Chapter 110: Moonlit Eyes

Mina was unaware, but her face had turned gloomy and she looked glum. She had been keeping herself from lashing out because she believed that Lisa deserved to dislike her, and having been reminded of home, her uncomfortable mood had somewhat dissipated. Now, she was actually annoyed, and it was visible to everyone. This time, President Lee spoke in her defense before Zane.

"It's okay if you don't know how. You don't have to," he said. It was the first time that he had said anything nice to her, but to Mina it sounded as if he were telling her to lay down and take it. Standing up, Mina made her way to the platform.

"Are you here on a date?" The host asked and Mina shook her head.

"No sir, I am here with a friend." The host smiled at the petite woman before him. Her voice was sweet, and she was extremely beautiful. She was not dressed appropriately for a romantic date, so he assumed she was telling the truth.

"Your friend must be blind," the host quipped, and Mina blushed. Several of the women who were watching 'aww'd' at Mina's adorable expression. They all believed she was part of the night's scheduled entertainment.

The host asked Mina what skill she planned to show them, but she shrugged.

"Actually, I haven't prepared anything, I think someone wanted to surprise me," she said playfully. The host knew that Mina meant someone had been trying to make her look bad. He had been hosting events for nearly twenty years and had experienced this sort of thing several times. He would usually offer the person a way out by inviting someone else to join him instead, but the floor manager who determined whether he was paid or not had insisted upon one woman in particular.

"You can sing or play the piano," the host offered, trying to give Mina a small window for success. If she could at least carry a tune, he could have someone accompany her on the keys, and if she knew at least one song on the piano he could offer her an accompaniment. Mina nodded at the host before saying, 'Okay.'

"Which one do you choose?" he asked curiously, and Mina stunned him with a question of her own.

"Can't I do both?" The host, feeling like he had underestimated the young lady, made a gentlemanly gesture toward the piano, while another man set up a microphone for her. Mina took a deep breath and made her best attempt at channeling her inner aristocrat.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. In keeping with the romantic theme, I will be singing an original piece titled, 'Moonlit Eyes.'" Mina adjusted the microphone and with her back straight, began to play a soft tune. When Mina opened her mouth to sing, everyone held their breath. The melody of the keys was so beautiful and enchanting that they feared her voice would ruin the mood. However, this was not the case.

'What is the use of the sun when I have you?'

'How much warmer could I possibly become?'

'During the day, anyone can see you, but at night you are only mine.'

'There is no greater feeling than knowing, that I'

'Am the only one who enjoys your moonlit eyes.'

The suggestiveness of the lyrics combined with the soothing and sweet nature of Mina's voice gave everyone in the room the feeling that they were being caressed by a flower. Some of the lyrics were whispered in the way a woman would whisper to her lover while cuddling. Her voice was rich and smooth, yet it was gentle. She sang in a high pitch that could only be achieved by a woman. Her voice did not crack when she hit higher notes and when she softened her tone, she played more lightly on the keys. This gave everyone in the room the feeling that she was thinking about the person in the song.

Despite being out of practice, Mina's performance seemed especially professional. She scanned the crowd at the appropriate times and showed off her longing smile. Her actions perfectly captured the emotions of the piece and by the time she got to the last verse, the romantic atmosphere was palpable.

'Time passes so quickly when we are together,'

'And moves so slowly when we are apart.'

'What kind of torture has heaven blessed me with?'

'Even if being together means that we have to hide.'

'Just promise me, promise me, promise me, I'

'Will be the only one to see, your moonlit eyes.'

Mina ended the song and smiled at the crowd. She gave a slight bow and stepped off the platform. Immediately after her performance, a full band began to play a romantic medley and although they were good, they did not invoke the same loving emotions as the girl who sang before them.

The host for the evening stared at Mina, he now saw her in a different light. He had acknowledged that she was beautiful, but now he saw her as breathtaking. Perhaps he didn't get a good look before, but he was suddenly infatuated with the young girl. Her amber eyes seemed to glow in the dim lights of the room and her thick brown hair almost looked to be blowing in the wind when she approached. Swallowing hard, the host composed himself.

"Did you really write that song?" He asked and Mina answered in the affirmative.

Taking Mina's arm, the host escorted her back to her table. He wanted to see which 'friend' was dumb enough to let such a rarity wander around without a ring on her finger. The only problem was that, when he got to her table, he couldn't tell which of the two men she belonged to. They were both standing to receive her with praises. Stopping in the middle of both men, the host released Mina's arm and bowed deeply. He was a married man and had it not been for the fact that he loved his wife dearly, he probably would have been tempted to pursue the girl. He had a feeling that many of the men in the room, including the two she was with, were considering the same option. Not wanting to cause any trouble, the host left with just a smile.