His Mistress is His Ex-Wife
Chapter 46: Music

Chapter 46: Music

’Have I seen him before?’ Aaron pondered to himself, fixing his eyeglasses.

Meanwhile, Dominique’s surprise shifted to curiosity. He crouched down to Aaron’s eye level and asked, "Are you lost?"

Aaron, still a bit flustered, nodded. "Yes, Mister. I’m looking for my sister and my Uncle."

Dominique’s usually cold demeanor softened upon hearing that. "Come. Let’s find them together. Let’s look around and see if we can spot them in the crowd." He offered his hand to the young boy so Aaron could grab him. He didn’t want this boy to get lost for the second time around.

As they navigated through the bustling mall, Dominique started interviewing Aaron. For some unknown reason, he felt a growing interest in the child who bore a striking resemblance to his young self.

"What’s your name? And how old are you?"

Aaron paused for a moment, thinking. ’Mom and Aunt told me not to trust a stranger. However, why do I feel at ease in his presence?’

"I’m Aaron Ivankov. Four years old. I’m not a native here. I’m from another country. My sister and I just visited this place for our short vacation. We will be flying back to our country this evening." Aaron became unusually talkative.

Dominique blinked in amusement. He just asked the young boy two questions but he gave him too much information. He couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.

Aaron also smiled when he heard Dominique’s chuckle. He tugged his hand and asked, "How about you, Mister? What’s your name? And how old are you?"

"I’m Dominique, 32 years old. A native of this country. I’m not on vacation but today is my weekend bonding with my best friend who is late. I’m going to smack my best friend’s forehead later, after finding your sister and uncle." Dominique playfully mimicked the way Aaron responded to him, earning a crisp giggle from the young boy.

They continued scanning the area when Aaron’s gaze fell on the music store nearby. The young boy’s face brightened up, excitement evident in his eyes.

"Mr. Dominique, can we go to that store first? I want to see the musical instruments." Aaron loved singing and playing instruments. It was one of his hobbies.

"Sure. Let’s take a look." Dominique didn’t hesitate to comply with the young boy’s request. This young boy had a mysterious charm that he couldn’t resist.

Still holding his hand, Dominique guided Aaron to the music store. Upon entering the store, Aaron’s eyes lit up with pure delight and amazement as he gazed at the array of musical instruments that surrounded him.

"Wow!" Aaron subconsciously exclaimed.

That was the time Dominique released Aaron’s small hand, allowing him to explore the store under his watchful eyes. Unable to contain his excitement, Aaron eagerly approached the different musical instruments– guitars, drums, trumpets, pianos, and violins.

As Aaron immersed himself in the enchanting world of musical instruments, Dominique started a conversation with him. "So, Aaron, which instrument are you playing?"

Aaron’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he turned to Dominique. "I’m playing piano and drums. But I want to learn to play the guitar. I have difficulty because my arms are still small."

"How about you, Mr. Dominique? Do you play any instruments?" Aaron asked him back.

Dominique’s gaze fell on the guitar which brought back pleasant memories with Sabrina. "I can play a few. The piano, like you, and also the guitar. It’s incredible how music can bring so much joy, isn’t it?"

Aaron nodded vigorously. "I love music... but I love listening to the voice of my Aunt more. She’s a great singer! Her voice is so captivating." He felt so proud, his innocent eyes filled with admiration as he talked about Athena.

"Mr. Dominique, can you play the guitar? I really want to hear you play," Aaron requested him with anticipation sparkling in his eyes.

Dominique was taken aback for a moment. It’s been so long since the last time he played a guitar. He stopped playing guitar after Sabrina died. He already kept his guitar because it would only remind him of Sabrina.

’Sabrina’s death has silenced my guitar strings,’ Dominique thought to himself.

Despite the internal struggle, Dominique recognized the genuine eagerness in Aaron’s eyes. He couldn’t turn down the young boy’s innocent request.

"Alright. I’ll play a little something for you," Dominique said, choosing a guitar from the display.

As he cradled the instrument, he couldn’t help but glance at Aaron, sighing helplessly. Placing the guitar strap over his shoulder, Dominique started to strum a gentle melody.

[ Author’s Note– Music Recommendation: Listen to the guitar chords of the song You’re Beautiful by James Blunt ]

As he played, Aaron sat nearby, enchanted by the beautiful melody, unaware of the layers of history woven into each chord. Dominique’s song choice triggered a flood of memories, each note representing his mixed emotions – loss, longing, and a flicker of the joy he once shared with Sabrina.

As seconds ticked by, the soothing sound filled the store, capturing the attention of both shoppers and store staff. It was a beautiful sight to see– a handsome guy playing the guitar while a charming little boy listened to him attentively, flashing his smile.

The spectators inside the music store started murmuring about the handsome and charming duo.

"Oh! A perfect father and son combo!"

"They are both amazing."

"That’s so sweet! A father teaching his son to play a guitar."

As Dominique finished his impromptu performance, he was met with a surprising reaction. The small crowd that had gathered in the music store erupted into applause.

Meanwhile, Aaron, with a wide grin on his face, clapped his hands, his eyes sparkling with admiration. "Wow, Mr. Dominique! You’re really good! I love it!"

"Thank you," he simply said, returning the guitar to its previous spot.

"Mr. Dominique. Can you play again next time if ever we meet again?"

Dominique was touched by Aaron’s enthusiasm. "Sure, Aaron. Once we meet again. Just let me know. Maybe next time, I’ll even teach you a few chords."

Aaron bobbed his head frantically. "Can I have your phone number, Mr. Dominique? I’m going back home. I hope we can continue to keep in touch with each other."

"Sure. Why not." He reached into his wallet and retrieved a business card, handing it to the excited young boy.

Aaron accepted the card, clutching it as though it were a treasure. As Dominique watched the joy on Aaron’s face, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth. The exchange of contact information marked the beginning of an unexpected connection between Dominique and Aaron.