Chapter 8

• Lily:
• I noticed the disbelief etched across Mia’s face, and I could tell she was trying to process what I had just said. I kept my tone calm and polite as I addressed her. “Miss Mia, I understand this might sound unbelievable, but I ask you to hear me out first.”
• Mia looked at me, unsure of how to respond. After a moment, she nodded vigorously, her curiosity clearly piqued.
• I continued, my voice steady and confident. “I am the eldest daughter of the Miller Family. In that movie, I stepped in and performed in place of Rose. This is the truth.”
• Her eyes widened as she processed what I’d said. I could see the wheels turning in her mind, trying to make sense of it all. She looked at me like a journalist uncovering a scandal, and the excitement was growing in her gaze. “You’re saying you’re her elder sister? Then why has there never been any mention of you?”
• I sighed softly, my expression thoughtful as I explained, “Because my identity was deliberately kept hidden.”
• “Oh…” Mia nodded slowly, as if the idea was starting to make sense. But I could tell the doubt still lingered in her mind. What if I was just making it all up?
• She pressed further, her curiosity pushing her forward. “Then why reveal yourself now? Why not work for the same company as your sister? Why sign with Marvellous Universe instead?”
• My expression darkened slightly, and I couldn’t quite hide the weight of the situation. “It’s… complicated,” I replied.
• Mia offered me a small smile, her mind clearly still running at full speed. “You do realize that by signing with us, you’ll be competing against your sister?”
• I gave her a firm nod, and for a brief moment, something intense flashed in my eyes—maybe it was hatred, maybe something else. It was so quick that I wasn’t sure she’d caught it, but when I looked at Mia, I saw her eyes narrow slightly, as if she had. I couldn’t help but wonder what she was thinking now.
• That look, though fleeting, convinced Mia I wasn’t lying. But still, so many questions must have crowded her mind. Why had my existence been concealed? Why did no one know about me? And why had I performed in Rose’s place?
• As Mia pondered visibly, I could almost see the pieces starting to fit together in her mind. She was smart, and I could tell she was making the connections. I had to admire her ability to see the bigger picture, and I noticed the realization crossing her face. I could tell she was recalling Rose’s features—her body shape, her height. If I had disguised myself as Rose, it made sense that I could easily pass for my younger sister.
• With growing certainty, Mia seemed to conclude that I was genuine. Her mind was likely already spinning with the possibilities. She was probably seeing this as an incredible opportunity for the company.
• Leaning forward slightly, Mia’s curiosity was obvious when she asked, “Miss Lilly, your identity has been hidden until now, and I’m sure there must be a reason for that. Why reveal yourself now?”
• I smiled calmly, keeping my expression composed. “Miss Mia, it’s time for a change.”
• She frowned, puzzled by my vague response, but returned the smile politely. “Well, Miss Lilly, it would be wonderful to work with you. You can visit the company tomorrow, and I’ll assist you in signing a contract and assigning you the best manager.”
• To her surprise, I shook my head. “Miss Mia, I’d like you to be my manager.”
• Mia froze, caught off guard by my request. After a moment of hesitation, she replied, “Miss Lily, I’d be honored to manage you, but I’m afraid it’s not possible right now. I’m dealing with some personal challenges, and I wouldn’t be able to give you the attention you deserve. Don’t worry, though. I’ll make sure you get the best manager available.”
• I smiled knowingly, reaching into my bag to pull out a stack of papers. I placed them on the table in front of her. “Perhaps this will help with your situation.”
• Mia looked at the documents, her confusion evident, before she picked them up and began reading. As she flipped through the pages, her expression shifted from confusion to astonishment. Finally, she looked back at me, her eyes narrowing. “How… how do you know about this?”
• I remained calm, my expression unwavering. “The question isn’t how I know, Miss Mia. The question is whether this solves your problem. Rest assured, I have no ill intentions toward you.”
• Her grip on the papers tightened, and I could see the realization dawning on her. This could be the solution she had been desperately searching for. After weighing the benefits against the risks, she took a deep breath and nodded.
• “In that case,” she said, her voice steady, “it would be my pleasure to take you on as my artist.”
• I extended my hand with a gracious smile. “Thank you, Sister Mia.”
• The unexpected address made Mia chuckle, and I could see the surprise in her eyes. “Alright then, come to Marvellous Universe tomorrow. We’ll finalize your contract.”
• We exchanged a few more words, the conversation light and cordial, before we parted ways. As I walked away from the café, a surge of satisfaction washed over me. I had successfully convinced Mia to be my manager—a key step in my plan.
• In my previous life, I had heard about Mia’s stellar reputation as a top-tier manager. Unfortunately, her career had been held back by family troubles. But now, I saw this as an opportunity—not only to help Mia regain her place in the industry but also to advance my own goals.
• As I strolled down the street, a sly smile crept across my face. Signing with Marvellous Universe wasn’t just a career move for me; it was the first step in my plan to dismantle Rose’s carefully constructed life. The thought of my sister’s reaction—and the reaction of the so-called “family”—filled me with a deep sense of vindictive satisfaction.