chapter863

Lydia's voice was pure magic. It floated through the air, clear and haunting, like

something beautiful from another world that just happened to land right here. Every note felt handpicked, perfectly placed, weaving a dream you never wanted to wake up from.

The crowd was losing it. People were actually crying. It was that moving, that powerful.

If it hadn't been for Elliot, none of them would have seen these two perform together like this.

Elliot took over, his voice steady and warm.

"Time keeps moving and

I'm not who I used to be.

The pain of growing up,

it turned into my strength.

I walk toward the light,

leave the dark behind,

and step into the future,

ready to show the world what I can do."

Then Lydia and Elliot sang together, their voices blending like they were meant to.

"I'll burst from this shell, break every chain.

Like a bird in flight, I'll soar through the rain.

With sweat and tears, I'll write my own lane.

On this road to growing up, I'll never refrain."

Together, they brought to life a journey from weakness to strength, from confusion to hope, and everyone in the audience was swept up in it. You could feel the energy, the transformation, the hope.

Fans waved their glow sticks, screaming, cheering, trying to put their feelings into sound. The whole place was electric.

Kylie was crying, tears streaming down her face. "It's so good, it's just so good, I can't..." She couldn't even finish her sentence.

Garrett pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her. "Awww, breathe. You're going to be okay."

"How could I not be excited? Lydia's incredible, and she's my idol. How am I supposed to stay calm?" Kylie sniffled, clutching the handkerchief.

Lucinda just sat there, stunned. She couldn't wrap her head around it. She and Lydia were both eighteen Lucinda had spent her whole

learning music, art, literature,

everything you could think overne

was Lydia, who grew up in the country outshining her apevery turn? Where did sydia even learn all this? Lucinda just couldn't make sense of it. Why did Lydia always

have to be better?

Lydia and Elliot sang three songs together. The cheers from the crowd shook the

night, a wild storm of excitement echoing through the sky.

When Lydia finished and thanked the audience, everyone started chanting her name, begging her to keep singing with Elliot. But Lydia just waved with a smile and headed backstage.

Connor saw her go and nudged Luke. "Stay here and watch Elliot finish up. I'm going to find Lydia."

Lucinda watched Connor leave, her hands clenched tight in her lap. Lydia's just a manipulator, she thought bitterly.

Kylie saw Connor head backstage

and wanted nothing more than to follow him. She wanted to hug here daughter, to tell her how proud sh was. But Cameron stopped her "Connor's already there. If y

you

now, you'll just interrupt. And if you

leave, Elliot's going to notice and feel bad."

Kylie hesitated, then nodded, staying put with the others to watch the end of the show.

Backstage, Lydia had barely stepped off the stage when a group of bodyguards in black suits surrounded her, all holding out business cards.

Lorelei, our boss would like to invite you for a coffee."

"Lorelei, my employer wants to treat you to tea."

"Lorelei, we...

A voice broke in from behind, playful and teasing. "Come on, what's the point of sending a bunch of bodyguards? If you want to invite Lorelei, at least show up yourself."

Lydia turned and caught sight of a striking man in a crisp white suit, holding a bouquet of pale gray roses. He smiled.

"Lorelei, flowers for a beautiful lady. I'm Lincoln. Would you do me the honor of having a coffee with me?"