Stepsister's Scorn, Lover's Lie

uzzed, a thick hum of expensive perfume, muted orche

worn leather a stark contrast to the glit

ant to celebrate music, but for Ava, it mostly c

elt like a brand,

ood beside her, his hand resting lightly on the

ily whose name was etched onto buildings. And

ce smooth as the champagne flowi

eve him. But then she saw her stepsister,

and her disdain for Ava. Their eyes met, and Seraphina's lip curled

amed at his daughter, oblivious or uncaring of the ten

he large screen above the stage, meant for

but with a grain

ne. The audio was faint, but the visuals were undeniable. And the m

Ava's face as blood drained from it. Her violin case slipped from her numb fingers, clatter

rs started, ins

... Ava

holarsh

Montgomery? Ho

ner where Ethan's friends, Chad and Bryce, stoo

n, a loop of her d

the inside out. She wanted the floor to swallow her. Where was Ethan? He

know what to do. He would fi

hrong, faces blurring, voi

mele

body to g

her mothe

own career had been derailed by a

vy oak door, seeking

ges. She needed a moment, just a moment to breathe, to think. Her hands fumble

e repetitive motion of the

rking automatically. Then she heard voices from the adjoining loun

d was saying, his tone smug. "She

her violin?" Bryce s

new. "She needed to be taught a lesson. Stealing that soloist spot from Seraphina

d. Her blood ran cold. Solois

ying the hero... all an act?" Chad ask

mpt. "Seraphina wanted her humiliated, and I always look out for Ser

o? Who actually leak

tive effort," Ethan said smoothly.

ind. The man she loved, the man she trusted, had orchestrated her public ruin. For

s trailing him. He stopped short when he saw Ava. His eyes, moments ago co

everywhere for you. Are you alright? Wh

g around her shoulders protectively

she had always trusted. He glared at some lingering onlookers who quickly

st her skin. His words were a

oriously difficult professor had tried to fail he

ing benefactor, a powerful t

told her she was too talented to be h

afe, seen, cherished

n, he's like a bird finding

vealed as a meticulo

r was a lie. His concerned gaze

er through the stunned onlookers, his voice a low, protective murmur against her