Chapter 3

MIRABELLA’S POV

I stepped into the bar with Ana, arriving a few minutes earlier than planned. The extra time let me steady my nerves for tonight’s performance.

Adam’s eyes lit up as he saw me at the entrance. “Right on time, Mira. Get ready—you’re up in five,” he said with a grin.

“Give it your best, Mira. I’ll be right here cheering you on,” Ana said, her voice steady as she slid into a seat among the crowd.

As the first note left my lips, a familiar calm settled over me, a quiet relief that came every time I sang. This was my safe place. Tonight was no different.

When the final note faded, applause filled the room. Hands clapping, faces lit with smiles—they were cheering for me. Warmth spread through me, a quiet joy blooming in my chest.

“You were amazing, Mira,” Ana said, her smile radiant, as if it could light up the entire room.

“I agree,” Adam chimed in, approaching us with an easy stride. “That was a beautiful performance, Mira.”

“Thank you so much,” I replied, a smile spreading across my face. Then Adam reached out and handed me an envelope, his expression warm and encouraging.

“I know this won’t cover your mom’s surgery completely, but it should help a little,” Adam said, his voice gentle as he handed me the envelope.

“Thank you so much, Adam. I really appreciate your help,” I said, a small smile breaking through.

“Yes, thank you, Adam. You’ve done so much for us,” Ana said, her voice warm but thoughtful. “You know, we were in a bit of a dilemma earlier today—” She stopped mid-sentence as I shot her a quick, sharp look. I felt my heart skip a beat; I knew exactly where this conversation was going, and I wasn’t ready for it.

If she opened her big mouth and spilled everything that happened yesterday, I’d die of embarrassment.

“What happened, Ana? Please tell me,” Adam asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

“It’s nothing serious. Don’t mind me,” Ana replied with a light chuckle, her tone airy enough to pull his focus for a moment. But his eyes lingered, his doubt clear despite her effort to brush it off.

“Alright then, I’ll see you girls tomorrow,” Adam said, his gaze steady but warm. “Let me know if you need anything. I’ll do my best to help.” With that, he turned and walked away, his focus shifting to a customer at the bar calling for his attention.

Ana’s shoulders slumped as she turned to me. “Before you say anything… I’m so sorry,” she said, her voice trembling. “I don’t know what came over me. Please forgive me. I deserve it if you cut my big mouth off.” Her expression was a mix of regret and desperation.

“It’s okay, Ana,” I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. “I know you didn’t mean to. You were just excited and started saying things.” I reached into the envelope and pulled out some cash, holding it out to her.

Ana’s brows knitted together as she stared at the money in my hand. “What is this, Mira? Why are you giving me so much?”

“You’re my manager,” I said simply, pressing the bills into her hand. “You get a cut of this money too.”

“I’m not just your manager,” Ana said, her voice soft but firm. “I’m your best friend too, and I understand your situation.” She looked at the money, then back at me. “We need to use all of this for your mom’s treatment. Besides, we agreed—I’ll get my cut when you’re famous and rich. Then I’ll quit my boring job and be your full-time manager.”

“I know, but…” I began, but she cut me off before I could finish.

“There is no but. Ever since I lost my parents, you and your mom have been my only family. I care about you both and will do anything to support you,” Ana said, smiling. But the smile faded as quickly as it came, and her face drained of color, her eyes wide with fear.

“What happened, Ana? Why do you look so pale all of a sudden?” I asked, my voice tight with worry.

“Aiden… Aiden Hayes is right here, Mira,” Ana said slowly. As the words left her mouth, a cold rush of fear washed over me.

“That’s not possible, Ana. How can he be here?” I asked, my voice trembling, trying to keep the fear in check. “He’s a big businessman. I’m sure he has other important matters to deal with, not to mention coming here,” I added.

“Alright, Mira, just don’t panic. Okay? Slowly, look at the entrance,” Ana urged. I turned, and there he was—Aiden, standing at the entrance with a group of men in black suits behind him. Only then did I believe Ana’s words. The ground beneath me felt like it was about to give way and swallow me whole.

“What should I do, Ana?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper, fear tightening around my chest. “What will happen if he catches me?” I added, my heart pounding in my ears.

“There’s no time to think about that,” Ana said urgently. “We need to get to the back door and run before he sees you.” Her words were sharp and quick. I nodded, my thoughts a blur, already moving with her lead.

We were nearly at the back door when a waiter suddenly appeared in front of me. I bumped into him, and the tray of drinks he was holding slipped from his hands, crashing to the floor with a sharp, echoing clatter.

Immediately, every eye in the room was drawn to the scene. My heart raced as I quickly glanced toward the entrance. Aiden and his men were heading straight for me. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. Without a second thought, Ana and I flung open the back door and slipped through. We didn’t hesitate—our feet pounded the ground as we ran, the sound of our breath and footsteps filling the air.

Ana and I pushed through the bar’s door, the rush of night air a fleeting relief. We thought we’d made it. Then we saw them—men in black suits, planted like statues in front of us.

We turned fast, ready to bolt another way.

Aiden stood there, his men fanning out behind him.

“What now!” I muttered, low and sharp.