Chapter 1

Lira's POV

"Look, the lumberjack's daughter is here," a shrill voice sneered loudly. "Wearing that DISCOUNT dress, thinking she fits into Connor's world."

"God, did she do her hair in her bathroom?" another girl snickered.

"Those shoes are KNOCKOFFS," a third chimed in. "Look at that cheap stitching."

Their laughter sliced into me like knives. My fingers gripped my glass, knuckles white, my smile faltering as I shattered inside. Why did I come to this DAMN party? I don't belong here. I never have.

I moved through Connor's lavish living room, every eye judging me like I was defective. I've never been good enough—not for this world, not for Connor. Three years of trying, and they'll never accept me.

"Those plastic-faced bitches at it again?" Sophie appeared, shoving a drink into my hand, her blonde hair cascading as she glared around. "Hey, Michelle! That dress makes your ass look HUGE—don't sit on the white couch, it might CRY!"

The laughter froze. Michelle turned red.

"Sophie..." I whispered, gratitude washing over me.

"They deserve it," Sophie shrugged. "Your prince is over there whispering to Vanessa instead of looking after you."

I followed her gaze. Connor was across the room with Vanessa, their faces close, his hand brushing her arm as she leaned into him. A sour feeling twisted my stomach.

"They're… good friends," I mumbled, avoiding Sophie's piercing gaze.

Sophie sighed, finally saying, "Fine, we won't talk about it." She pulled me to a corner, her voice turning excited, "Listen, I have amazing news. Nathan Hayes is teaching at our school next semester!"

My heart skipped a beat. "The legendary composer?"

"Exactly!" Sophie squeezed my hand excitedly. "He's offering an advanced music course, only accepting fifteen students, but you need to submit a recording for selection. Lira, you have to apply. This is your chance!"

Oh my God! Nathan Hayes. Just his name sent a thrill through me. He was almost mythical in the classical music world—a brilliant composer who never performed publicly, never gave interviews, and was rarely even photographed. His compositions were played by the world's finest orchestras, but the man himself remained a complete enigma. And now he was coming to our school?

I bit my lip, feeling terribly conflicted. This was the opportunity I'd been waiting for, but what would Connor think? He's always said my violin should just be a hobby.

Every time I mention wanting to pursue music professionally, Connor gets that disappointed look. I don't want to disappoint him again, but this is Nathan Hayes! The outstanding musical genius!

"I don't know, Sophie. Connor thinks I should—"

"Thinks you should what?" Connor's voice suddenly came from behind as his arm snaked around my waist, forcefully pulling me against him. I could smell alcohol on him and an unfamiliar perfume—Vanessa's perfume. My stomach tightened.

Connor was tall with broad shoulders, his brown hair perfectly styled, green eyes always carrying that born-with-it confidence.

He frowned down at me, and I swallowed hard. "Just saying Nathan Hayes is coming to teach at school," I said quietly, instantly feeling like I'd shrunk back into a timid little girl. "I was thinking—"

"The violin thing again?" Connor cut me off, his tone impatient. "Lira, darling, didn't we agree on this? After the semester ends, you need to think about something practical. My dad's already arranged a marketing internship for you at the company."

I felt a dull ache in my chest. No, we didn't agree. You decided my future for me. You never really asked what I wanted.

"Connor, I never agreed to give up the violin," I struggled to keep my voice steady. "It's my dream, my talent."

Annoyance flashed in his eyes, quickly masked by a fake smile. "Dreams don't pay bills, baby. Look at your dad, spending his life at the lumber yard. Is that the kind of life you want?"

His words hit a sore spot. How dare he talk about my dad like that?

"Don't you dare bring up my father!" My voice suddenly rose, causing several nearby guests to turn and look at us.

The rage in my chest burned like a hot iron, each breath tinged with pain. I clenched my fists tightly, nails digging into my palms, the slight pain somehow keeping me focused.

"He may be a lumberjack, but at least he never belittled my dreams!" My voice trembled with emotion. "He even taught me my first violin piece."

Connor's eyes narrowed, his fake smile completely gone. He grabbed my arm, his grip painfully tight. "You're embarrassing me at my birthday party?" he hissed through clenched teeth.

"Let go of me!" I wrenched myself free from his control. "Who the hell do you think you are to look down on my dad? Just because he works with his hands to support us? At least he respects my choices, unlike you, who treats me like your damn accessory!"

My voice shook, eyes burning. I could feel more people turning to watch us, but I didn't care anymore. Three years of bottled frustration and suppression burst through my control like a breaking dam.

Sophie immediately stepped forward. "Let go of her, Connor."

"Back off, Sophie. This is between us." Connor didn't even glance at her.

I yanked my arm away, my heart pounding like a drum, yet my voice was surprisingly steady: "You chose to have this conversation at your party. Since we're here, I'll make it clear—I'm not giving up the violin. Ever!"

Connor's expression turned ice-cold. "You'll regret saying that, Lira. Without me, you're nothing."

"I'd rather be myself than your accessory!" I shouted, spinning around and striding away.

"Don't play this game with me!" Connor roared behind me. "Who do you think would want a girl from the lumber camps with no background, no connections? You think Nathan Hayes would look twice at your pathetic playing without me?"

I didn't look back, just pushed through the crowd and fled the scene, my heart pounding, eyes burning. Shit! What did I just say? What did I just do? Did I just destroy a three-year relationship?

---

Twenty minutes later, I stood on the balcony, staring into the black night sky. My anger had subsided, replaced by a deep exhaustion and sense of loss. I overreacted. Connor's just worried about my future, just looking out for me. He might be controlling, but he's always given me security and stability. Without him, who could I rely on in this city?

I took a deep breath, running my fingers through my hair. I should find him and apologize. At the very least, I shouldn't have argued with him publicly at his birthday party. We can discuss this privately.

My heart hammered in my chest, palms sweating again. What if he doesn't want to forgive me? Fear gripped my heart like an icy hand. No, Connor wouldn't do that. He loves me. He'll understand I was just too emotional.

That thought gave me courage. I applied a fresh coat of lipstick, adjusted my hair and clothes, hoping to look pretty enough to help his anger dissipate faster.

I moved through the conversing crowd, past the dance floor, searching for Connor. People glanced at me with curious and even smirking looks—clearly, our argument had become party gossip. God, I made Connor look bad at his own party. He must hate me.

I quickened my pace, my heart beating faster until I finally spotted a familiar silhouette near the piano in the back corner. Connor was standing there, but he wasn't alone.

I almost instinctively turned to leave but stopped when I heard my name.

"...Lira's just a burden," Connor's voice carried over, contemptuous and casual. "Do you know how embarrassing it is dating a lumberjack's daughter who thinks she's some violin prodigy?"