Kevin still couldn't believe it.
The brave, dazzling girl standing before the crowd—was she really the Pop Princess?Is this really Julie? The thought lingered, disbelief softening into awe.
As Julie stepped onto the stage, cheers erupted from every direction. She met the energy with a radiant smile, waving warmly at the fans gathered around. Even little Feah squealed in excitement from Kelly's arms, clapping along.
The Pop Princess lifted her hand, her charm effortless.
Is this the same Julie I know? Kevin found himself smiling.
"Good evening, everyone!" Julie greeted, her voice bright and confident. The crowd roared louder.
She hadn't changed at all since her first mini-event—still magnetic, still glowing. Children watched her wide-eyed, some perched on their parents' shoulders, just like Feah.
Then the music started.
Julie sang with her whole heart, and the crowd joined in, voices blending into one.
"Thank you so much to everyone who came tonight," she said as the song ended. "Before we wrap up, I have a little announcement."
The venue quieted.
"As you probably know," Julie continued playfully, "one of the most popular bands is also here tonight, right?"
Kenneth blinked.
"May I invite the leader of this band onstage?" Julie asked, turning to him.
Jason laughed and clapped Kenneth on the back. "Go on."
With a resigned smile, Kenneth headed to the stage.
"If I remember correctly," Julie said, "we first met at a charity event, didn't we?"
"Yeah," Kenneth grinned. "Unexpectedly. And that's when I invited her to perform with our band."
The fans erupted."Does Pop Princess agree?""We want to see them perform together!"
Julie laughed. "Yes, we already talked about it."
"Thank goodness she agreed," Kenneth added. "That's why we're here. Are you all ready?"
The crowd screamed.
"So here it is," Julie said. "Next Friday, their band has a special event—and I'll be their guest. I hope to see you there!"
The cheers were deafening.
"Bring surprises!" someone shouted.
"So greedy," Kenneth laughed. "Maybe I'll drag a few friends onstage."
"Can we get a sample tonight?" another fan yelled.
Kevin shook his head, amused. They're insatiable.
"A sample?" Julie pretended to think. Then she smiled. "Okay. Just one song."
Kenneth chuckled. "Deal—but you better show up next week!"
The venue exploded with excitement as they performed together. Kevin watched, still stunned. Kenneth really knows how to hype a crowd.And honestly… I'm enjoying this.
Afterward, they bowed. During the photo op, Kelly practically dragged Kevin into the group shot. Feah had already fallen asleep, arms wrapped around Julie, completely spent.
"That was so hype," Kelly laughed.
"Yeah," Kevin said. "And look—my cousin's knocked out."
Kelly laughed. "Where's my book?"
Kevin smirked. "Safe."
Kelly shook her head, still smiling. Kevin gently took Feah into his arms. "I'll carry her. You're tired too."
She leaned into him as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"Oh," Kevin murmured, spotting a familiar group approaching. "They're here."
Kelly followed his gaze.
*****
Joel stopped short.
"Oh."
His eyes landed on them—and on Airah.
Raymond nudged him forward. Did Cielo predict this? Joel wondered. Is that why he warned Julie?
Airah wasn't alone. Two friends stood with her—along with Claire.
"Oh, you're here too, Joel," Dawn said sweetly.
Airah said nothing. She only shot Nicole a sharp look. Nicole met it with a calm smile, fingers interlaced with Joel's.
"Yes, we are," Nicole replied evenly.
"Relax," Dawn said. "We're not stealing Joel. We're just curious."
"Curious?" Joel tilted his head. "You want to see the Pop Princess too?"
"Pop Princess?" Dawn smirked. "We know she's Navares."
Raymond frowned. "Why? Did you even talk to her?"
"We need to," Dawn snapped. "She's too close to Cielo—and she's flirting with my boyfriend using her identity."
Joel raised a brow. "Oh? She's right there."
Julie stood nearby, chatting with Kenneth and Cielo.
"Cielo!" Dawn called sharply.
Cielo turned. "Dawn? I thought you weren't coming."
"I had a feeling," Dawn said coolly. "Someone's trying to steal you. And it's her." She pointed. "Your real name is Julie Navares, isn't it?"
Julie froze.
"See? I'm right!" Paulene exclaimed.
"I—I'm sorry," Julie said softly. "Who are you?"
"Stop pretending!" Dawn snapped. "You're Navares."
"N-Navares?" Julie repeated hesitantly. "That's not my name."
Joel nearly laughed. If this were the real Julie, she'd already be snapping back.
"Dawn," Cielo said firmly, "she's not Navares. They just look alike."
Julie smiled politely. "Oh… I've been mistaken again? I'm sorry for the confusion."
Kenneth stepped in. "Yeah. She's not who you think. Dawn is Cielo's fiancée."
Julie's smile remained kind. "I see. Nice to meet you. Perhaps we'll meet again at another charity event."
"I'll unmask you," Dawn hissed.
Julie gently took Dawn's hand, her expression calm, almost angelic. "Please don't worry. I'm not trying to take your fiancé. Cielo and I are just acquaintances. I'm sorry if I upset you."
Joel bit back a laugh.
"She's not Julie," Nicole said, stepping forward. "Look."
She raised her phone.
On-screen, the real Julie appeared, video-calling.
"What happened, Nick?" Julie's sleepy voice asked.
"Nothing," Nicole whispered.
"See?" Joel said.
"Oh my gosh," Pop Princess leaned closer. "Is that Julie? Hello!"
Julie waved from the screen. "Hi! We really do look alike—and you're so pretty!"
"N-Nicky! She called me pretty," Julie stammered.
Nicole groaned. "Focus."
Airah snatched the phone. "Lies. All lies."
"Hey—that's mine!" Nicole protested.
"Airah, enough," Joel warned.
"It's all recorded," Airah snapped.
"Recorded?" Raymond asked. "Like time-lapse editing?"
"Yes! You can't fool me!"
Julie's voice cut through the call, sharp and tired. "Will you stop already? My stomach hurts. I need to rest. Give Nicky back her phone!"
Airah fell silent.
Joel stepped forward. "You can lie all you want, but you're Joel's ex. You hurt Nicky once. Try it again—and I won't hold back."
Airah's lips parted. No words came.
"What's happening?" Pop Princess asked nervously.
And then—
Before anyone could react, Airah lunged straight toward her.
"Maybe you're the impostor," she spat.
Joel's heart dropped.
Oh no…