Heard My Thoughts to Rise to Music Stardom

The Draw

Before I could think further, I instinctively swatted Sophia's arm away.

In my previous life, she had also linked her arm through mine along this same path.

'Could it be physical contact? Can she steal my thoughts through physical contact?' I thought.

The more I thought about it, the more horrifying it felt. However, Sophia didn't give me time to think as she fell to the ground and looked at me with reddened eyes.

"I just wanted to help you, Vanessa. Why did you push me away? I think I sprained my ankle. It hurts so much. Can you help me get up?" As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes, making her look pitiful.

However, I didn't move. After all, if Sophia truly stole my work through physical contact, then avoiding any contact with her might allow me to take control of my destiny.

As I thought about it, I shuddered and hurried into my room without wasting another second. Then, I started to piece together the melody from my past life.

Since God had given me another chance, I was determined not to fall into Sophia's trap again!

Soon, ten minutes passed by.

Before I could calm myself down, there was a knock at the door. When I opened the door, the staff rolled her eyes and eyed me up and down before saying unkindly, "Time's up. Let's go."

Only then did I realize the path we had just walked was under surveillance. That meant the audience had seen Sophia's attempt to get close to me but was being pushed away.

In that split second, memories of being vilified by the public flooded my mind, leaving my heart in turmoil. Still, I gritted my teeth and forced myself to step onto the stage.

On the other hand, Sophia had already returned ahead of me. She sat gracefully under the spotlight and looked at me with confidence.

When I stepped on the stage, the cheering quietened down. The audience began whispering as they looked at me with disapproval.

"What's wrong with Vanessa? Sophia was so kind, yet she didn't appreciate it at all."

"Did she think there's no surveillance backstage? I bet she thought we didn't see her true colors."

"No matter how talented she is, she has bad character. I'm voting for Sophia."

Listening to their words, Sophia smiled even wider. Then, she mouthed something in my direction. When I made out the words, I felt chills run down my spine.

She had told me to go and die.

It felt as if lightning had struck me. My hands trembled as I looked at the paper in my hand.

On it was a number two.

Just like in my previous life, Sophia would play first, and I would follow suit.

At that moment, I began shaking uncontrollably.

'I pushed her away the moment she touched me. Why is she still so confident? Could it be that standing next to me alone is enough to steal my thoughts?' I couldn't help but wonder. After all, her confident look made it clear that she already knew my work!

My mind was in chaos, and I almost broke down in panic.

In the meantime, the host casually took the paper from my hand and announced it to the audience. "Vanessa has drawn the number 'two' and will play after Sophia. Now, let's welcome Sophia…"

"Wait!" Before the host could finish his words, I shouted desperately.

My reaction silenced the lively atmosphere, and the audience was confused.

On the other hand, my mind was racing wildly. I started to piece together the connections between Sophia's powerful background and the possible manipulations in this show.

I wondered why the host insisted on checking my paper first in both lifetimes.

'Could it be that both papers were marked with the number two?' I thought. 'Did they plan this to ensure Sophia would perform first?'

Amidst skeptical and scornful gazes, I snatched the microphone from the host and said, "I want to see Sophia's draw."

Hearing my words, the host froze momentarily before quickly regaining his composure and said, "I'm not sure what's troubling you today, Vanessa. Are you suspecting that we deliberately placed you in second? If that's the case, let's ask Sophia to show us her draw."