Resilience and Remorse.

"I miss us," he whispered tenderly, his gaze locked onto her soul.

"Well, we're not together anymore," Rosalina retorted sharply, pivoting towards her car.

Andre gently reached for her hand, a plea in his eyes. "Please, let's not do this," he implored. Drawing nearer, he confessed, "I'm deeply sorry for betraying your trust. I can't explain my actions, but I still love you. Can we find our way back to each other?"

Rosalina pushed Andre away, her resolve unyielding. She thought to herself, 'The old me might have fallen for those words, but not anymore. I've had enough of the lies.'

"Just go and never cross my path again," she hissed, slipping into her car and slamming the door before his stunned gaze.

As she prepared to start the engine, his faint voice broke the silence, "Please, just wait."

Rosalina slowly turned her head , finding him still lingering by her car, his eyes filled with regret. "I'm truly sorry for the pain I caused you."

Rosalina rolled her eyes, but he persisted. "Can you grant me one more chance? I'll do anything."

A sly grin danced on Rosalina's lips as she locked eyes with him.

"Well, Andre, forgiveness isn't that simple," she teased, relishing his stunned expression. "You want a chance? Show me how deeply remorseful you are. Deal?"

Andre's jaw dropped in surprise at her challenge. "What do you mean? How can I prove it?"

Rosalina's smile widened, her confidence unshaken. "That's your puzzle to solve, sweetheart. You're the one seeking forgiveness and a second chance, so figure it out."

With a taunting smirk, she backed up slightly and started to drive away. "Make sure to wow me, darling."

As her car departed, Andre's heart ached with emptiness. He shook his head, determined to make amends. Climbing into his car, he couldn't help but steal one last glance at her retreating vehicle. He sighed, realizing he couldn't bear to lose her.

Sitting in his car, he contemplated how to make things right. Regret washed over him as he thought back to his hasty decision to break up with Eunice.

'I shouldn't have ended things like that,' he mused, reflecting on his past encounter with her.

*FLASHBACK*

Andre drove his way through the bustling New York city streets, the neon lights reflecting off his sunglasses as he approached the entrance of "Mingle & Martini Lounge." The exterior exuded an inviting aura, with a sleek, modern façade adorned in deep shades of midnight blue and charcoal grey. A polished chrome sign above the entrance spelled out the bar's name in elegant cursive, catching the eye of passersby.

As he neared the entrance, Andre noticed the soft glow of warm, ambient lighting escaping from the lounge, casting a golden hue onto the cobblestone sidewalk. The muted sounds of laughter and clinking glasses drifted out, promising a lively atmosphere within.

Just a few steps from the entrance, his heart skipped a beat as he spotted Eunice, his girlfriend, standing outside the bar, her long, chestnut hair cascading over her shoulder. She was engrossed in the conversation on her phone, her animated expressions revealing her deep engagement in the call. Andre paused, a smile forming on his lips as he watched her from a distance. His smile soon faded when he heard her discussion.

"You can come over tonight, babe," she exclaimed with enthusiasm.

"What about my boyfriend? Oh, you mean the rich guy? He isn't my boyfriend, just a friend of mine," she clarified.

"Yes, Andre's just a friend. You're the only one I love," she reassured. "Alright, I'll call you later."

After she hung up, she muttered to herself, "Now, I need to find a way to break up with Andre."

Suddenly, Andre interjected, "There's no need for that; it's over."

Startled, Eunice turned around and gasped at his unexpected presence. Before she could respond, he turned and walked away.

*FLASHBACK ENDS*

Andre cast one final glance at Rosalina's penthouse apartment before driving away.

***

Beneath the chilly night's embrace, "Chord & Cheers" unveiled its allure—a haven that melded warmth and music. The bar exuded an inviting charm with its mahogany accents, bathed in the soft, amber glow of dimmed lighting. Plush seating invited patrons to settle in and savor the moment. An intimate stage, bedecked with shimmering curtains, commanded the room's attention. The walls, adorned with vintage album covers and monochrome portraits of music legends, whispered tales of days gone by.

Behind the gleaming mahogany counter lay an impressive selection of spirits, promising a delightful array of libations. Candlelit tables added a romantic touch to the sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance. Here, sophistication entwined with comfort, creating an oasis where live acoustic melodies and artisanal drinks found their harmonious union.

"Welcome to 'Chord & Cheers,' where the soothing melodies meet the art of relaxation. Today we have a special musical guest, can anyone guess who it might be?" the announcer declared from the stage, surveying the audience as applause and cheers filled the air. "Hei!! Hei!!"

"That's right, ladies and gentlemen," the announcer continued with enthusiasm, " it's none other than your beloved solo superstar, Hei!" The announcer's voice resonated, kindling the crowd's excitement to new heights.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, their excitement palpable as Hei took the stage, an acoustic guitar cradled in his hands. His jet-black hair, artfully tousled in a messy undercut, framed a pair of captivating midnight blue eyes. A silver mask concealed his face, adding an enigmatic allure to his presence. Seated upon the chair provided for him, he effortlessly began to strum his guitar, weaving the air with melodic chords that resonated deep within the soul. Each note carried the weight of his velvety voice, spinning tales of love, life, and the human experience. Hei's music became the very heartbeat of the establishment.

The melodies flowed, captivating the audience. They leaned in, drawn by the heartfelt lyrics and the raw emotions emanating from Hei's voice. The bar staff, dressed in sophisticated attire, expertly crafted artisanal cocktails and poured glasses of fine wine, offering them to the enraptured patrons.

After the mesmerizing performance, thunderous cheers filled the air. The entire bar erupted in applause, a chorus of approval ringing out.

Hei bowed and headed backstage, where bar owner waited for him.

" Thank you for performing here today." The owner said.

" You're welcome, I have somewhere to be now." He said and made his way to the dressing room provide for him , He removed his silver mask, shedding his stage persona. He exchanged it for a pair of fitted black trousers and a sleek black turtleneck shirt. His hair, once tousled, now adopted a polished, slicked-back style. He examined his reflection in the mirror, a smile playing on his lips.

As he rolled up his sleeves, his gaze fell upon the bold zero mark etched on his arm, and he murmured, "This is my last chance. I need to break this damn curse. " With those resolute words, he left the dressing room.