My Great Escape Led Me to You novel Chapter 187

Elizabeth clapped her hands together. “I’ve got it! This is what they call wise beyond your years—your soul is just so—”

Emily looked up and burst out laughing. “What are you doing? You sound so serious all of a sudden.”

Elizabeth started to say something else, but Emily waved her off. “Alright, enough. Class is about to start. Don’t be such a chatterbox.”

Even though the rumors had been put to rest, there was no way the barbecue stand’s business wouldn’t take a hit—it was inevitable. Still, customers continued to show up in droves, and Elizabeth was satisfied with how things turned out.

A week before the Starlight Piano Competition, the organizers released the list of contestants. Emily’s name was at the very end, tucked away in the last row.

Elizabeth understood just how much this competition meant to Emily. She’d told her to skip helping out at the stand unless it was absolutely necessary—to focus on preparing for the big day.

Once the contestant list went public, online discussions picked up steam. Most of the chatter centered around Isabella Austin’s participation.

Whenever Isabella entered a competition, she was the talk of the town. It wasn’t just her reputation as a piano prodigy; ever since she’d started competing, she’d never once placed below the top three—and even third place was a rare occurrence.

No sooner had the contestant list been announced than the internet was abuzz with polls and speculation about who would take home the trophy.

It was no contest: Isabella Austin was the overwhelming favorite to win, with votes far outpacing the rest of the field.

Emily scrolled down, finally spotting her name at the bottom. Next to it was a pitifully small number—less than ten votes. Most contestants had at least a few dozen. Her count was utterly dismal in comparison.

Expression unreadable, Emily slipped her phone into her bag. She rested both hands on the piano keys and pressed down, letting the music flow.

A familiar melody filled the small practice room.

Emily closed her eyes.

She knew this piece so well it was practically in her bones; she didn’t even have to think. All she had to do was close her eyes, let her fingers find the keys, and the music would emerge.

The tune was bold yet bittersweet, brimming with both compassion and fury.

This was what Vivian Martin’s “Desire” was meant to be.

Not the hollow imitation that Isabella Austin had made famous.

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