Back at my table after another performance, I feel a delicate hand on my shoulder, making me jump.

"Oh, I'm sorry I startled you, that wasn't my intention."

I turn around to find her standing before me, wearing that beautiful smile that irritates me so much I want to turn it into the Joker's grin.

"It's alright," I reply as courteously as possible.

"Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Paola and I'm a huge fan. I'd love to get to know you better."

"Oh... Uh... that's kind of you," I say, glancing around for an empty seat at my table. "But I believe all the seats are taken, unfortunately," I add with feigned regret.

"Oh, it's not a problem. Come to my table, we have an open seat; my neighbor went out for a smoke."

Before I can respond, she grabs my hand and leads me to her table. Once we arrive, I stand there, dumbfounded, in front of Ezio, Raphaël, Isabella, and an unfamiliar man.

"Dear friends, allow me to introduce the talented May Torre !" she says, as enthusiastic as a child on Christmas morning.

"May, a pleasure to meet you; of course, everyone knows you," Isabella says sarcastically.

"I'd like to say the same for you...?"

"Isabella," she introduces herself with disdain.

I give her a false smile. Paola sits down and gestures for me to do the same.

"I won't stay long, no need to..."

"Oh, but please stay, I'd love to talk with you. Here, have a drink with us," she interrupts, handing me a glass of wine.

I comply, not wanting to seem rude and curious about what this conversation might reveal.

"Let me introduce you to my boyfriend Ezio..."

Her words nearly make me choke on the wine. I cough uncontrollably, and the unfamiliar man tries to pat my back, but I stop him with a hand.

"No, it's fine, thank you, I'm okay now."

"Are you alright ?"

"Yes, yes, I just don't know how to drink properly. But go on," I reply weakly, my eyes red from choking.

"So, as I was saying, my boyfriend Ezio, his father Raphaël, his fiancée Isabella, and Isabella's bodyguard, Ricardo."

I barely glance at them, feeling only contempt.

"Nice to meet everyone," I lie, displaying a hypocritical smile.

I cast a quick glance at Ezio, whose eyes remain fixed on an invisible point.

"I've been dreaming of meeting you for so long! We're so lucky to have you with us! Especially after what happened to you. Do you know why you were attacked ?"

I sense Ezio and Raphaël tensing around the table.

"I don't think Miss May wants to talk about that," Raphael interrupts, glaring at me.

I hold his gaze, smirking.

"It was two brothers from the..."

Suddenly, Raphaël slams his fist on the table, then composes himself, realizing his unjustified outburst in Paola's eyes.

"Sorry, I don't know what came over me," Raphaël apologizes, forcing a dumb smile.

I continue to stare at him before turning my attention back to Paola.

"It was two brothers who didn't like being rejected by my friend and me."

I feel Raphaël relax slightly, but Ezio's jaw remains clenched.

"Oh, men and their egos, all the same. But we don't know who saved you; do you know ?"

I catch Ezio's narrowed eyes, silently warning, "Don't even think about it."

I clear my throat before speaking.

"It was my cousin. Luckily, he knew I was out with my friend, so he came to find me when he saw I hadn't returned despite the late hour."

"How fortunate to have a man by your side who takes care of you. I have the same luck; being with Ezio is my greatest pride."

"Ah, I imagine. A man of value, honest, sincere; it must be extraordinary," I list, each word like a poisoned arrow aimed at his heart.

"You describe him perfectly; it's like you know him. But you forgot to mention that he's a beast in bed and kisses like a god," she giggles like a teenager, looking at him.

Her words make me grip the tablecloth tightly and clench my jaw, feeling my heart blaze and then shatter. I swallow the rising tears.

"You seem very much in love. How long have you been together ?" I ask, trying to stay calm.

"A few days," Ezio quickly responds coldly.

I glare at him, and he holds my gaze before I refocus on Paola.

"I know it feels like the first day between us, but you're mistaken, darling. It's been almost a month already."

Having finished my glass, I down the one in front of me.

"Uh, that was my neighbor's," Paola notes, wide-eyed.

"It's fine, I'll pay for the bottle if necessary."

I watch furiously as Ezio tenses, looking increasingly uncomfortable. My breathing becomes erratic, and my pulse quickens, fueling the rage on the verge of explosion.

Suddenly, I feel a hand on my shoulder, making me start slightly.

"May, it's your turn in 2 minutes," the organizer whispers in my ear.

I nod and stand up, trying to gather my emotions.

"I wish you a good evening and lots of happiness."

I flash them a fake smile, then turn away, letting the smile drop as I head towards the backstage area.

I drink some water and focus on my breathing to calm myself. The moment arrives to go on stage. I clear my mind, focusing solely on my song; it's the last one, and it's up to me to bring it to life and enjoy the moment.

Once finished, I leave the hall for the terrace, where I fill my lungs with fresh air. Leaning on the railing with my palms, I hear that voice I desperately want to escape from again.

"May, excuse me."

I turn to face her, forcing a smile.

"I wanted to sincerely thank you because, despite your fame, you remain grounded and very approachable. It's a rare quality these days. And I truly aspire to be like you once I achieve your level of celebrity."

I furrow my brows.

"Sorry, but I don't quite follow. You want to become a singer ?"

"Oh no, not at all. I have no talent for singing; I sound awful, she laughs. However, I believe I'll have your level of fame once I marry Ezio. Given his popularity and status as a sought-after bachelor, I think I'll experience the same being by his side."

Her words hit me like a truck, leaving me speechless. I feel my heart shatter into a thousand pieces, turning to dust in my stomach. Ezio joins us then, placing his hand on the small of Paola's back.

"It's late, let's go. The gala is over."

She nods and then looks at me before adding:

"It was a pleasure, May. I hope we can meet again someday."

Mute, I smile in response, still in shock from what I've just learned. Ezio must notice because he hesitates for a few seconds before leaving with Paola on his arm. Once alone, I turn back to the railing and burst into tears, releasing all the pressure I had been holding in until now.