Chapter 3

Amelia came over and slipped her arm through his.

“Anna, thank you for taking care of Ethan all these years. But you know you aren’t right for him anymore. He needs someone who can help his career. I can sing vocals for him, and I have the rights to plenty of samples he can use. I’m even about to sign with the biggest music label in the country—Harmony Records. I’m going in tomorrow to sign the contract.”

She pointed at her ears, then spread her hands.

“And you? You can’t even hear. How could you possibly help him?”

I couldn’t hear what Amelia was saying, but her gestures and expression made it clear she was mocking me.

Yet back then, Ethan had believed he could make it in this industry on talent alone. He didn’t need to rely on anyone. He despised people who used connections to get ahead.

That was why I had kept my identity hidden throughout all the years I had known him.

My father was the president and a producer at Harmony Records, the most respected music label in the business.

While making his first album, Ethan had struggled to find a reliable producer or secure funding. He suffered so many setbacks that he nearly gave up on music altogether.

I had secretly asked my father to help produce Ethan’s debut album and sign him to Harmony.

After that, whenever Ethan hit a roadblock, I quietly reached out to the industry veterans who had worked with my dad and secured opportunities for him.

Ethan always thought people were recognizing his talent.

In reality, my quiet support had made him who he was.

I still remembered the first time I took Ethan to meet my father.

The incident hadn’t happened yet. I could still hear.

I led Ethan through the doors of Harmony Records.

He was usually reserved, his face unreadable. That day, he couldn’t hide his joy.

He didn’t know what to do with his hands. He was that excited.

“Are you Miles? I’m a huge fan! I never thought I’d actually get to meet you!”

My father rubbed his nose and glanced at me. I quickly gave him a warning look.

“I’ve heard your music, son. I think you have real potential.”

They talked for a long time. Before we left, Ethan clasped my father’s hand and thanked him over and over.

Only after we were outside did Ethan ask, “Anna, how do you know Miles? He’s the most respected musician in the business. People would pay a fortune to have him produce an album with them. You didn’t…?”

I lied. “No, nothing like that. My professor is a close friend of his. He recommended you.”

Ethan believed me and didn’t ask any more questions.

After he signed with Harmony, his career took off without a hitch.

And now he had chosen Amelia over me, using the pathetic excuse that I couldn’t help him.

“Ethan, without me, you’d be nothing.”

I was so disgusted I wanted to throw up. I couldn’t bear to give him another glance.

“Anna, you really think you’re something special.”

He stopped looking at me and walked away with Amelia on his arm.

As they left, Ethan gently brushed back her hair. She smiled, her dimples showing.

They looked every bit the happy couple.

After leaving the venue, I wandered down the street in a daze.

As I crossed the road, a car came speeding toward me, its headlights blinding.

Terror froze me in place.

At the last possible second, someone tackled me out of the way.