"Margaret, say something! Anything! Don't just sit there in silence!"
Leon, my boyfriend and manager, urged me frantically through my earpiece from backstage.
He had been one of the few people who 'believed' in me. In my previous life, after my downfall, he had shown me infinite 'support' and even offered to help me investigate.
"Since Betty believes I stole your demo, how about we improvise a new track right now, live on the DJ decks?"
I looked at Betty and spoke slowly.
She was visibly stunned by my words, and the crowd around us sneered in disdain.
"Has this bitch lost her mind? Is she implying Betty copied her?"
"She's completely delusional. Betty is a Berklee-certified genius. Her professors called her a once-in-a-generation talent. How dare a plagiarizing piece of trash like her even question Betty?"
Betty gave me a strange look. She seemed conflicted for a moment before letting out a sigh and nodding.
"Margaret, I know you're just as talented as I am. You've just lost your way."
"So, I'm willing to give you another chance. You have to perform well this time, and don't copy my work again, okay, sweetie?"
Betty's blue eyes seemed to flirt with everyone she looked at.
But her gaze just made me sick.
"Oh my God, Betty is an absolute angel. How can she be so perfect?"
"Margaret, if you have any shame, get the hell out of here!"
"I really don't know how your parents raised a piece of social trash like you. Aren't you ashamed of yourself?"
The audience was already starting to lose control.
I remained silent, waiting for the organizers' instructions.
Of course, the organizers were more than happy to support this kind of dramatic conflict that would send ratings through the roof. They quickly arranged everything.
"The theme for this round is 'Hope,' and you have twenty minutes. Time is tight, folks, but that's what makes it a true test of skill."
The host's words sent the crowd into a frenzy.
This kind of thrilling, impromptu showdown was incredibly eye-catching, and countless people started placing bets on the outcome.
"Twenty minutes? Margaret won't even have time to plagiarize, will she?"
"Let's see how she fakes her way through this one. Can't she have a little self-awareness and just get lost?"
Almost no one in the audience believed in me.
Just then, my boyfriend, Leon, appeared by my side, cheering me on.
"You can do this, Margaret. Don't be nervous. This is the perfect opportunity to prove yourself!"
Leon cheered me on, his expression completely serious.
I smiled and nodded. His voice always had a way of calming me down instantly.
As the host announced the start, I opened Ableton Live to begin sampling and arranging. Across from me, Betty also started working, completely unruffled.
The minutes and seconds ticked by. Just before the submission deadline, I closed the track I had just created and submitted a different file instead.
I refused to believe it. How could Betty possibly end up with the same track as me this time?
“Alright, we've received submissions from both contestants. And now, let's listen to Betty's original track—'Neon Dreams'!”
As the host’s voice rang out, my heart dropped.
I jerked my head up to look at Betty.
A cold smirk was playing on her lips, and her eyes, filled with derision, were fixed on me!
When that painfully familiar melody filled the venue, I was reeling in confusion.
How did Betty get my file again?
