Deaf to Deceit No More

As I glanced around the living room, I felt as if I had been transported back to the 1980s, with the vintage wooden cabinet and the black-and-white TV sitting on top.The sound of the radio drifting in from the courtyard completed the scene, confirming that I had indeed returned to this moment in time.I glanced at my freshly completed painting of "Starry Night" on the table, its ink still wet, and tears welled up in my eyes. This time around, I would take control of my destiny.Just as I finished wrapping up "Starry Night", I heard rustling sounds coming from next door. It was Emmett Quinn and Calista Parker, and the nature of those sounds was unmistakable.After some shuffling, Emmett's muffled voice carried through the wall. He whispered, "Keep it down."However, Calista responded loudly without any hesitation, "What are you worried about? She's deaf. I could scream my lungs out, and she wouldn't hear a thing!"She followed this with several deliberate shouts. Although I had

Emmett stared at me in shock before finally finding his voice. "Beth, w-what are you doing?""Shouldn't you be asking yourself that question?" I responded coldly."I..." He started, then suddenly realized something as his eyes widened. "Y-You can hear?"I did not answer, but the color drained from his face as he stood there speechless. The silence lasted until Calista emerged from the next room, fully dressed.Although panic flashed in her eyes, she quickly composed herself and greeted me casually. Emmett shot her a warning look before turning back to me. "Beth, it's not what you think..."Not what I thought? Maybe I could have misheard once or twice, but they had been carrying on right under my nose countless times. In my previous life, they had even plotted my death."Emmett, we're not married yet. From now on, let's go our separate ways," I declared, moving toward the door.Emmett blocked my path. "Beth, you've got it all wrong. I love you!"I laughed bitterly, unable to bel

Even though my heart was still restless, I knew I was heading toward a completely new chapter of my life. Ahead of me was a life where my starry night awaited, along with my burning dreams.A few days later, the Young Artists Competition finals began, and my "Starry Night" painting lived up to expectations, winning first place. With this award and the recommendation letter from the renowned art critic, I was accepted into the Oceanus City Art Academy as his student.The days of study flew by as I immersed myself in painting even more deeply than in my previous life. I cherished every moment of this hard-won opportunity. My dedication led to numerous works and technical improvements that made me stand out at the academy. Before I knew it, half a year had passed, and the end-of-year holidays were approaching. Unexpectedly, Emmett showed up.That snowy day, while I was working in the studio, a classmate told me that someone was waiting for me downstairs. After removing my painting ap