The auditorium buzzed with activity as students rehearsed for the festival. Stagehands moved props, performers adjusted costumes, and the teachers shouted instructions over the noise. For most, it was a whirlwind of excitement. For Hannah, it was the edge of a storm.
She clutched her music sheets tightly, her heart hammering as she stepped onto the stage for the first full rehearsal. The spotlight blazed down on her, making her squint. It was hot, suffocating.
"Relax," Sara whispered from the wings. "You're ready."
Hannah nodded weakly, trying to believe it.
Her first notes trembled, but as the music carried her, her voice steadied. For a moment, the world narrowed to just her and the melody. The auditorium hushed, the students watching with genuine awe. Even the teachers exchanged impressed glances.
But then — a sharp screech cut through the speakers.
Hannah flinched, her voice breaking as the microphone let out an ear-splitting feedback. Gasps rippled through the room, followed by laughter from the back.
"Technical issue!" the teacher barked, waving to the crew. "Fix it, now!"
Hannah's cheeks burned as she lowered the mic, trembling. She felt the old shame creeping back — the whispers, the ridicule.
From the wings, Sara's voice cut firmly, "It's not your fault."
Daniel appeared beside the stage manager, crouching to examine the wires. His sharp eyes noticed the cord looked loosened, as if tampered with. He glanced at Sara, his expression grim. She nodded back.
This wasn't an accident.
After the rehearsal, Hannah sat in the empty music room, hugging her knees.
"They're laughing at me again," she whispered, her voice thick. "It's happening all over."
Sara knelt in front of her. "No, Hannah. That wasn't you. That was sabotage."
Hannah blinked. "Sabotage?"
Adrian leaned against the piano, arms crossed. "The microphone cord didn't come loose on its own. Someone tampered with it."
Hannah's stomach dropped. "You mean… Emily."
Sara's expression hardened. "Who else?"
"But why?" Hannah's voice cracked. "Why does she hate me so much?"
Lina placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Because you're proof she isn't invincible. She wants everyone to believe she's untouchable — and you standing here, singing, threatens that."
Hannah's tears slipped silently down her cheeks. She wanted to be brave, but fear dug in deep.
Sara pulled her into a hug. "We won't let her win. Not this time."
Meanwhile, Emily sat with her companions in the courtyard, sipping juice as if nothing had happened.
"Did you see her face?" one of them giggled. "She nearly cried right there."
Emily smirked. "Pathetic. She can't even handle a rehearsal. Imagine what will happen on the actual night."
Her friends laughed, but beneath Emily's smile, her thoughts churned. Grace had been right — public humiliation was the sharpest blade. And she wasn't done sharpening it.
The next day, during costume checks, Lina insisted on examining Hannah's gown.
"Just in case," she muttered, running her fingers along the seams. Her brow furrowed. "Sara… look."
Sara leaned in, spotting the tiny cuts near the waistline. Invisible from afar, but one strong movement on stage would rip it wide open.
Sara's blood ran cold. "She's planning to humiliate her in front of everyone."
Adrian swore under his breath. "We'll fix it. Reinforce the seams, add lining. She won't get her show."
Daniel's voice was calm but edged with steel. "And when she tries again, we'll be ready. Let her reveal her true self."
Hannah stood silently, watching them scramble to protect her. A knot of guilt twisted in her chest. "Why are you all doing this? I'm not worth so much trouble."
Sara turned to her sharply. "Don't you dare say that again. You are worth it. You've always been worth it. It's Emily who's afraid, not you."
Hannah's eyes filled with tears. For the first time, she dared to believe Sara's words.
On the night of the final rehearsal, the auditorium was packed with students and teachers checking progress. Emily performed flawlessly as usual, drawing applause and admiration. But when Hannah stepped forward for her part, she noticed the subtle smirks on Emily's lips, like she was waiting for something to go wrong.
Hannah's knees shook. Her throat tightened.
Then, from the side of the stage, Sara caught her eye and mouthed: Sing.
The music began. Hannah opened her mouth — and this time, her voice didn't falter. Strong, clear, and steady, it filled the room like sunlight breaking through clouds.
When she reached the final note, the auditorium erupted in applause.
Emily's smile froze.
Sara clapped the loudest, pride shining in her eyes.
Emily's nails dug into her palms as she turned away. Fine, she thought coldly. If sabotage in rehearsal won't break her, then I'll save the final strike for the festival itself. In front of everyone.