All Chapters of A Symphony of Scars: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

"Please, Ryan, don't hurt my hands!" Tears streamed down my face as I twisted and struggled, desperately shaking my head. In that moment, I had no dignity left, begging Ryan to show me mercy. Tomorrow was the day the orchestra would be selecting new members. If I performed well, I could not only join the prestigious orchestra but also become a model for the piano world, a student of the renowned Johannes Fraiche. For the past few days, I had tirelessly practiced in the piano room, hoping to seize this once-in-four-year opportunity. This was not just my dream—it was the dream my late mother had for me. The long-awaited moment was finally almost here, but my boyfriend, Ryan Menzie, was doing everything he could to pave the way for his childhood friend, Miranda Santos. Right now, he was having two bodyguards hold me down while he intentionally hurt my hands, all so that I couldn't attend the orchestra's audition tomorrow, clearing the way for Miranda to win the compet

Ryan and I met during college.It was a rainy day, and I was lost in thought while crossing the street when he reached out and pulled me back just in time to avoid being hit by a car.I looked up, shaken, and found myself staring at his handsome, aloof face.It was because of his life-saving act that I found myself falling for him, helplessly.After much persistence on my part, Ryan agreed to date me.But as we got closer, I started noticing something unsettling—there seemed to be someone more important to him than me.Her name was Miranda, and she had grown up alongside Ryan.Every time Miranda called, Ryan would drop everything and rush to her side.He even went so far as to lock me on the rooftop the night before the final round of a piano competition for her sake.That night, I had been locked out for hours, missing the competition and ending up with a fever that spiked to 104°F. Meanwhile, Miranda won first place.The next day, Ryan had casually explained that his action

Ryan's eyes flickered with surprise. "Susan, what did you say?""I don't need your apology," I said, closing my eyes and trying to suppress the anger building up inside me. I refused to look at him. "If you really feel that way, let's just break up. And please, don't bring Miranda here to bother me again."As soon as I finished speaking, Ryan stormed up to me, stopping just in front of the bed. "I won't allow it! Susan, I won't let you break up with me!"I almost laughed. What right did Ryan have to stand there so self-righteously, claiming he wouldn't allow me to break up with him?At that moment, Miranda suddenly spoke up. "Susan, please don't misunderstand. Don't let me get between you and Ryan."Ryan's face was conflicted, but when he met my cold gaze, he sighed and spoke softly, "Miranda, why don't you step out for a bit?"The moment Ryan spoke, Miranda's eyes darkened with a hint of resentment.Before I could react, she put her hand over her chest and staggered back a few

I never expected it, but despite my efforts to avoid it, the Menzies still wouldn't let me go.The woman in front of me, impeccably made up and dressed in elegance, stirred her coffee slowly, her eyes fixed on me with a look of utter disdain."Name your price, Ms. Dawson. Tell me, how much will it take for you to leave my son?" she said with a cold, measured tone."Mrs. Menzie, if I recall correctly, I've already broken up with your son. I'm not sure what more you want from me," I replied, keeping my voice calm as I studied her. She seemed to think she was above everyone else, her gaze full of disdain.There she was, Diana Menzie—Ryan's mother. This wasn't our first meeting. She had confronted me once before. "You're the one who's been hanging around Ryan shamelessly? Let me make this clear—Miranda is the one we've chosen as Ryan's wife. Her mother saved his life," she had sneered at me back then.Back then, I loved Ryan so deeply that I hadn't even considered Diana's threats se

Once again, I saw Miranda standing outside the hospital room.She was wearing a pair of sunglasses and stormed toward me with a fiery expression.Miranda raised her hand high, ready to slap me across the face.But before her hand could make contact, I grabbed her wrist tightly.Miranda was clearly taken aback by my resistance, and her face twisted in frustration. "It's all your fault, you filthy woman! You've ruined Ryan!"I shot back coldly, "Why don't you go ask Ryan how he ended up like this?""What are you—" Miranda glared at me with fury, her mouth open as though she had more to say."Enough!" At some point, Ryan had come up behind us. "I did this to myself."Miranda's eyes widened in disbelief. "How is that possible?" she muttered, almost to herself.Ryan looked exhausted, his voice weary as he spoke, "Miranda, you've gotten what you wanted. What more is there to be unhappy about?"Miranda bit down on her lip, her face breaking as she looked at Ryan, her voice trembling