The sun dipped low over the city, painting the mansion's walls in shades of gold and crimson. Inside, Lady Eronis paced her private chamber, her heels clicking sharply on the marble floor.
"She's… too talented. Too charming," she hissed, swirling the glass of wine in her hand. The ruby liquid caught the light, casting dancing shadows on her sharp features. "And he's already noticing her. That girl thinks she can step into our world unscathed?"
Her assistant, a timid young woman, hesitated at the doorway. "M-my lady… what are you planning?"
Eronis stopped mid-step, eyes narrowing. "Simple. We make sure she fails. Publicly. Embarrass her, expose her weaknesses, and remind everyone—including him—that she doesn't belong."
Across town, Adrian sat in his study, reviewing reports, but his mind wasn't on numbers. He had heard rumors—someone at the studio had mentioned Evelyn's rising popularity. And he knew Eronis' type too well.
She's planning something. I can feel it.
He leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. A small smirk appeared. "Not on my watch."
---
The next morning, Evelyn arrived at the company for a scheduled meeting with the studio heads, unaware that a carefully placed rival singer had been briefed to outshine her. The newcomer performed with exaggerated flair, drawing eyes away from Evelyn.
Evelyn's stomach churned. She clenched her fists, forcing herself to stay calm. I can't lose. Not like this.
From a shadowed corner, Adrian observed the entire scene. His jaw tightened. Every move Eronis had orchestrated was deliberate, calculated, meant to undermine Evelyn.
He quietly typed a message to Ethan, his assistant:
> Keep an eye on her. Make sure nothing goes too far.
Ethan nodded, already scanning the room for potential hazards.
Meanwhile, Evelyn took a deep breath, stepping forward once more. The room went quiet as she lifted the microphone, her voice rising above the competition. Every note carried her story, her emotions raw and unfiltered.
Even the most critical studio head paused, captivated.
Adrian allowed himself a brief, satisfied smile. That's my wife… my wife.
But across the room, Lady Eronis' green eyes burned with fury. She's defying me already. And he's helping her.
The room was tense. All eyes followed Evelyn as she steadied herself in front of the microphone, the rival singer smirking nearby. Every movement felt exaggerated, every glance a test.
Evelyn closed her eyes. I can't let them see me falter. Not now.
She began to sing.
At first, her voice was quiet, uncertain, but it quickly grew stronger, richer, and more resonant. Every note seemed to push away the tension in the room, demanding attention. Even the rival singer's confident smirk faltered.
From the shadows, Adrian observed. His fingers itched to step in—but he held back, watching her prove her own strength.
She doesn't need me… yet. But if anyone crosses a line, I'll be ready.
---
Suddenly, a subtle sabotage: one of the studio lights flickered violently, threatening to plunge the stage into darkness. Evelyn's heart skipped a beat, but instinctively, she adjusted, continuing to sing, her voice unwavering.
Adrian's eyes narrowed. That was deliberate.
He discreetly pressed a button on a remote, stabilizing the lights without anyone noticing. The panel barely realized what had happened—except Adrian.
Evelyn, oblivious to the hidden help, finished her song to stunned silence. Then the room erupted into applause. Even the rival singer's composure cracked, revealing irritation.
Ronan rushed forward, beaming. "Eve! You were incredible!"
Evelyn's chest heaved, a mixture of relief and disbelief. "I… I did it…"
From a distance, Lady Eronis clenched her glass until the liquid sloshed. "Impossible… she's still standing. And he's helping her!" Her green eyes glinted with malice. "No matter. I will find another way to ruin her."
Meanwhile, Adrian leaned back in the shadows, allowing himself a rare, quiet smile. That's my wife… my wife. And I'll make sure nothing stops her.