Samantha stood in front of them, arms folded as she scanned the room. "All of you did well," she began. "However, some of you are still too slow in rap, and some of your vocals are not strong enough."
The room grew quiet instantly.
"I will now call out those who performed best in rap," she continued, glancing at her list. "Kaden and Hazel… Sam and Daisy… Xavier and Becky… Sebastian and Angel… Jack and Stella."
Those named straightened proudly while others lowered their heads slightly.
"For vocals," she went on, "Dior and Mia… Jack and Stella… Xavier and Becky… John and Bell… Rose and James… Peter and Mika… Jose and Zendaya… Bella and Alexander… and Hazel and Kaden."
She paused, then smiled faintly. "Those of you who did not hear your names in either category need to work harder."
"Yes, ma'am," they all responded in unison.
"Now," Samantha continued, "I will be announcing the main positions."
At that moment, Hazel and Dior instinctively crossed their fingers. Everyone knew how important these roles were—especially the main lead, who would always stand at the center during performances, photoshoots, and promotions.
"The main lead is… Jack and Zendaya."
Both stood up immediately and bowed, smiling proudly.
"The main vocalists are… Dior and Stella."
Dior stood up, her face lighting up with excitement as she bowed.
"The main rappers are… Kaden and Hazel."
Hazel froze for a second before standing up slowly. She bowed, still processing it.
"And finally, the main dancers… Hazel, Jack, Mia, and Kaden."
Hazel's eyes widened in disbelief. She quickly covered her mouth, overwhelmed. She had made it into both rap and dance.
The room filled with applause.
She sat back down, heart racing.
These positions meant everything. The main vocalists and rappers would lead the songs, while the main dancers would take center stage during key moments.
Samantha clapped once. "You all have one and a half hours for lunch. Practice resumes after that."
With that, she walked out.
Dior immediately turned to Hazel, smiling brightly. "Congratulations, Hazel!"
"Thanks… and congratulations to you too," Hazel replied warmly.
"Congratulations, Kaden," Mia said, walking over.
Kaden ignored her completely and walked straight to Hazel and Dior. "Congratulations to both of you."
"Thanks," they both replied.
He hesitated slightly before speaking again. "Do you guys want to grab something to eat? There's a restaurant next door."
Dior glanced at Hazel. "Sure, let's go."
Hazel nodded. "Okay."
As they started walking, Hazel couldn't help but feel something off.
Why do I feel like a third wheel? she thought quietly.
Just then, Dior stopped. "You guys go ahead. I need to make a phone call."
"Alright," Hazel said.
As soon as they left, Dior brought out her phone and dialed Damian's number.
He picked up almost immediately.
"Hi, it's Dior."
"Dior," he replied, his tone calm. "How are you?"
"I'm good…"
"I don't want to talk on the phone," he interrupted. "Meet me at Café Luxury."
Before she could respond, the call ended.
Dior stared at her phone for a second.
"…I should just go see him quickly and come back," she muttered.
She set an alarm for one hour and five minutes, then sent Hazel a message.
I won't be joining you. I have somewhere to go. I'll be back.
Hazel replied almost instantly.
Okay, babe.
Hazel's POV
Hazel sat across from Kaden at the restaurant, placing her order as her phone vibrated. She glanced at the message and sighed lightly.
"She said she won't be coming," Hazel said.
Kaden nodded, though something in his expression shifted slightly.
There was a brief silence before he spoke again. "How's your uncle doing at the hospital?"
Hazel's expression didn't change. "He's… alive. But the doctor said he won't be able to walk or talk again."
Kaden frowned. "Did they find who did it?"
She shook her head. "No. He can't speak, can't move… there's no evidence. No fingerprints, no clues. The police gave up."
"And your aunt?"
"She's devastated. She hasn't been herself."
Hazel lowered her gaze slightly, her thoughts drifting.
Good. He deserves it, she thought coldly. After everything he did… ten years of suffering. Forcing me into things… treating me like nothing.
Her grip tightened slightly under the table.
Maybe it was those loan sharks. Since I refused to do what he wanted… they must have beaten him like that.
She let out a quiet breath.
Yes… that must be it.
Kaden's voice pulled her back. "Maybe you should visit him."
Hazel looked up, her expression neutral again. "I'll think about it."
He nodded.
Just then, their food arrived, and the conversation faded as they began to eat.
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If you love The Mafia Lord Wants Me, check out my other stories:
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