”

Audrey nodded. She knew they hadn’t even gotten to the martial arts performance yet, and that was what Robert liked most. Just thinking about how amazed he’d be put her in a good mood. Success felt closer than ever.

Adolf grinned. “This is a specialty of our student club. They’ve practiced for ages, and they actually won an international award with this dance. There are all kinds of cultural elements woven in. Look at their costumes, the stage design, even the backdrop. Every detail was done with real care.”

Robert nodded, clearly thrilled. “Getting to see something like this during my visit is amazing. This whole trip has absolutely been worth it.”

Adolf took the chance to steer the conversation. “It’s a stroke of luck you were here for this, and honestly, we owe a lot to the event’s sponsors, Mr. Wilson and Ms. Williams.”

He finally brought up the main point, gesturing toward Walter and Audrey, who were standing a little ways off.

Walter and Audrey didn’t go over to Robert right away. Even though the whole event was set up for him, they didn’t want to make their intentions too obvious. If they seemed too eager, Robert might get suspicious and put up his guard. Instead, letting Adolf guide Robert around and then introduce them casually was a much more natural way to start things off.