Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
With a smirk, Mia shot back, “We’ll just have to wait and see!”
After all, Mia had nothing to lose. She would soon be leaving this place anyway.
With that, Mia walked past Maya without even sparing her a glance.
Maya stomped her foot in frustration before exiting the hall.
Approaching Anthony, she said, “I recall there being a special segment planned for this event, where one. student would be invited to perform on stage at the end, am I right?”
Anthony nodded and replied, “Yes, the college officials have recommended two candidates, and we’ll select one of them to perform on stage.”
“But where’s the fun in that if it’s already predetermined? Considering the low standards of this college.
we might as well resort to drawing lots.
12. 12.
“Any embarrassment would only reflect poorly on the institution.”
Maya had already devised a plan. She would make sure that Mia was chosen to perform on stage.
Observing Mia’s awkward and clueless demeanor under the spotlight would be rather entertaining. Maya could then intervene and salvage the situation.
It would be the perfect opportunity for Timothy to witness firsthand that Mia, this ordinary woman, paled In comparison to Maya.
Returning home, Patricia had laid various dishes for Mia on the table. “Mia, you must have been busy with schoolwork these past few days. Please, indulge a bit more,” she urged.
After finishing her meal, Mia turned to Claude and expressed, “Claude. I’d like to work on a piano piece. Could you teach me?”
Mia felt an unexplainable urge to keep up with her peers.
Claude readily agreed, noticing Mia’s newfound determination. “Mia, what sparked this sudden burst of diligence?” he inquired.
“Claude, the university tasked me with designing and decorating the hall. However, Anthony, the head of the music team, doubted my piano skills and understanding of music.
“He believes I’m not qualified for the job. That’s why I’m motivated to work harder,” Mia explained.
She was determined to secure credits for this project, knowing it would fulfill her graduation requirements.
Claude frowned. “Anthony said that about you?”
He couldn’t help but curse Anthony inwardly, wondering what his problem was.
After all, Claude had purposely organized this music show for Mia.
How dare Anthony doubt Mia’s musical abilities!
Given her exceptional talent, how could she possibly fail to understand music?
Mia nodded. “I would like to lead this eager to give it a try.”
Project. It offers a substantial amount of credits, and I’m
“Alright, Mia, I’m confident you’ll succeed. Let’s rehearse the piece I taught you earlier,” Claude said with a smile, though a hint of darkness gleamed in his eyes.
He was determined to confront Anthony later. What was his issue, anyway?
Claude couldn’t believe Anthony had the audacity to even discuss replacing Mia. Indeed, he had quite the nerve!
After all, this music show was originally intended by Claude as an apology gift for Mia.
How dare Anthony suggest replacing her?
The next day at college, Mia received a call from Felix’s defense lawyer, Ainsley Hobb. “Mr. Felix and Mrs. Quilter are proposing a settlement. What are your thoughts on this?”
“What? Felix has the nerve to talk about a settlement? Where is his dignity? Besides, even if I don’t press charges against him, he’ll still go to jail for financial crimes.”
Ainsley coughed nervously. “My client, Mr. Felix, is hoping for your forgiveness, given your history together.
“If you could consider lending him some money, he wouldn’t need to serve jail time. He assures you of repayment once he’s released.”
Mia chuckled. “I’m not interested in a settlement. If there are any further issues, please contact my lawyer.”
With that, Mia ended the call. She had no intention of getting involved with Felix. It would only be a waste of her time.
Shortly after arriving at college. Mia was summoned to Riley’s office. “Mia, the college would like to discuss the setup of the hall…”
“Ms. Matterson, I still want to give it a try. Despite my limited experience with the piano, I have a genuine passion for music, and I believe I have some understanding of the instrument.”
After Mia finished speaking, Riley paused.
“Mia, you’re overthinking this. The college isn’t planning to replace you.
“However, due to Mr. Jenkin’s dissatisfaction, you’ll be sent to the Music School for piano lessons. A dedicated teacher will instruct you. Are you open to that?”
“Absolutely,” Mia replied without hesitation. How could she say no to such an opportunity?
After attending her lectures, Mia made her way to the Music School for her piano lesson.
It was her first time attending a class there, and she observed that her classmates all appeared quite refined.
After the class, Mia was approached by her piano teacher, Drew Kidman. “You must be Mia. Come with me to the classroom next door, I’ll teach you. Do you have any basic knowledge of the piano?”
“Just a little,” Mia replied.
“Then, would you mind playing your favorite plano piece for me? Drew suggested.
Mia sat down at the piano, flooded with memories of the piece she had learned from Rowan Tilbury, the director of her orphanage when she was a child.
During that time, Mia recalled how Rowan consistently praised her talent, yet there was always a hint of sorrow in Rowan’s voice.
Mia understood why Rowan was sad¨Cshe couldn’t afford to learn the plano back then.
Fortunately, everything was fine now.
Mia was grateful for Rowan’s guidance at the orphanage, especially since her favorite music piece was the one Rowan had introduced her to.
Taking a deep breath, Mia relied on her memory and began to play the song Rowan had taught her.
As the piano’s melody resonated through the building, Maya, who had arrived at the college with Anthony with intentions to cause trouble, stood outside in surprise.
The college seemed to hold Mia in high regard and was unwilling to replace her.
Anthony, having no other choice, reluctantly agreed to let Mia stay temporarily.
Maya, feeling somewhat puzzled, turned to Anthony. “Could we consider changing the venue or maybe postponing the music show?”
It seemed like that could be an effective leverage.
Anthony shook his head. “No, Mr. Lane called last night and insisted on holding the music show here.”
Maya found herself perplexed by Claude’s behavior, yet she knew he wasn’t someone to back down easily. Otherwise, she would have confronted him directly.
Very well, let Mia stay. She’ll embarrass herself at the music show regardless!
Suddenly, Maya heard a familiar melody echoing from the music building nearby.
Her expression darkened. “Who could be playing this piece here?”
Could it possibly be her?
Maya couldn’t shake off the impending wave of panic. Was it truly her returning?
But that seemed impossible.
Maya vividly recalled taking care of her, ensuring she would never reappear.
Yet, the familiar piano melody revived Maya’s deep¨Cseated fear.
Initially, it wasn’t Maya who was sought out by the Lane family; it was her old friend, Mimi.
Consumed by jealousy, Maya resorted to deception to assume Mimi’s identity, ensuring Mimi would never know the truth.
However, Dominic eventually uncovered the switch. Maya could only claim to have encountered a girl like Mimi at an orphanage in the past, unable to recall where that girl had gone.
In reality, that girl was at the same orphanage as Maya.
Maya’s scheming resulted in Mimi leaving the orphanage and being adopted, thus preventing Dominic from meeting his real sister.
Dominic eventually brought Maya back to the Lane family, where she pretended to have no memory of any clues.
Over time, Maya seemed to have forgotten her true identity, believing herself to be the Lane family’s real heiress.
Now, hearing this familiar melody again, Maya was shocked.