Since I had replaced all my old equipment, I was confident this time. The thief wouldn't get my music again. With Becky by my side in the studio, I poured my heart into a brand-new song for the upcoming competition.
Becky sat curled on the sofa, red headphones covering her ears, her eyes glued to me as every note rolled out of my mouth.
The competition was just a week away, it was the biggest one in all of Velmora. Winning it would launch my career into a whole new league. And I was ready just as I was in the past.
"I stand tall, I shine bright,
Fear won't steal my light tonight.
Every step, I own the ground,
Confidence is what I've found..."
Clap! Clap!
Becky jumped to her feet, clapping so hard her palms turned red. "Hurray! Woohoo!" she cheered, her smile wide with pride.
I grinned back. Becky has been my number one fan from the beginning and unlike Ama my best friend, I hadn't known her since childhood, but she had proven trustworthy.
She cheered me when I'm down and supports me even in the worst moments.
"What do you think?" I asked, setting the mic aside.
"Beautiful," she said, her eyes shining. "You're truly gifted, Miss Maeve. Not only do you have the most beautiful voice, you're also a brilliant songwriter."
"I'm telling you, even though you decide not to sing anymore, you can write God songs for huge amount of money."
I laughed softly. "Stop flattering me, Beck."
But then my smile faded. "This time, that plagiarist won't be able to steal from me," I muttered calmly.
Becky tilted her head. "Are you really serious about her stealing your music?"
I nodded firmly. She didn't stop in the past and Fred did nothing about it. He had rather asked me to step aside for her to shine.
He made everyone online call me old even though I was only 26 back then just so the new artist could shine.
"But how is that even possible?" she whispered, more to herself than to me. Then she forced a smile. "Maybe it was just coincidence. One song doesn't make her a plagiarist. I've seen artists release similar tracks before. Let's see if she does it again."
If only she knew. I had lived this once already. I knew what was coming. The woman's face remained hidden, her methods a mystery, but she always found a way.
"Hmm." It was all I could manage.
I had emptied my studio, changed every piece of equipment, and recorded under tighter security. There was no way she could steal from me again.
"I'll keep an eye on her too," Becky said loyally. "We'll know soon enough if she's really after your songs."
"Even if her true identity is hidden from the world. It cannot be hidden from her label mates."
"There's no need. She won't get another chance," I replied with more confidence than I truly felt.
Becky glanced at her phone and frowned. "Oh... the new artist just dropped a song. Mr. Orchard is already pushing her toward an album release. How is she getting such big opportunities before you?" she muttered.
My chest tightened. I was a little jealous. Becky is right, I should have released my debit album by now, but I had been too focused on being Fred's wife.
I quickly took my phone. "Let me hear it." I said curiosly wanting to see what she could sing without stealing my songs.
She probably was releasing my old songs now because she has nothing else to deliver.
We pressed play.
The girl's voice flowed through the speakers. "This song is really special to me. For days, I've seen all your love and hate messages online, and I just want to say... I love you all."
Then came the melody. The beat sounded familiar. It was the best I had just listened to this morning.
"I walk in the room," she started singing.
Head held high,
No more shadows, I touch the sky.
Every scar just makes me strong,
This is my place, I belong..."
My stomach dropped. It was my song.
She sang the exact words I had just finished recording minutes ago.
(Chorus)
"I stand tall, I shine bright,
Fear won't steal my light tonight.
Every step, I own the ground,
Confidence is what I've found..."
Becky froze, her jaw falling open. "Miss Maeve... why does it sound like you? Why does her voice sound so much like yours?"
I swallowed hard, shaking my head. "That's not me, Becky. That's her. She's stolen my song again."
Becky pressed both hands to her head, stunned. "But how? You locked the doors, you changed everything, how is she this fast?" Becky said.
Even I had no answer.
The live stream was filled with praise and congratulations as the faceless new artist was crowned the rising star of Velmora. Fans compared her voice to mine, saying she was better, brighter, stronger. A few loyal ones defended me, but their voices drowned in the sea of applause.
Becky began pacing around the room. "This isn't normal. There must be a hidden camera somewhere, or something. But even then, how is she releasing your songs the exact same moment you record them?"
I said nothing. My mind spun in circles, confusion pressing down on me.
Finally, Becky stopped pacing. "Miss Maeve, maybe it's another coincidence. Why don't you try recording something else right now? If she releases that too, then we'll know for sure."
I reached for the mic, determined to prove it. But just as I lifted it to my lips, a sharp knock echoed against the studio door.
Becky went to check.
And when she opened it, there stood Ama.
Her eyes locked on me like sharpened steel.
"Maeve Marlene Davis!" she snapped.