Chapter 2

2.

Once she was sound asleep, I carefully picked up her phone. The password was still my birthday. Her main messaging app looked normal enough.

I used her fingerprint to unlock the hidden interface, and a second account popped up. The top pinned contact was labeled: En-En’s Everett.

I clicked on it. Compared to the robotic, formal messages she sent me, their conversation was incredibly warm. They shared every little detail of their daily lives.

Even though I expected it, seeing it with my own eyes felt like a knife to the heart. A tear of self-mockery escaped and rolled down my face.

Then I saw a notification for a private social media account. It was the final straw. That account had been active for thirteen years, documenting every tiny thing about Everett Miller.

The most recent post was from the day of our wedding. “If marrying him is the only way to keep you safe and happy, I’m willing to sacrifice myself.”

What a beautiful, grand love story. Too bad I was the only sacrifice.

The next morning, I decided to go to the piano competition anyway. Sienna’s face turned dark, but she forced a smile. “Then I’m coming with you.”

“I’m afraid Everett might try something. I want to be there to step in front of you if he does.”

She acted so protective. But I knew the truth. She was only afraid that I would be too good and steal Everett’s spotlight.

After all, I was the one with real talent. Everett was just a carefully crafted fraud. But I didn't care anymore.

Since I was about to fake my death and leave, I just wanted one last chance to say goodbye to my music. At the venue, everyone was buzzing about the rivalry between me and Everett.

The host joked, “Since Caleb is competing, is there even a point in guessing the winner? He’s the uncrowned king of the keys.”

Everett’s face twisted. He grabbed the microphone from the host and snarled. “The game isn't over yet! Don't get ahead of yourselves! This trophy is mine!”

The crowd erupted in boos. “Hasn't Everett been crushed by Caleb since high school? He’s a permanent second place.”

“He’s probably just cocky because he’s got the Miller family backing him now. But Caleb has the Ashford empire behind him.”

“He’s delusional.”

Everett turned green with rage. He let out a cold laugh. “Just wait and see the results, you bunch of suckers!”

The host quickly tried to smooth things over, saying they looked forward to seeing everyone’s skill. As I was walking off the stage, Everett intentionally stuck his foot out.

I fell hard down the stairs. My hands and elbows were badly scraped and bleeding. The sharp, throbbing pain made me gasp for air.

I looked up and saw Sienna standing nearby. She didn't move an inch to help. Her eyes were fixed entirely on Everett’s retreating back.

I lowered my head to hide the sting in my eyes. So this was her “stepping in front of me.”

“Mr. Sterling, can you still perform?” the host asked with concern.

I looked at my bloody wounds and forced myself to stand up. “Of course.”

Sienna finally walked over, her face full of fake worry. “Caleb, are you okay? It’s all my fault; I failed to protect you.”

I stared at her coldly and didn't say a word. She seemed to notice my distance because her voice got even softer.

“Caleb, your hands are hurt. Let me take you to the hospital.”

“No. I’m finishing this competition.”

She didn't push it. Instead, she handed me a bottle of water. “Drink some. You’re on stage soon.”

I was thirsty, so I didn't think twice and drank half the bottle. I did a quick patch-up on my wounds and stepped onto the stage.

But the moment my fingers touched the keys, the world began to spin and distort. I tried to push through the dizziness, but the familiar notes felt foreign.

My fingers slipped, hitting wrong notes that sent jarring, ugly sounds through the hall. Sienna ran onto the stage and gave a deep bow to the audience.

She looked apologetic, but she firmly pulled me away from the piano. “Caleb, you’re not well. You need to come down.”

I had no strength left. I could only let her lead me away, a bitter smile on my lips. She had definitely spiked that water.

As she helped me off the stage, I saw Everett. The smug look on his face was practically overflowing.

My consciousness started to fade. Through the haze, I heard Everett’s voice, full of pride.

“This next piece was written for me by the person who loves me most.”

“It’s called ‘Eternal Love for Everett’.”

“I dedicate this to everyone here.”

I had seen that exact composition in Sienna’s study months ago. At the time, I was overjoyed, thinking it was a surprise for me.

I had waited so long for her to give me that gift. Looking back, I realized I was just a delusional fool.