From the shadows.

Zen's POV:

Elle nailed the audition.

Well, I had no doubts about her talent. I had seen how hard she had worked for this.

But seeing her perform today was something else.

I had watched her countless times before, back when she was just starting out. I had seen her rehearse, practice lines, perfect her movements. But this… this was different.

Her expressions, the way she moved—it was breathtaking.

When she danced, I was mesmerized.

The way her dress swayed with her movements, the fluidity of her motions—it was like watching art come to life.

I had always known she was talented, but watching her become the character on that stage made something tighten in my chest.

What she didn’t know was that I had been in the room the whole time.

I sat behind the directors, hidden in the shadows, making sure she wouldn’t see me.

She wouldn’t have wanted me here.

She would’ve thought I was interfering. That I was trying to play the ‘supportive’ role to ease my guilt.