Beyond Fallen

"Let's give a round of applause to our musical prodigies!"

Amidst the cheers, I opened my eyes in shock. At that moment, I realized I was back on that very stage where it all began.

When my fans saw my bewildered expression, they screamed even louder. "You got this, Vanessa! We've seen your talent. You're definitely the champion today!"

Hearing their shouts, Sophia, who was seated beside me, looked at me with a smile.

"I didn't expect we'd meet in the finals, Vanessa. Looks like I'll have to prepare well for this match," she said.

However, her gentle expression sent a chill down my spine.

Then, those painful memories from my previous life came rushing back.

Sophia and I had once been hailed as the rising twin stars of the entertainment industry. Her background was prestigious, but my talent far surpassed hers. Perhaps out of youthful pride, I chose to face her head-on in this competition show. However, no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't understand how she managed to play the piece I had improvised on the spot from the host's prompt!

In my previous life, I was filled with confusion as I watched her finish her performance with a confident look. Then, I directly accused her of plagiarizing my music on the spot. However, Sophia looked at me with a fearful expression and said, "Where have you performed it before? Do you have proof? How could you slander me like this?"

Her vulnerability starkly contrasted with my outrage, which even made my own fans turn against me.

Later, Sophia addressed the matter on social media, claiming she would admit this was her doing as long as I could prove that I had played the piece before.

However, I had no evidence.

Even until my death, I never figured out how someone could steal something that had only existed in the mind!

My gaze might have been too resentful, because Sophia lowered her eyes and said softly, "Vanessa, the host has already announced the theme. It's 'Hope.' I sincerely wish you the best of luck."

The moment she finished her words, her fans erupted in cheers.

"It's fine if Sophia gets second place. After all, she is such a kind-hearted girl. We'll always support her!"

Everyone was touched by her actions and praised her to the skies. However, I only felt a shiver run down my spine as I heard the same words that had been spoken in my past life.

Her ability to appear above it all stemmed from one reason, and that was because she was utterly confident in her victory.

After some time, the audience's applause subsided. Noticing my pale expression, the host asked with a hint of concern, "It seems like Vanessa is feeling a bit nervous, but that's alright. Now, let's give our contestants some time to create their music. Please go to your respective lounges to compose. You'll each have ten minutes."

As the stage lights dimmed, Sophia linked her arm through mine and said, "Since you're not familiar with the backstage, let me guide you."