AN UNEXPECTED MEETING

NOAH'S POV

I faked another smile, shook hands, and posed for another photo. As a billionaire and a bachelor, unfortunately, I had to meet people.

Sometimes, it is good for business, but sometimes it can be exhausting. Like right now, all I wanted was to meet the kids and leave everything else.

I invested a huge amount in this fundraiser just so they can consider me and let me adopt someone.

It was getting boring and I needed out so I signalled my friend as soon as I saw the chance and he came to my rescue. I talked to him for some time and when no one was watching, I sneaked out to meet the kids.

Kevin knew why I was here and I am sure he won't mind if he finds me here.

I crossed the hall and entered the play area that was designed by one of my best designers for this orphanage.

I know the pain of losing both of your parents at a young age and I don't want these kids to face the same things I faced in my childhood.

Kevin did a great job with these kids but I wanted to make it better by helping him.

I saw so many kids playing around and my heart warmed when I saw the silly smiles on their adorable faces.

They looked so happy and content.

I knew at this moment that I made the right decision.

If it were up to me, I would adopt all of them, but for now one is enough. I watched the kids running around playing, teasing and giggling with each other but soon my smile vanished when I heard a similar tune that still haunts me.

It can't be her?

Only she knew this tune…how can someone-

I instantly turned around and rushed towards the sound so that I don't miss it. I ran around ignoring everyone around me and tried to find the source of that music.

Where is it coming from?

I searched all the rooms in the corridor and around the play area and suddenly my gaze fell on the plate outside one room.

"MUSIC ROOM"

The music was indeed coming from the music room.

I tried to catch my breath and slowly nudged open the doors of the music room.

I saw a small figure hunched over an enormous piano playing the same tune that was imprinted in my mind.

I stepped forward but the person obviously heard me and stopped playing.

Pure black eyes peered at me from behind the piano and I sighed when I saw it was not her.

I still entered inside and decided to talk to this little guy.

"H-hi." I greeted but he simply looked at me and I stepped closer to the piano so I can look at him properly.

The kid was lean but not too lean, he definitely needed more nutrition in his body.

He reminded me of the little bunny that I once had in my childhood as a pet.

I smiled at the kid and at that moment he finally showed some emotion, showing me his full pearly smile.

"What is your name little bunny?" I asked.

"I am Chris and you?" He asked and I chuckled at his curiosity.

"I am….I am Noah. Nice to meet you, Chris." I said and offered my hand for him to shake.

He accepted my hand and shook it lightly.

"Why are you so big?" he asked when he saw his little palm engulfed by mine.

"Because I eat a lot," I answered.

"Really?"

"Yes." I nodded.

"Now it is my turn to ask you something?" I crouched low in front of him and he nodded in return.

"How do you know this tune?" I asked.

I wanted to ask more but he shook his head and kept his finger on his lips as if he didn't want to answer me.

"I can't tell you." He whispered and I leaned toward him to do the same.

"Why not?" I whispered back.

"Because it's a secret." He whispered and looked around as if he was scared of being caught.

"You can tell me if you want, I am a secret keeper." I lied and he looked at me with wide eyes.

"What's that?" He asked.

"What's what?" I questioned back.

"Secret keeper."

"A secret keeper is someone who keeps secrets safe for people. You can tell me your secret and I will keep it safe for you." I answered because I was desperate.

"Are you really a secret keeper?" He asked again as if he couldn't believe it and I nodded, feeling already bad for lying to him.

"Someone taught me this when I ran away from here and I often sneak out of here to meet her." He answered and my heart stopped for a moment.

Was it her?

"Wh-who taught you this? I mean…. was it a woman?" I questioned again.

I don't know what I was looking for, I already know that she is dead, I visited her grave, and I have her last letter and that voice message.

But seeing him playing this tune gave me hope, maybe it was a lie.

Maybe she is still here.

Or maybe I am wrong, I just wanted to be sure.

"I met her in that building, she lives alone and doesn't like to talk to anyone. But she is my good friend and she taught me how to play piano. Did you like it?" He said but I was focused on his finger that was pointing towards the building through the window.

What the heck!

He sneaks out to go to that place?

"Um…are you sure it's that building?" I asked again and he nodded happily.

"Do you know that place? It is not meant for you." I said and looked at him in concern.

He should not go to that place, in fact, no kid should go there, it's dangerous.

"Hey, you can't tell anyone. Please?" He requested and held my face with his little hands and turned it to face him.

God, he is adorable.

"I promise I won't. But that place is dangerous for you. You should not go there." I whispered and he pouted.

"I know, but no one ever caught me and she is my only friend there." He whined and I felt bad for him.

Maybe others bully him that is why he tried to run away from here.

I should talk to Kevin regarding this.

Maybe I should adopt him, Chris is adorable and seems more mature than his age. I caressed his little head and smiled. And he returned that smile with the same enthusiasm.

I let him play his piano and walked out of the room to investigate.

I need to know who is he visiting in that building, and how can he find a friend in a mental asylum?