Chapter 6. You've grown up!

Nayla took a deep breath, trying to calm herself before starting. She looked at the microphone in front of her, feeling tense yet also full of enthusiasm to give her best.

She had to do all this, she knew it would be difficult to find a job in a country ruled by the Abraham's family. But, that was not a reason for her to beg and serve Zavier again.

He needs a substantial living cost, so this will be his first step towards a career.

With only a few qualifications and work experience in an office, it is unlikely that she will be accepted by a company to work in an office.

But, she has a melodious voice; before meeting Zavier, she often performed on stages to sing at weddings or birthday parties.

With great care, she chose the song she would sing, a song that filled her heart with complex emotions.

When Nayla started singing, she tried to look towards the judges separated by glass but couldn't see their faces clearly.

Some shadows of men and women seemed to be whispering, and some appeared busy with the notes in front of them, as if they were not paying attention to her performance.

While Nayla was engrossed in her song, she felt disappointed and somewhat disheartened by the judges' seemingly indifferent attitude. However, she decided to stay focused on her song, hoping to make a good impression. This audition is very important to her.

When the song ended, Nayla waited tensely.

Suddenly, she saw a look of surprise on one of the men's faces. The man's gaze met Nayla's, and in an instant, Nayla could see confusion and astonishment in the judge's eyes.

Michael, one of the judges, turned out to be an old friend from her school days. The man immediately opened the audition room door and approached Nayla.

"Nayla Pratama?" Michael whispered, his voice trembling.

Nayla nodded, unable to believe that Michael had finally acknowledged her presence.

"M-Michael Almero?"

"Yes, it's me!" shouted Michael with sparkling eyes.

Nayla was surprised to see the change in Michael. She could still recognize the familiar features of his face, but now Michael looked so different. He has grown into a tall, sturdy, and handsome man with a mature face. The light from the narrow audition room ceiling illuminated the man, highlighting his masculine features.

"You've grown up," Nayla stammered.

Nayla couldn't contain her admiration upon seeing this change. She looked at Michael with undisguised awe and wonder, feeling a slight unease in her chest due to the unexpected feelings that resurfaced in her memory.

Michael no longer looked like the schoolboy Nayla once knew. He has transformed into a charming adult, and his presence at this audition adds a layer of complexity to Nayla's already complicated situation. Although her heart was filled with complicated feelings, she continued to strive to stay focused on her main goal: to give her best performance in front of the judges, including Michael.

"Y-you're a judge?" Nayla asked with a shaky voice while Michael nodded his head proudly.

"Yes, that's your voice, isn't it?" said Michael with a surprised tone.

"Beautiful and I'm mesmerized," he continued.

Nayla nodded again, her heart racing as she realized that Michael had finally recognized her voice and expressed his pride.

"I can't believe I'll see you here," Michael said with a voice full of emotion.

Nayla was surprised and nervous, but also felt warm seeing that familiar face. "What are you doing here?" Nayla asked curiously.

Michael explained that he had just joined the judging panel for this audition. "I'm glad to see you again." "How are you?" Michael asked while looking at Nayla attentively.

Nayla smiled faintly, trying to hide her awkwardness. "Ah, quite well," she replied briefly.

Nayla smiled broadly, feeling relieved that her presence was finally noticed by one of the judges. Although the situation was complicated, this surprise gave her a new spirit to continue her audition with full confidence.

Nayla looked at Michael with hopeful eyes, feeling the warmth from that gaze.

"Why did you joint an audition?"

"Are you in need of more money?" Michael asked innocently, like a friend who hadn't seen each other in a long time.

Nayla lowered her head, Yes! She really needed a lot of money. That's why she can only sell her ability to sing.

Sadly, she began to recount the troubled state of her household, revealing her urgent need for a job.

Michael listened with a trembling heart, full of sympathy for Nayla, whom he had known from the past. He nodded, expressing that he was very sorry to hear what had happened to her.

At that moment, some of the other audition participants started to feel jealous. Likewise, some of the judges, who turned out to be beautiful women and Michael's friends.

They saw the attentive gaze Michael directed at Nayla, feeling envious of the special attention he gave her. Some even began to grind their teeth in jealousy, feeling threatened by Nayla's presence at this audition.

However, Michael was not disturbed by their attention. He was still focused on Nayla, moved by her story and wanting to help her in any way he could.

Although the situation is complicated and full of tension, Michael's presence gives Nayla a new spirit to face this audition with full confidence.

"Alright, I'll help you, we will ... "

Before Michael could finish speaking, a voice from the speaker reminded him to return to his place and that the auditions for the other participants would begin.

Michael held both of Nayla's shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes.

"Nay ..."