CEO’s Secret Symphony

Chapter 2

This wasn’t the first time he was cheating, this was just the only time I had caught him, I knew about others and despite knowing I kept on loving him with all my heart. But this was the last straw and it is the closure I have been searching for in a while. I felt relief, my heavy chest released from the burden of unhappiness I had been bearing while dating him.

“Say something, Wren. You forgive me right?” he said with a corner of his lips lifted in a wry smile, he felt he could still play the cards that worked every time.

“It’s over, Jace. There’s nothing between us anymore, I’m done with you and if you’re smart you’ll forget I exist” I said and I saw a wave of shock run through his face.

“She seduced me, It was all her fault”, he said trying to hold me back as I attempted to leave the room.

“Let me go Jace, I need to go to work” I said in a nonchalant tone and it surprised him that I didn’t care that much to cry.

“You can leave, just don’t come running back to me when you realize that only me can love you the way you deserve” he said and I left his apartment without saying another word.

I pulled her coat closer to her chest and walked quickly to the Downtown Bar. Though it was a small bar, it had a stage for a live band or performance, and I worked there most nights for a couple hours.

The pay was okay, and the tips were mostly what kept her going but lately, business has been really slow. With the new club opening not too far away, most of the people would go there for new attractions.

The Downtown Bar used to be popular among the locals and visitors, but with the new club, I was barely getting any tips at the bar anymore.

The bell above the door jingled as I walked through and most of the eyes in the room turned to me.

“If it isn’t our very own Wrenlee Gibson!” one man cheered and soon, most of the customers in the bar blew whistles, applauded and welcomed me.

She smiled, a warmth started in her chest and began to spread throughout her body, despite what just happened with Jace, she felt freedom and peace. And now she came to her favorite place, this is the only comfort she needed, she loved this place and it wasn’t about the money. She genuinely loved the people.

“Old Man Lancaster, I can’t believe you’re here for the third night. Wife kicked you out again?” I teased the old man that had said my name. I walked towards the counter where he was seated nursing a beer.

There was another man by his side, two stools away, it was a new face maybe a visitor but, I paid him no heed.

I waved at some other customers as I made my way to the old man.

The man gave me a toothy smile. Most of his teeth was yellowing and missing. His white hair was hidden underneath a baseball cap and he wore an orange shirt and worn blue dungaree.

“I left on my own tis’ time. Tha lady bout to blow my ear drums with those lungs of 'ers.”

I chuckled. “Maybe you should stop smoking.”

“Hogwash. You all goin' to see me six feet under before tha happens.”

I shook her head, a genuine smile on her lips.

“Evening, Stan.” I said to the bartender, and I took off her coat.

He nodded at me.

“Good evening, Wren. You look pretty.”

I was wearing a shimmering silver blouse, black trousers and brown boots. I had slapped on some lipstick and mascara while Iris had run a comb and hairspray through her hair. I didn't think I looked all that pretty, but I knew this was one of my favorite outfits that I felt most comfortable in. Today was a special day and I’d like to remember it, the day I set herself free.

Still I said thank you as I handed my coat to Stan. He walked through a door and returned without the coat.

“Where’s Henry?” I asked. Henry was the manager and owner of the bar.

He had taken over about two years ago from his father after the accident. God bless his soul.

“He’s out back going through the accounts,” then there was a sad look in Stan’s eyes, “business is really going downhill these days.”

I understood. “I won't blame him.”

“Go up there and show them what you’ve got,” the old man smiled, encouragingly and patted my back.

“Cause your silly lawyer boyfriend ain't seeing it.”

“He’s no longer my boyfriend, Stan.” I said with a bright smile on my face

“Finally.” Stan replied with a wide smile.

But it was true. Jace hardly ever came to watch me sing. He had, during the first few weeks of their relationship. I remembered how I would look for him in the crowd and keep my eyes on him while I sang.

I walked towards the stage and climbed the short steps. The mic was set up and the guitar was leaning against the stool I would sit on.

I connected my phone to the speaker, started a song and sat on the stool.

“I wrote this song myself. I hope you like it as much as I do.”

The lights in the bar dimmed till the only lights left on were on me. I inhaled and exhaled before bringing my fingers down on the guitar and opening my mouth to sing.

The bar had gone quiet except for my singing and guitar strums. It only took me a few moments to get lost in it. In my mind, I wasn't in the bar anymore. I was in the skies; singing, dancing and twirling to my song.

It was the most incredible feeling. It was why I loved singing. I sang, like it was the last song I would ever sing here.

It was.