I've spent sleepless nights preparing my voice for this competition. Since Silver Crown Records doesn't want me anymore, I have decided to work hard on this competition to redeem myself.
If I win, I will be the most sought-after artist again. Many labels will come begging to sign me, including Fred Orchard. I couldn't wait to mess with him the same way he's done with me.
"I think you're ready," Becky said passing a glass of warm water to me while I glanced through the lyrics of the song I had practiced before, memorizing the new lyrics and making sure I don't forget anything.
I had more than 10 new songs in my head, there's no way, Ama would steal my music anymore. I was more than prepared.
"You have less than an hour to bedtime," Becky said but almost immediately, there was a knock on my door. Both Becky and I glanced at it, wondering who had decided to visit at this hour of the night.
"Check," I said calmly, and Becky went ahead to know who it was. She returned with two people at her side. The two people I didn't want to see.
The pain both people caused me in the past made me forget in this life, they have no idea I know about their plans.
Back then, Mirabelle had gotten pregnant with Fred. She disappeared for a year and returned with a boy, claiming she had made mistakes and gotten pregnant. I knew that child was Fred's, the entire Orchard family knew and loved him dearly. But I ignored their cheating and still loved him like my own.
As a desperate-smelling woman, I accepted whatever was thrown my way.
He was one of the two people I cared about the most. I had tolerated Maribelle in the past because of the promise I made to my parents on their deathbed, but not anymore.
My parents probably might be rooting for me seeing how badly I had died in the end.
Ama, my best friend stabbed me in the back and stole everything I was from me. My fame. My music. The only thing that kept me sane in the midst of trials and tribulations.
They each had baskets in their hands like we were having a girls' sleepover. I smiled. Just like in the past, they had arrived with baskets of food and drink, we ate, drank, and merried only for me to be late for my competition the next day and be branded a plagiarist.
I should have slammed the door. Instead, I watched them set their traps again. Mirabelle and Ama, side by side, walked in with that fake smile.
"No need for the attitude, Maeve. Bella told me about everything that went down today with Fred today," Ama said, her tone syrupy.
Mirabelle's voice slid in right after. "We came to cheer you on for the competition tomorrow."
"Yes, don't feel bad. All you have to do is teach that new girl who the boss is." Ama said passing a glance at Mirabelle.
"A lot has been happening Maeve." Mirabelle suddenly said sweetly. "I'm worried that our love for each other is drifting apart." She added walking towards me, placing her hands on mine.
"If you have a problem, you can tell me about it Maeve, just like old times," I tilted my head, masking the disgust curdling inside me.
"Fred Orchard is a fool," Ama chimed in, trying to lighten things. "He really doesn't know what he just lost."
"No, he's not," Mirabelle snapped before she could stop herself.
"Did you forget?" Mira piped up, eager. "It was Mirabelle who cheated first. Brother Fred even wanted her back after everything. How can he be bad, Ama?"
"You're right. Maeve must have a reason she didn't want to be with Fred again." I sipped my water slowly, my eyes fixed on both girls.
"Sister, you haven't said the reason yet. Are you playing hard to get with brother Fred?" Mira asked.
"It would be nice if you didn't. Considering you're wrong this time." She said.
I let out a soft laugh. "You seem to be on his side more than your sisters, Mirabelle."
"That's not it Eve. Fred is also like a brother to me. I love you both equally. And just like I scolded him this afternoon, I'll scold you too Maeve." Mirabelle said.
"Wrong?" I leaned forward, my voice cold. "Like the time you stole from that jewelry store when we were kids because you couldn't resist shiny things? Did I chastise you and take the store owner's side over yours? No. I covered for you."
Her cheeks flushed. She blinked rapidly. Laughing even.
This double-faced witch. Once, I would have died for her. Now, I could barely stomach the sight of her.
She accuse me of cheating like she wasn't already pregnant for Fred. This is the reason she had framed me instead.
"Ha, Maeve, you're taking this too far," she said shakily. "Is that why you've been mad at me? Because you think I'm choosing Fred over you?"
"You don't have to worry, Maeve. I'll always take your side from now on," she whispered, hugging me tightly. I stood still, my arms limp at my sides. She could cling all she wanted. It wouldn't save her when the time came.
"Aww, so sweet," Ama cooed, reaching into her basket. "Let's celebrate with Champagne." She pulled out a dark bottle of red.
Becky stepped forward immediately. "Miss Maeve can't drink tonight. She has a competition tomorrow."
Back then, to please Mirabelle, I had drunk the wine and ruined my day.
"Are you still in the competition?" Mirabelle asked with wide eyes.