Aria had spent sleepless nights preparing her voice for the competition ahead.
Since Silver Crown Records no longer wanted her, she had decided to work even harder and use the competition to redeem herself publicly.
Thank God for social media.
If she won, she would become the most sought-after artist again.
Many labels would come begging to sign her, including Caspian Graves.
And Aria couldn’t wait to mess with him the same way he had done with her.
In her past life, she had lost the competition and the world branded her a plagiarist.
Leah accused her then of stealing her songs and everyone scrutinized her.
When she got back home, Caspian had apologized and promised to get her career back on track.
He did as he said, but, that tag never left Aria’s name.
It rather got worse.
She was mocked and insulted every day.
Called an old woman and was always told to retire.
The world has been so cruel to her because of her rival.
“I think you’re ready,” Evelyn said, passing a glass of warm water to her, distracting her from her thoughts.
Aria took it while glancing through the lyrics of the song she had practiced earlier.
She silently went over the new lyrics again, making sure she wouldn’t forget a single line.
In this life, she refused to let the same fate befall her.
She had more than ten new songs in her head.
Ten very lovely songs that would breake the internet of released.
There was no way Leah would steal her music anymore.
Aria was more than prepared.
“You have less than an hour to bedtime,” Evelyn reminded her.
But almost immediately, there was a knock on the door.
Both women glanced at it, wondering who had decided to visit at such an hour.
“Check,” Aria said calmly.
Evelyn went to see who it was.
A moment later, she returned with two people at her side.
The two people Aria least wanted to see.
Lydia Monroe and Sharon.
What the hell are they doing at her home?
Both ladies held a basket in their hands.
“Aria,” Lydia called and rushed towards her sister as she hugged her.
She flashed a wide fake smile at Aria, but Aria didn’t smile back.
“How are you doing?” Lydia asked.
“I’m fine.” Came Aria’s response.
“I heard what transpired between you and Caspian.
Are you really leaving him Aria?”
“We’re already divorced Sharon.
What are you not so sure about?” Aria asked her and she pressed her lips together.
“No need for the attitude, Aria.
Lydia told me about everything that went down today with Caspian.
I know you’re still mad at him.” Sharon said, her tone syrupy.
Lydia’s voice followed immediately.
“We came to cheer you on for the competition tomorrow.”
“Yes.
Don’t feel bad.
All you have to do is teach that new girl who the boss is,” Sharon said, throwing Lydia a glance.
“A lot has been happening, Aria.” Lydia suddenly spoke sweetly.
“I’m worried that our love for each other is drifting apart.” She walked toward Aria and placed her hands over hers.
“If you have a problem, you can tell me about it, Aria.
Just like old times.”
Aria tilted her head, masking the disgust building inside her.
“Caspian Graves is a fool,” Sharon chimed in, trying to lighten the mood.
“He really doesn’t know what he just lost.”
“No, he’s not,” Lydia snapped before she could stop herself.
“Did you forget?” Lydia continued eagerly.
“It was Aria who cheated first.
Brother Caspian even wanted her back after everything.
How can he be bad, Sharon?”
“You’re right.
Aria must have a reason she didn’t want to be with Caspian again.”
Aria sipped her water slowly, her eyes fixed on both girls.
She quietly walked back to her seat on the sofa as she watched them.
“Sister, you haven’t said the reason yet.
Are you playing hard to get with Brother Caspian?” Lydia asked.
“It would be nice if you didn’t.
Considering you’re wrong this time,” she added.
Aria let out a soft laugh.
“You seem to be on his side more than your sister’s, Lydia.”
“That’s not it, Aria.
Caspian is also like a brother to me.
I love you both equally.
And just like I scolded him this afternoon, I’ll scold you too.”
Aria leaned forward, her voice suddenly cold.
“Like the time you stole from that jewelry store when we were kids because you couldn’t resist shiny things?”
Lydia’s smile slowly faded.
“Did I chastise you and take the store owner’s side over yours?”
Aria shook her head, answering her question.
“No.
I covered for you.
I even took the beating for you.”
Lydia’s cheeks flushed.
She blinked rapidly before forcing out a laugh.
Evelyn frowned at this.
She’s never seen a sister behave this way before.
Lydia was such a pick-me to her.
Aria stared at her younger sister.
Once, she would have died for Lydia.
But seeing the way she laughed with Caspian on her death day and how many lies they had spread about her.
She could barely stomach the sight of her.
Lydia had accused Aria of cheating as though she hadn’t already been pregnant with Caspian’s child.
That was the real reason she had framed Aria.
“Ha, Aria, you’re taking this too far,” Lydia said shakily.
“Is that why you’ve been mad at me?
Because you think I’m choosing Caspian over you?”
“You don’t have to worry, Aria.
I’ll always take your side from now on.”
Lydia whispered the words before pulling Aria into a tight hug.
Aria sat completely still.
Her arms remained limp at her sides.
Lydia could cling to her all she wanted.
It wouldn’t save her when the time came.
“Aww, so sweet,” Sharon cooed.
She reached into her basket.
“Let’s celebrate with champagne.”
She pulled out a dark bottle.
Evelyn immediately stepped forward.
“Miss Aria can’t drink tonight.
She has a competition tomorrow.”
“Are you still in the competition?” Lydia asked, her eyes widening.