Chapter 7: The Stolen Melody

Jason sat alone inside the empty practice room long after everyone had left. The applause Ethan had received still echoed in his ears, and every clap felt like a slap across his face. For years, Ethan had remained in the shadows while Jason basked in praise that wasn't truly his. Now, for the first time, the spotlight had shifted, and Jason hated every second of it.

He slammed his fist onto the piano keys, producing a harsh, discordant sound.

"This isn't over," he muttered.

"I won't let you ruin everything."

That evening, Richard Blake was waiting in the living room when Ethan returned home.

"I received a call from Professor Morris," Richard said without looking up from his newspaper.

Ethan paused.

"Did something happen?"

"He said your performance today was impressive."

Ethan was surprised. His father rarely mentioned anything positive about him.

Richard folded the newspaper and looked at him for a moment.

"I didn't know you had improved this much."

Before Ethan could answer, the front door opened.

Jason walked in carrying a gift bag and immediately smiled.

"Uncle Richard, I brought your favorite coffee."

Richard's face brightened instantly.

"You always know how to make my day."

Ethan quietly watched the scene unfold.

Nothing had changed.

One compliment for him had been enough.

One gift from Jason erased it completely.

As they sat down for dinner, Jason casually brought up the upcoming auditions.

"I heard Ethan played well today."

Richard nodded.

"Professor Morris mentioned it."

Jason smiled warmly at Ethan.

"I'm proud of you."

"Keep working hard."

"You'll get there someday."

The words sounded encouraging, but Ethan recognized them for what they really were.

A reminder that Jason still believed he was ahead.

Ethan simply smiled.

"I'll do my best."

After dinner, Jason insisted on helping Richard organize some old documents in the study.

Ethan quietly returned to his room.

The hidden camera was still recording.

Before going to bed, he checked the footage from earlier that afternoon.

Nothing unusual.

Then, around seven o'clock, while everyone had been downstairs...

His bedroom door slowly opened.

Jason stepped inside.

Ethan's heartbeat quickened.

Jason walked directly toward the bookshelf.

He searched quickly and confidently, as though he already knew where everything should be.

Finding nothing, he moved to the desk.

His eyes landed on Ethan's latest notebook.

A slow smile spread across his face.

"There you are," Jason whispered.

He carefully opened it.

Inside was the new melody Ethan had performed that morning.

Jason took out his phone.

Click.

Click.

Click.

He photographed every single page before placing the notebook exactly where he had found it.

Then he quietly left the room.

Ethan paused the video.

His expression remained calm.

This time...

Jason had stolen exactly what Ethan wanted him to steal.

Because the notebook wasn't the original.

The genuine manuscript had already been sealed inside a fireproof folder hidden beneath the loose floorboard.

Every page had been signed, dated, and witnessed by Professor Morris two days earlier under the pretense of reviewing Ethan's progress.

Jason didn't know that.

He believed he had once again stolen Ethan's future.

The next week, Harmony School announced a special showcase where the top students would perform their original compositions before teachers, parents, and several invited music producers.

Participation was optional.

Jason immediately signed his name.

So did Ethan.

The announcement spread through the school like wildfire.

Students whispered excitedly.

"Jason and Ethan are both performing."

"This is going to be interesting."

"I wonder whose song will be better."

Lily found Ethan in the library later that afternoon.

"You know everyone is comparing you to Jason now."

Ethan smiled faintly.

"They've always compared us."

"Yes," Lily replied, "but this time they're actually curious about you."

She hesitated before adding, "Just... be careful."

"Why?"

"I saw Jason leaving the teachers' office yesterday."

"He looked angry."

Before Ethan could ask another question, Professor Morris entered the library.

"Ethan, could I speak with you?"

He followed the professor into the hallway.

Professor Morris closed the door behind them.

"I've been judging competitions for nearly thirty years," he said quietly.

"I've learned to recognize genuine talent."

Ethan remained silent.

The professor continued.

"Your music has something rare."

"But talent attracts jealousy."

"I don't know what's happening between you and Jason..."

"...but protect your work."

Ethan looked at him in surprise.

"Why are you telling me this?"

Professor Morris sighed.

"Because years ago, someone stole one of my compositions before I became a teacher."

"I never managed to prove it."

"I don't want history to repeat itself."

For a moment, Ethan couldn't speak.

He wasn't alone.

Someone else understood the pain of having their dreams stolen.

He bowed respectfully.

"Thank you, Professor."

As Ethan walked away, he didn't notice the figure standing around the corner.

Jason.

He had heard enough of the conversation to realize one frightening truth.

Professor Morris trusted Ethan.

And if that trust continued to grow...

Jason's carefully built lies would eventually come crashing down.

For the first time in years, fear crept into Jason's heart.

He could no longer rely on simply stealing Ethan's music.

He would have to destroy Ethan himself.