A Jar of Hearts Read Online Free PDF Page B

children of Hamelin, he couldn’t help being hypnotized by the music of the violinist. He knew it had to be Anne because there was no one else who wielded such power over him.
    He found her in the distance, her body swaying softly to the rhythm of her instrument. Her hair lifted delicately in the wind as her hand wielded her bow over the strings of her violin. At such a late hour, there were only a few people on the beach and she had relatively captivated the majority of them. She was clearly unaware of her small audience though as she continued to play magically amidst the roar of the ocean.
    “That was beautiful,” said a man, strolling up to her.
    “Nicholas?”
    The man smiled. “Yes.”
    James turned away immediately, pretending to be engrossed in the crashing of the angry waves. He had to make sure Nicholas hadn’t seen him and it would have been wise for him to move away. He found himself riveted to his spot though, unable to tear away from them.
    “What are you doing here?” she said with a broad smile.
    “First tell me what were you playing?”
    “Did you like it?”
    “Yes, and so did the small audience you managed to enamor on the sands.”
    “I did?” she asked with a little surprise. “I didn’t think anyone would be out at such a late hour.” She sighed and added, “It’s called ‘Sad Romance.”
    “By Ji PyeongKeyong? Isn’t it what they call Sad Violin as well?”
    “It is.” She brushed a stray fringe back. “What are you doing here, Nicholas?”
    “I had some business in San Diego and thought I’d drop by and see you. You’re not happy?” He frowned.
    “Of course I am.” She smiled. “I just was hoping it wasn’t because my father had sent you here to check up on me.”
    He put an arm around her shoulders and led her back to the house. “In truth, he did ask me to do that. But I am also here on business and I did want to see how you were doing in your new home. Is it okay if I did?”
    She leaned into his torso. “Yes… thank you.”
     
     
     

     
     
     
    James ran his hands through his hair, clutching the back of his head as he continued looking on towards the ocean. The small crowd had dispersed long ago and he was left all alone on the long stretch of sands in the dark.
    He had been desperate for some confirmation and he finally got it. Anne was with Nicholas and he had no right to interfere into their relationship. He should forget her and leave her be. She had got on with her life and there couldn’t be a better partner for her than Nicholas.
    He turned back towards his house. Perhaps he should be smart and move away. After all, who was he kidding? Anne was his weakness. And as long as he knew she was close enough to touch, he would always fold to her allure.
     
     
     

     
     
     
    Nicholas helped Anne into a chair.
    “You’re not going to hang about so you can watch over me, are you?” Anne said with cheeky smile. “I’ll swear I’ll get a restraining order if you do.”
    He chuckled. “No, you don’t need to go that far. I’ll be in the city maybe a few days, of which most, you will be glad to know, will keep me busy. I just wanted to make sure I saw you first because I might not get the time to do so later,” he added softly.
    Anne played nervously with her fingers. “Where is Julia?” she asked, trying to divert the uneasiness he was causing in her.
    “She’s gone to bed and so has Ashley. It is late after all.”
    “It’s only nine o’clock.”
    “I guess Julia was just trying to give us some time alone,” he muttered.
    She felt him go down on his knees and sit by her lap. She tensed, wondering what it was he was doing.
    “Anne, I-” he started.
    “Don’t,” she interrupted quickly.
    “Anne?”
    “We’ve become such good friends, Nicholas. Please don’t say anything to change that.”
    “I have to try.” His voice quavered. “I love you.”
    “Nicholas.” She clutched his hand, her eyes welling up from the pain inside her.