Chapter 9
Vincent, having seen the news, assumed that Stephanie, like many others, attended the concert for drama. He chuckled and ordered, “Wait for her there.”
“Understood, Mr. Fletcher,” came Connor’s response.”
Following the call, Vincent texted Stephanie, ensuring her safe return: [Connor will wait for you till the concert’s over. Text me once you’re back in the car.]
Unbeknownst to Vincent, Stephanie had already made her way backstage, her phone lost in the cacophony of the concert. Florence, spotting Stephanie, was relieved and grateful. “Stephie, you made it!”
“I promised, didn’t 17” Stephanie replied, her presence reassuring Florence who was decked out in her performance attire.
Handing the earphones and in-ears to Stephanie, Florence grasped Stephanie’s hand and said, “Thank you, Stephie. I’m sorry for what I did. I’ll make it up to you in the future.”
Stephanie nodded. “Good.”
“I’m heading to the stage now,” Florence added.
“Okay,” replied Stephanie.
As Florence made her way to the lift platform, Stephanie’s grip on the microphone tightened, her expression turning icy. The music’s volume increased as the platform began its slow ascent
Florence caught a glimpse of Stephanie’s smile, a flicker of unease passing through her. Upon a closer look, she saw Stephanie waving goodbye with a serene face as if to say the preceding moments were nothing but a fleeting shadow.
As the platform reached its peak, the warmth in Stephanie’s smile vanished. Positioned at the heart of the stage, she surveyed the four LED screens broadcasting the concert with a chilly stare.
Stephanie had taken on the role of Florence’s vocal double.
While Florence shone in her dance performances, her vocal prowess didn’t match Stephanie’s natural clarity and power.
It was by a stroke of luck that Florence discovered a sample recording of Stephanie’s singing and, seizing the moment, passed it off as her own to the
executives.
Captivated by the vocal talent, Fantasy Entertainment aimed to transform Florence into a star of unmatched versatility.
Aware the truth would out sooner than later, Florence tearfully confessed to Stephanie, imploring her to become her secret singing voice. Valuing their sisterly bond, Stephanie forgave Florence and agreed to help.
With an abundance of skills at her disposal, Stephanie didn’t mind lending Florence a helping hand.
This secret collaboration lasted eighteen months, propelling Florence to celebrity status and winning multiple awards while Stephanie remained content In the background, her contributions unseen.
With the weight of the past on her mind, Stephanie sneered at Florence. “Savor this final performance that will crown your achievements,” she said, her
volice laced with frost
The stage, a marvel of contemporary design and technology, pulsed with vibrant lights that danced to the rhythm, captivating the audience.
12:41 Sat, 25 May M
Chapter 9
As Florence and her dancers executed their routine, the space came alive with energy.
77%1
Despite the backlash from the engagement scandal, reducing her fanbase to three million, Florence was holstered by a core of devoted followers who
celebrated her every move.
As the night sky lit up with fireworks, marking the start of a musical extravaganza, Florence took the mic. “Good evening, everyone!”
+6
The vast stadium, filled to its fifty thousand capacity, glowed under the collective radiance of fluorescent sticks, their light blending with the chorus of cheers and support from the crowd.
With emotion coloring her voice, Florence confessed. “I know the turmoil the recent online events have caused. I want to set the record straight-the engagement party’s photos and videos were released by Douglas and me.”
The crowd buzzed with reactions.
Choking back tears, Florence continued. “But there’s more to this story. Douglas and I share a true love, respecting the boundaries we’ve set. My sister’s engagement to Douglas’ uncle was not a rash decision but one agreed upon by our families. We embarked on this path to honor my sister’s wishes. I’m willing to bear the brunt of public opinion if it means securing her happiness. Thank you all for standing with me tonight and for your continued support!”
Backstage, Stephanie absorbed Florence’s carefully crafted explanation. Through her speech, Florence-not only maintained her image of innocence but also spun a tale that hinted at a long-standing romance between Stephanie and Vincent.
The controversy from the engagement party was cleverly reinterpreted to suggest that Stephanie and Vincent shared a deep love, and it was Florence who, out of sisterly love, stepped in to dissolve Douglas’ engagement, portraying Stephanie as hesitant to engage with him.
“What a kind sister!’ Stephanie mused, not fooled by the act.
