Chapter 1

Reina’s POV

Three days Earlier***

It was supposed to be the most exciting day of my life. I had passed the two stages of The Voice talent competition and was on my way to stardom. I was already famous and known as the girl with the beautiful voice.

My father said my late mom used to say my voice would take me places, and it really was doing that. I just wished she was here to see it. Still, I was blessed with a family that loved me as well. My father, my stepmother, and my stepsister. I waved at them from the stage.

I cleared my throat inwardly. It had been a bit dry for days now, but my stepmom always gave me a soothing drink every morning. It felt like it got better every time, but worse after a while. I just needed to do this and win, then I'd go to the hospital. It was my turn soon to perform.

The first and second contestants sang, and then I heard my name from the speaker.

“The next contestant, Reina Gazem, please let’s have you on stage.”

I swallowed, taking deep breaths as I climbed the stage. I heard loud claps from the audience. I was their favorite.

The win was mine. I just needed to get this done.

The piano started to play, and I was handed a microphone. I held it tightly as I closed my eyes, breathing in and out like my father taught me.

I opened my eyes to sing.

But suddenly, I couldn’t produce any sound.

The piano passed the part where I was supposed to sing and kept playing, but my throat wouldn’t move. It felt like my vocal cords were glued together.

“I… I…” I struggled to speak, but nothing came out.

The audience gasped as everything went silent. Even the piano.

I saw my father stand up, his hands over his mouth as he looked at me in worry.

My stepmother, however, didn’t look surprised. There was something else in her eyes. Relief.

Maybe I was overthinking it.

I tried again. Over and over again to produce a sound.

Nothing.

No… this couldn’t be happening. Not now. Not when I was so close to achieving my dreams.

The MC came to me, worry written all over his face.

“Hey, are you okay?”

I shook my head, trying to speak, trying to tell him something was wrong with my vocal cords, but all I made were hoarse, grunting sounds.

Then I realized the microphone was still near my lips.

I threw it down in panic, and it made a loud screeching sound.

All eyes were on me as I ran off the stage, wondering what was happening.

My dad met me backstage.

“Reina, what is going on? What happened to you?”

I could only shake my head, the grunting sound forcing its way out of my mouth.

“I… I…”

“Oh goodness.” It was clear he was alarmed. “How did this happen?”

I pointed toward the stage.

It wasn’t too late. If I could just sing.

My dad shook his head. “Come. We are going to the hospital right now. They’ll sort out this temporary issue and you’ll be singing again.”

Singing? I couldn’t even talk.

Just then, my stepmother, Grace, and my stepsister, Amara, rushed to me. Grace spoke first.

“Oh Reina, dear… what is wrong, honey? You can’t speak?”

I quickly nodded my head.

“We are taking her to the hospital right now,” my dad said, pulling me forward as we headed to the car. People stared at me as we passed.

“Let me drive,” Grace said, snatching the keys from his hand.

“Don’t worry. Everything will be sorted out, honey. And besides, even if you don’t get to speak again, Amara here will continue on your behalf. I mean, you both are sisters. It’s almost the same thing.”

“What do you mean, Grace? What do you mean she won’t get to speak again? She will! This is just temporary. She probably stressed her vocal cords with too much practice,” my dad yelled.

“Yeah… yeah. You’re right,” she replied in what sounded like sarcasm.

I closed my eyes tightly, wishing this was all a bad dream.

I felt Amara hold my hand to calm me, but I didn’t even look at her.

After a while, I opened my eyes and saw Grace swerve the car directly in front of a big truck moving at high speed.

I tried to scream, but nothing came out.

I looked at my dad. He was glued to his phone, his mouth tight, probably reading the headlines about what happened earlier.

As I tried to tap him, frightened, the truck hit our car.

I could swear I heard my stepmother chuckle.

Everything went dark.

When I woke up, I was in the hospital.

My voice was no different from before.

I was done for.

I looked around for Grace and Amara. Did they survive?

Suddenly, the door opened and Grace walked in.

Unharmed.

What?

Realization hit me.

“Oh well… I guess your mother meant it when she said she was going to watch over you. But not enough to save your voice,” she snickered.

It was her.

“As for your father, he lost his legs.”

I flinched, my eyes filling with tears.

“But don’t worry. I’ll take care of him. I meant it when I said I love him. All I need is you out of the picture so my daughter can take over your spotlight. She sings as well, you know?” she grinned, stepping closer to me.

“This was the only option I had, my ex-talented daughter.”

She was laughing now.

And that was when I noticed the syringe in her hand.