Just looks like she cares.
Swallowing the bitter taste rising in my throat,
I nod. “Okay, I’ll stay.”
She beams, pecks me on the cheek. “I knew
you were the best!”
Her soft lips on my skin just make me feel
colder.
She knows how much I love playing piano.
She’s always saying she’s behind me.
But all these years, she’s been holding me
<
back for Ryan.
This fake marriage is about to end.
After she’s asleep, I sneak her phone.
Password’s still my birthday, her social media
is normal.
I use her fingerprint again, and bam, another
account pops up.
Pinned to the top: “My Ryan”
I tap it, and it’s all warm and fuzzy, compared
to her canned messages to me.
They’re sharing every little thing, big and
small.
く
I had a feeling, but seeing it still stings.
Tears well up, mocking me.
Then I see her burner account.
It’s been running for thirteen years, all about
Ryan.
Latest post, the day we got married:
“If marrying him keeps you happy, I’m willing
to make the sacrifice.”
I’m willing to sacrifice.
What a love story. Too bad I’m the one
getting sacrificed.
く
I still went to the piano competition the next
day.
Serenity’s face was dark, but smiled. “Let me
go with you,”
“I’m afraid Ryan will hurt you, and I will be the
first person in front of you.”
She pretended to protect me.
But I knew she was afraid that I would be too
good and steal Ryan’s limelight.
After all, I was the real genius, and Ryan was
just an ordinary talent.
But I don’t care anymore.
く
I am about to fake death and leave, I just
want to say goodbye to the fans who support
me one last time.
At the competition site, everyone’s eyes were
locked on me and Ryan.
The host joked: “Chris actually participated, is
there any suspense in this competition? After
all, he is the uncrowned king.”
Ryan’s face changed, and he grabbed the
host’s microphone and shouted:
“Before the life and death is decided, don’t
be self–righteous! I want this champion!”
There was a burst of booing.
“Hasn’t Ryan always been crushed by Chris?
He’s been second place forever.”
“It’s estimated that the Bai family’s influence
is rampant. But isn’t there the Shang family
behind Chris?”
“He’s probably daydreaming.”
Ryan was so angry that his face turned green,
and he sneered: “Wait for the slap in the face,
a bunch of lick dogs!”
The host quickly smoothed things over and
said that we should wait and see the strength
of the players.
When going off the stage, Ryan tripped me on
purpose.
I fell heavily down the steps, and my hands
and elbows were badly scratched and
bleeding.
The piercing pain made me gasp.
I looked up and saw Serenity standing not far
away with her hands on her hands, her eyes
fixed on Ryan.
I lowered my eyes to block the sourness in my
eyes, this is what she said to “stand in front
of me as soon as possible“.
“Mr. Xia, can you continue the competition?”
the host asked with concern.
I looked down at the bloody wound, endured
the pain and stood up, “Of course.”
Serenity greeted him with concern on her
“Chris, are you okay? It’s all my fault, I didn’t
protect you well.”
I looked at her coldly and said nothing.
She seemed to notice my indifference, and
her tone became more gentle:
“Chris, your hand is injured, I’ll take you to the
hospital.”
“No, I want to continue the competition.”
She didn’t persuade me any more and handed
me a bottle of water, “Drink some, you’re
going on stage later.”
I was thirsty, so I drank half a bottle without
thinking.
I simply treated the wound and went on
stage.