As anticipated, this revelation shifted the fans’ perspective.
“Poor Flore! What a sister she has!” one complained
“Florence is remarkable for willingly shouldering such infamy! Reputation is important, especially for gir
“I feel so bad for her!” another commented.
another person exclaimed.
However, someone said, “I don’t believe it. How can the video be fake? You all are idiots for believing in her lies!”
Another chimed in, “Florence is bad at acting but good at lying!”
One said, “This is ridiculous!”
Though some negative remarks persisted, they were significantly less intense than before.
Florence, with tears still on her face, pleaded for continued support with a tone that bordered on insincerity, “I’ll be back with a new look and some amazing music for you all!”
After a quick costume change, Florence reached out to Stephanie, “Stephie, you heard my announcement, right?”
“Yes,” Stephanie replied with a smile.
“Are you upset with me?” Florence inquired, seemingly concerned.
“Why would I be? After all, we’re sisters,” Stephahle reassured her.
Chapter 9
Florence, relieved, thanked Stephanie, “I really appreciate you doing this for me tonight.”
“I’ll make sure it’s perfect, Stephanie promised.
“Thank you,” Florence said, knowing well that Stephanie would follow through as she always sought the familial connection Florence offered.
When Florence took the stage again, the melody turned somber.
She began. “in the dead of night, I sketched you into my palm, believing in a secret that turned out to be a facade…”
The stadium, illuminated by blue glow sticks, resembled a tranquil sea, and the earlier whispers of discontent faded away, mesmerized by the hauntingly beautiful performance.
Unexpectedly, the music shifted into an operatic piece, leaving Florence bewildered and frozen. “Stephie, what’s happening?” Florence’s voice quivered with confusion.
The opera continued, with no response from Stephanie.
The audience, initially puzzled, stood up as murmurs spread.
Then, someone accused loudly, “Florence is lip-syncing!”
The screens showed Florence’s unmoving lips against the backdrop of the soaring opera, revealing the deceit.
As the opera piece ended and the original song picked back up, Florence had no choice but to carry on, visibly shaken.
Trying to salvage the situation, Florence, drenched in sweat and nervous, attempted to play it off, “That was just a little surprise. I’ve been practicing ventriloquism. Did you like it?”
The fans then believed that their idol was just playing a prank on them. Such an occurrence had never taken place in Florence’s concerts before, leaving her fans to accept the incident as a quirky, unprecedented stunt, injecting a fresh sense of excitement,
Florence cast a quick look at her manager, Lilian Brown, who understood the impending fallout and went in search of Stephanie, poised to issue a stern Warning
Lillan alone knew the truth about Florence’s secret vocal double.
Despite recognizing Stephanie’s immense talent, Lilian knew the former had always preferred to remain out of the spotlight. And now, with Florence having been propelled to stardom by Fantasy Entertainment, Liliar felt obligated to keep Stephanie’s contributions a secret.
Florence engaged with her fans while Lilian approached Stephanie, who was seated on a barstool backstage. “Stephie, was this your doing? This could destroy Flore!” she exclaimed.
Stephanie offered a sly smile in response. “I’m aware. But I’m not here to destroy her, I’m here to take back the recognition that rightfully belongs to me.”
Lilian’s expression turned serious. “But Stephie, you were the one who provided that sample to Florence and agreed to help her by being her vocal double. You can’t just go back on that now.”
Stephanie raised an eyebrow, countering. “The sample was taken by Florence without my permission. I agreed to help because we were family. But if she sees me as a fool, why should continue to treat her like family? Lilian, have you forgotten how you felt when your friend stole your boyfriend?”
This struck a chord with Lilian, her face clouding over, yet she insisted, “But family and friendships aren’t the same. You’re bound by blood.”
Stephanie retorted with a knowing smile, “Yet of the concert’s start, Florence placed all the blame on me. Is that how family acts? I’d rather be without such ‘family’ And about that video that helped you-do you know who sent it?”
3/4
12:41 Sat, 25 May M
Chapter 9
Lilian had previously received a video that revealed her boyfriend’s betrayal with her best friend, leading her to end the relationship.
Only someone directly involved would have known about this.
“It was you?” Lilian gasped in realization.
“I happened to catch them in the room and decided to help you, it’s time you returned the favor, Stephanie said with a smile.