Chapter 8: Spotlight

Ariel

The auditorium buzzed with nervous energy as students filed in, chatter echoing off the walls. Ariel sat backstage, her fingers trembling around the mic. Her name was next on the list.

Sebastian crouched beside her, adjusting the hem of her sparkly navy-blue dress. "You've got this, girl. Just remember—deep breath, shoulders back, and don't trip over the cord."

She managed a shaky laugh. "Thanks for the reminder."

He grinned. "Seriously, though, Ariel. You're about to blow everyone away. Just sing from your heart."

She nodded, but her eyes wandered through the curtains, scanning the crowd. Her heart skipped when she spotted Eric. He was in the third row, leaning forward, eyes fixed on the stage.

Vanessa sat beside him, arms crossed, her smile tighter than usual.

Ariel closed her eyes. This wasn't about Vanessa. Or even Eric. It was about proving something—to herself. That she could stand in the spotlight. That she was enough.

The emcee called her name. Applause erupted. Ariel's feet moved on their own as she stepped into the lights.

She looked out at the audience and began to sing.

Her voice started soft, almost timid. But as the melody built, so did her confidence. Each note soared higher, steady and strong. The auditorium quieted, spellbound.

Eric's eyes never left her.

When the final note faded, silence hung for a breathless second—then the crowd exploded in cheers.

Ariel blinked back tears. She had done it.

Eric

Eric couldn't move.

Ariel's performance had left him stunned. Every word, every glance, felt like it was meant just for him. She wasn't just talented—she was radiant.

Beside him, Vanessa clapped politely, her jaw clenched.

"You didn't tell me she could sing like that," she muttered.

"I didn't know," Eric said softly.

But now he did.

Vanessa huffed and stood. "Bathroom."

Eric watched her leave but didn't follow. His eyes returned to the stage, where Ariel bowed, smiling shyly as Sebastian pulled her into a victorious hug.

Something had shifted. He felt it. And judging by the fire in Vanessa's eyes as she turned back from the hallway, he wasn't the only one.

Something big was coming. And tonight, had only been the beginning.

Vanessa

Vanessa stormed into the empty hallway, her heels clicking hard against the tile.

She needed air. Space. Control.

That stupid song was still ringing in her ears. Ariel hadn't just sung—she had owned that stage. And Eric... the way he looked at her...

Vanessa's fists clenched.

She had spent months building this perfect world—perfect boyfriend, perfect reputation, perfect image. And now, Ariel was threatening to ruin it all with one dumb performance?

No. She wouldn't allow it.

Vanessa pulled out her phone and scrolled quickly, then stopped on a text thread labeled Lacey & Co.

Vanessa: Find out where Ariel got that song. I want to know everything. Lyrics. Sheet music. Who helped her.

A beat later, Lacey replied:

Lacey: Already on it. Heard she worked with that weird drama teacher. You thinking sabotage?

Vanessa stared at the message, lips curling into a smile.

Vanessa: I'm thinking it's time the spotlight burned a little too hot.

She tucked her phone away and adjusted her lip gloss in the mirror. The game wasn't over.

Not even close.