Chapter 109: The Kindest Lie
After finishing his song, Ethan practically bounced over to Sophia. "So? What'd you think?"
Sophia smiled warmly, her praise generous and unhesitating. "You were incredible. With proper vocal training, you could dominate every music chart out there."
If she could speak with that level of confidence—even though Ethan hadn't taken a single professional lesson yet—it meant she was certain she could turn him into a chart-topping sensation.
That was high praise indeed.
"Wait, seriously? My dream could actually become real?" Ethan dropped onto the couch beside Sophia. This was the first time anyone had ever told him he could make it as a professional singer.
"Absolutely!" Amelia couldn't resist jumping in. She gestured dramatically at Sophia. "You're sitting next to Briar—the composer behind 'Wildfire'!"
Every head in the room swiveled toward Sophia in shock. She pressed her lips together, forcing an awkward smile. Great. Another public outing of my secret identity.
As someone who loved music, there was no way Ethan hadn't heard "Wildfire." He was obsessed with how the song built from a gentle murmur into something powerful and fierce—like it could set your blood on fire. The original artist's performance was fantastic, but he'd always loved the composition itself even more.
And Sophia had written it?!
Sophia had been considering entering the entertainment industry for a while, but she'd lacked the right connections to understand how the artist side of things worked. So she'd simply written a few songs and released them into the wild to test the waters.
"Wildfire" had caused a massive splash. While she hadn't networked with any A-list singers through it, she had connected with a producer at one of the country's most respected record labels. That was at least one foot in the door.
It had solidified her plans to build an entertainment empire. Rather than starting with actors, she'd decided to break in through music first—which was why she'd asked Brian for demos of his original songs.
Honestly, Brian had real creative talent. But his voice lacked a distinctive edge, and his looks were average at best. He might succeed as a songwriter or producer, but becoming a top-tier performer? Nearly impossible.
Ethan, on the other hand, had a unique vocal tone, solid looks, and a strong personality. He had the raw potential to become a star—and investing in him would guarantee massive returns.
That said, Ethan hadn't received any formal vocal training, which would make getting into a conservatory difficult. Sophia suggested he major in business or finance instead, then debut through a televised singing competition.
As an only child, he'd eventually need to take over the family business anyway. This approach would let him chase his dream and satisfy his parents' expectations. They'd be far more willing to let him pursue music if he had a practical degree to fall back on, giving him a few years to take his shot.
Ethan gave her a thumbs-up, grinning. "Genius! Absolutely genius! Sophia, you're incredible!"
Sophia chuckled softly and continued. "So for now, just focus on your college exams. Amelia's family owns an entertainment company. Once you get accepted somewhere, she can scout out solid singing competitions for you to enter. You don't need to win overnight—just make enough of an impression for talent agencies to notice you."
Amelia thumped her fist against her chest confidently. "Ethan, don't worry! I'll find you the perfect competition!"
Ethan immediately whipped out his phone and sent Amelia a friend request. "Let me add you right now before you disappear on me!"
Everyone burst out laughing.
Since someone had kicked things off with a performance, the rest of the group grabbed microphones and dove into full party mode—singing, shouting, laughing.
Sophia remembered she'd promised to call Michael tonight. She slipped into a corner and checked her phone. There was a message from half an hour ago.
[Michael]: Baby, where are you? Amelia sent me a voice message saying you were in danger, then another one saying false alarm. Are you guys playing Sherlock Holmes over there?
Glancing around at the chaos—everyone still belting out songs and goofing off—Sophia stood and stepped outside to the rooftop garden. She dialed Michael's number.
He picked up almost instantly.
"Baby, what are you up to? Took you forever to call me back."
Michael's voice was low and smooth, the kind that sent a pleasant shiver down her spine even through the phone. In the quiet night air, it felt especially… intimate.
Her heart suddenly kicked into a faster rhythm. Her cheeks flushed pink. Sophia realized that even after sixteen years of knowing Michael, even after all the comfortable physical closeness they'd shared, dating him felt completely different.
They could hold hands now. Kiss. Even something as simple as a hug carried new weight. Just hearing his voice made her feel… happy. In a way she couldn't quite explain.
When she didn't respond right away, Michael's tone shifted to concern. "Baby? You okay?"
Sophia blinked, snapping back to the present. She smiled softly. "Sorry. I'm fine. Tomorrow's James's birthday, so we're throwing him a surprise party at Celestial Peak Hotel. We're planning to stay up all night."
"Sounds like you're having a good time?" Michael's voice was warm, laced with affection.
His Sophia had never really had much fun growing up. If she was happy tonight, it meant the love she'd always been missing was finally being filled in by family.
"Mm-hmm." Sophia hummed in agreement, then added, "Oh—and I found someone with serious potential to become a professional singer."
"You really never stop thinking about business, do you?" Michael laughed helplessly. Leave it to Sophia to scout talent at a birthday party. Her luck was ridiculous.
Sophia rocked gently in the hanging chair, swaying back and forth. "So… why'd you call earlier? What's up?"
"It's not urgent. Enjoy yourself tonight. I'll tell you tomorrow."
He didn't want to distract her or ruin her fun.
But if it was bad news, Sophia wouldn't be able to relax. "Good news or bad? If it's bad, I'd rather hear it now."
"Good news." Michael's response was quick, his tone bright with genuine joy.
Sophia thought for a moment, then ventured a guess. "Mrs. Green woke up?"
Michael raised an eyebrow, grinning even though she couldn't see it. "Baby, how are you so smart? You nailed it."
Sophia laughed softly. "Are you at the hospital with her? How is she doing?"
"She was awake for over an hour. Ate a little, then went back to sleep. Dr. Wright said her condition's way better than Dad's was when he first woke up. Her recovery might be faster, too."
"That's wonderful. I'm so glad she's conscious again. Since she's asleep now, I'll come visit tomorrow."
Sarah had been in a coma for over a year. Sophia wasn't just happy for Michael—she felt her own sense of relief, too.
After all, Sarah was the only person in those first seventeen years who had ever made her feel like family.
When Sophia was five years old, and John had broken her ribs, Sarah had visited her in the hospital several times.
It was the first time Sophia had ever felt maternal warmth. She'd sobbed uncontrollably, choking out through her tears, "Mrs. Green… do Daddy and Mommy and Andrew and John not like me? I hurt so much… but none of them came to see me."
Sarah's eyes had reddened with tears. She'd gently pulled Sophia into a soft hug, her voice impossibly tender. "Of course, they like you, sweetheart. You're such a good, sweet girl—and so beautiful. Everyone loves you. Your parents are just very busy with work. But they love you very much in their hearts."
Later, Sophia had realized the truth: Sarah had been lying.
But it was the kindest lie anyone had ever told her.
It had soothed the fragile heart of a five-year-old child—and kept her from turning into something dark and twisted in a family full of cruelty.