Since Maeve had replaced all her old equipment, she was confident this time. The thief wouldn't get her music again. With Becky by her side in the studio, she poured her heart into a brand-new song for the upcoming competition.
Becky sat curled on the sofa, red headphones covering her ears, her eyes glued to Maeve as every note rolled out of her mouth.
The competition was Velmora's annual competition. One of the biggest singing competition in the world, were record labels birth their artist from. And it was just a week away. Winning it would launch her career into a whole new league. And Maeve was ready, just as she had been in the past.
"I stand tall, I shine bright,
Fear won't steal my light tonight.
Every step, I own the ground,
Confidence is what I've found..."
Clap! Clap!
Becky jumped to her feet, clapping so hard till her palms turned red. It was worth it. Maeve was truly a star, she was seeing the birth of a new icon. "Hurray! Woohoo!" she cheered, her smile wide with pride.
Maeve grinned back. Becky had been her number one fan from the beginning. Unlike Ama, her best friend, she hadn't known her since childhood, but Becky had proven trustworthy. She cheered Maeve when she was down and supported her even in her worst moments.
"What do you think?" Maeve asked, setting the mic aside.
"Beautiful," Becky said, her eyes shining. "You're truly gifted, Miss Maeve. Not only do you have the most beautiful voice, you're also a brilliant songwriter."
"I'm telling you, even if you decide not to sing anymore, you can write good songs for huge amount of money."
Maeve laughed softly. "Stop flattering me, Beck."
But then her smile faded. "This time, that plagiarist won't be able to steal from me," she muttered calmly.
Becky tilted her head. "Are you really serious about her stealing your music?"
Maeve nodded firmly. The thief hadn't stopped in the past, and Fred had done nothing about it. He had rather asked her to step aside for the woman to shine.
He made everyone online call Maeve old, even though she had only been 28 back then. Most people get to their breakthrough years at even 35 so why was hers different.
"But how is that even possible?" Becky whispered, more to herself than to Maeve. Then she forced a smile. "Maybe it was just coincidence. One song doesn't make her a plagiarist. I've seen artists release similar tracks before. Let's see if she does it again."
If only she knew. Maeve had lived this life once already. She knew what was coming. The woman's face remained hidden, her methods a mystery, but she always found a way.
"Hm." Was all Maeve could manage.
She had emptied her studio, changed every piece of equipment, and recorded under tighter security. There was no way the thief could steal from her again.
"I'll keep an eye on her too," came Becky's words.
"We'll know soon enough if she's really after your songs."
"Even if her true identity is hidden from the world, it cannot be hidden from her label mates."
"There's no need. She won't get another chance," Maeve replied with more confidence than she truly felt.
Becky glanced at her cellphone. "Oh… there's a message of silver Crown's gc. They're talking about the new artist just dropping a new song. Mr. Orchard is already pushing her toward an album release?" Becky said with a frown.
"She hasn't even debuted yet, how is she getting such big opportunities before you?" she muttered.
Maeve's chest tightened. She was a little jealous. Becky was right, she should have released her debut album by now, but she had been too focused on being Fred's wife.
She quickly took her phone. "Let me hear it," she said curiously, wanting to see if the girl could sing without stealing from her.
And as she pressed play...
The girl's voice flowed through the speakers. "This song is really special to me. For days, I've seen all your love and hate messages online, and I just want to say... I love you all."
Then came the melody. The beat sounded familiar. It was the very song Maeve had sang this morning.
"I walk in the room," she started singing.
Head held high,
No more shadows, I touch the sky.
Every scar just makes me strong,
This is my place, I belong...
Maeve's stomach dropped. It was her song.
The girl sang the exact words Maeve had just finished recording minutes ago.
(Chorus)
I stand tall, I shine bright,
Fear won't steal my light tonight.
Every step, I own the ground,
Confidence is what I've found...
Becky froze, her jaw falling open. "Miss Maeve… why does it sound like you? Why does her voice sound so much like yours?"
Maeve swallowed hard, shaking her head. "That's not me, Becky. That's her. She's stolen my song again."
Becky pressed both hands to her head, stunned. "But how? You locked the doors, you changed everything, how is she this fast?"
Even Maeve had no answer.
The live stream was filled with praises and congratulations as the faceless new artist was crowned the rising star of Velmora. Fans compared her voice to Maeve's, saying she was better, brighter, stronger. A few loyal ones defended Maeve, but their voices drowned in the sea of applause.
Becky began pacing around the room. "This isn't normal. There must be a hidden camera somewhere, or something. But even then, how is she releasing your songs the exact same moment you record them?"
Maeve said nothing. Her mind spun in circles, confusion pressing down on her.
Finally, Becky stopped pacing. "Miss Maeve, maybe it's another coincidence. Why don't you try recording something else right now? If she releases that too, then we'll know for sure."
Maeve reached for the mic, determined to prove it. But just as she lifted it to her lips, a sharp knock echoed against the studio door.
Becky went to check.
And when she opened it, there stood Ama.
Her eyes locked on Maeve like sharpened steel.
"Maeve Marlene Davis!" she snapped.