Chapter 8

But just as quickly, his clenched hand relaxed.

The intense emotion that had momentarily surged across his face rapidly dissipated, as if nothing had happened.

Before I could fall, my teacher, with lightning-fast reflexes, reached out and steadied me.

My teacher knew all about my family affairs.

She recognized Chloe, and couldn't help but curse under her breath.

Her tone was utterly disgusted: "How did *she* end up here?"

I forced myself to stand steady, to calm down.

Then I replied, "She must be… with Adrian now."

My teacher quickly put it together: "The one photographed at the airport yesterday, that was her?"

I nodded.

My teacher’s expression grew even gloomier: "What a coincidence. This Adrian, is he trying to spite you on purpose?"

I quietly denied it: "I don't think so."

Not only had Adrian and I broken up years ago, but he had no reason to waste his time trying to annoy me now.

Besides, he had no idea about my family situation, he didn’t know my family.

I had a bad feeling that Chloe would stir up trouble for me.

Sure enough, that afternoon, while I was practicing violin in the cast lounge.

Director Miller came to find me, with Chloe in tow, looking clearly uncomfortable.

As they entered, Adrian stood in the doorway of the lounge, watching me with a smirk that wasn't quite a smile.

His expression even held a hint of schadenfreude.

Director Miller hesitated, then started: "Um, Iris…"

"Ms. Chloe Clarke says she discussed it with you.

"She says the scene where you play the violin in the church… you agreed she’d perform it instead? Is that right?"

Chloe didn’t even wait for my response, smiling brightly: "Yes, I’ll play the piano instead.

"A piano performance in the church would have an even better atmosphere, don't you think?"

I cut her off directly: "She never discussed switching roles with me."

Director Miller’s face immediately turned awkward.

From the doorway, Adrian’s voice, laced with coldness, drifted in: "Well, she’s telling you now."