The Instrument Surprise

Elizabeth had her entire future planned: a perfect proposal to Alex on Valentine’s Day, followed by a dream getaway to the Maldives. But her carefully crafted fantasy shatters when she catches Alex, her longtime boyfriend, in the arms of his assistant. Heartbroken and furious, Elizabeth storms out, only to make a spur-of-the-moment decision that changes her life forever. In her desperation to prove she’s moved on, she impulsively slips her engagement ring onto a stranger’s finger—Simeon, a charismatic and mysterious man who unexpectedly says, “I do.” As their whirlwind fake marriage begins, Elizabeth soon discovers Simeon isn’t just any stranger—he’s Alex’s boss. Now, she’s caught in a storm of emotions, power plays, and unexpected feelings. While Simeon’s charm pulls her in, Alex isn’t ready to let her go, leading to a battle of love, loyalty, and redemption. Can Elizabeth untangle the mess of her broken heart and impulsive choices? Or will her impromptu marriage to Simeon turn into something more real than she ever imagined?

After my year-end bonus came in, I immediately transferred 10,000 dollars to my husband to buy New Year’s gifts for both our parents. I even told him to get the very best, especially that case of whisky for my father. On New Year’s Eve, I rushed home to have dinner with my parents. However, at the table that night, Dad, who had always loved his drinks, was sipping tea instead. I was confused. “Dad, it’s the holidays. Why didn't you bring out the liquor?” I smiled as I rose to my feet to grab the case. “Kevin went out of his way to get this. I heard it tastes amazing.” “Don’t touch it!” Dad slammed his teacup against the floor. His face was flushed dark red. “Zeena, don’t send this stuff anymore. I know it’s not easy for you to make money in the city. But even if our Collins family is poor, we still have our pride! People in the village are talking behind my back, saying I’m putting on airs!” I was completely stunned. I opened the bottle and took a sip, then froze for a moment. This was not whisky at all. It was just plain water.

Athena, a gifted pianist, loses everything after a mysterious accident robs her of the use of her hand. As she struggles to rebuild her life, dark secrets about her husband Leon and her best friend Crystal come to light—their betrayal runs deeper than she ever imagined. With the help of Arthur, a mysterious man with a vendetta, Athena devises a plan to expose their deceit. But as they work together, the lines between trust and suspicion blur, leaving Athena wondering: is Arthur truly her ally, or does he have ulterior motives? As their game reaches its peak, will Athena find justice, or will she become ensnared in an even darker web of betrayal?

My junior accidentally broke the most expensive piece of equipment in the lab and asked me to help fix it. I had just started touching the instrument when she suddenly stepped back, tears brimming, and said, "Michelle, I can't take responsibility for this. I really can't afford it." Before I could even process her words, Nicky Hardy—the unattainable crush I had chased for three years—rushed in and shielded her behind him. Then he turned to me with a glare that could freeze fire. "Michelle, don't go too far. You can't expect her to take the fall for you." I stared at him, dumbfounded. "You know full well I was shoved into this research group. I don't understand any of this stuff. How could I do the experiments on my own?" His eyes grew colder, dripping with disdain. "I've been saying it—what can a nepo baby actually accomplish? And now the equipment's ruined, and you still have the nerve to push the blame onto Elizabeth?" I opened my mouth to argue, but then I caught a flicker of triumph across Elizabeth Horwitz's face in Nicky's arms. That was when it clicked. They only knew I got in through connections—they had no idea I'd financed this very equipment myself. They wanted to play their petty power games over a piece of lab equipment worth over ten million? Interesting.

I may come off as spoiled, but I can tell you now that I'm far from it. Coming from a theatrical family doesn't help my case though, music was basically drilled into my brain. I'm sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Celesta. And I'm cursed… Cursed with a colorless soul. How will I ever get it out of me? I can tell you now that it wasn't easy, but somehow I managed to get through it… with the help of my Muse.

Tennessee is one of the music meccas of the United States. Different musicians were born in this city, but this is not a musical story; it is a scary story or a horrible story.