Part 11
Ethan was running out of ways to win.
Every headline still favored Adrian Lee.
Every song Ethan released only reminded people who had done it first.
He told himself it wasn't jealousy—it was justice.
The world had crowned Adrian untouchable, and Ethan wanted to prove he bled like everyone else.
When the World Music Festival announced they would share a stage, Ethan saw his chance.
He whispered a few things to the stage crew, made small "adjustments" to the effects—just enough to throw Adrian off, to make him stumble in front of millions.
A spark timed a second too early. A wire left loose. Nothing lethal, just chaos.
But fate didn't cooperate.
During Adrian's live performance, the faulty rig misfired early—while Ethan was still nearby, watching from the wings.
A flash burst from the ceiling, showering sparks across the edge of the stage.
Security rushed forward. Adrian shielded a nearby dancer, pulling her clear of the sparks.
The crowd screamed, then cheered when they saw he was unhurt.
Ethan felt his throat close.
His own setup had betrayed him—and instead of ruining Adrian, it had made him look heroic.
Backstage later, reporters surrounded Adrian, praising his quick reaction.
Ethan stood in the shadows, listening.
His fingers trembled, not from guilt, but from disbelief.
Even a near disaster had turned into another reason for the world to love Adrian Lee.
When the corridors finally emptied, Ethan punched the wall hard enough to bleed.
He stared at the red streak on his knuckles, whispering,
"Why won't you ever fall?"