Chapter one
There is always a battle in every love, just as there is love behind every battle. Love never asks why. If there is a reason behind it, then the love between lovers will fade once the reason disappears.
Havana knew this all too well.
Born with poor vision, her world had always been a blur - colors melting into shadows and shapes she could barely make out. As the years passed, the darkness grew heavier, stealing not just her sight but her confidence, her dreams, even the soft strands of hair that once framed her delicate face. Each morning, she'd find more hair on her pillow - a cruel reminder that time was not on her side.
Havana never knew her father. She was raised by her mother, a hardworking woman who did everything she could to provide for her child. By the time Havana turned eight, life was already difficult. Isolated by her blindness, she was misunderstood - especially by the other children, who whispered behind her back and cruelly called her a "monster." Loneliness became her only companion.
The only friend she had was Walter, a kind boy from a wealthy family. He always reminded her how beautiful she was.
Sometimes, when Havana felt low, she'd say,
"As I grow older, my vision fades... my hair is like it's being washed away. I feel so ugly."
But Walter would always reply,
"No, you are far more than beautiful. What I see in you is an amazing queen. I don't know what kind of queen, but I'm sure you have royal blood - because you are so peculiar, so rare."
That's how Walter saw her.
But life has its tricks. After several days without seeing him, Havana was told that Walter had moved away with his family. No warning. No goodbye.
Years passed, and life only grew harder. Then, fate dealt another cruel blow: Havana's mother died, leaving her completely alone.
For a time, Havana lived in an orphanage - a cold, unfamiliar place where hope was in short supply. But miracles often come when you least expect them.
One day, Madame Sandy, a wealthy woman known for her influence in the music world, visited the orphanage. When she saw the quiet, blind girl, she saw something special.
Madame Sandy adopted Havana and brought her into her home, enrolling her in a prestigious school. It was there, away from the pain of her past, that Havana's true gift blossomed.
Despite her blindness, Havana had a musical genius unlike any other. She could play the piano without seeing the keys - her fingers glided effortlessly across the ivory. Her voice - soft, sweet, and haunting - carried an emotion that touched everyone who heard it. Music was her language - the way she expressed the world she could not see.
"Havana, this is your first trip to London," Madame Sandy said gently, her voice full of pride. "Mr. Mike will be your bodyguard. Take care, my daughter. This is your moment to shine."
Havana's heart fluttered. She had come so far - from the lonely girl mocked and forgotten to the Queen of Piano, a prodigy with a gift to share.
"Thank you, Madame," she whispered, her voice trembling with both excitement and fear.
This trip wasn't just about performing. It was her chance to prove something - to the world, and to herself. That beyond her limitations, there was light. That she was more than what people saw.
As she packed her final belongings, a knock came at the door. Her mother was gone, but in her heart, she imagined her mother standing beside her.
"Remember, my child," her mother's voice echoed in her memory, "no matter where you go, my love is with you. Play for yourself - for us."
Havana nodded in the silence, holding onto the memory. The weight of the moment pressed on her shoulders - but it felt like a promise, not a burden.
Outside, the world awaited.
The airplane.
The unfamiliar city.
A crowd of strangers.
A new chapter.
But shadows always lurked.
And love, like life, is never without its battles.
The Airport Confusion
Havana, now known worldwide as the Queen of Piano, had become completely blind. She had been invited to perform in London, where she'd compete with eleven other talented musicians.
At the airport, overwhelmed by the noise and confusion, she instinctively reached out - and grabbed the hand of someone she thought was her bodyguard, Mr. Mike.
"Mr. Mike, we need to hurry before my performance is cancelled. And you know you'll have to walk slowly when you take me to the stage - I need to feel the ground," she said softly.
But the man she grabbed wasn't Mr. Mike.
He was tall, handsome, and wore sunglasses. Surprised by the sudden contact, he looked down and saw a stunning young woman - and quickly realized she was blind.
Why, God... why do you create such beautiful people with such burdens? he thought. What a pity. She must be here to listen to the music.
Looking around, he realized no one else seemed to notice her. Not wanting to leave her alone, he decided to help even though he had no idea who she really was.
Havana noticed the perfume smelled different from Mr. Mike's usual cologne but she didn't ask. She felt strangely peaceful holding this man's hand.
They arrived at the theater. He paid for two seats, assuming she was just another audience member. The show had already begun the tenth contestant had just been introduced.
"And now, let us welcome Miss Cassandra. After her performance, we will end with the Queen of Piano Havana!"
The audience erupted in excitement.
Havana panicked. She whispered urgently into the man's ear:
"What have you done? I'm supposed to perform after Cassandra, but I'm still sitting here! I need to dress up please take me to the dressing room before my performance is cancelled!"
"What a mess. Is she serious?" the man thought. "She seems so determined. What can I do? I'll have to help her."
Having no other option, he got her ready himself. There was no one else to dress her or help her with makeup. He even dressed smartly himself to escort her on stage. He wasn't used to doing favors but this time, he did it willingly, without even understanding The Performance
Finally, Havana was called to the stage. Just as she had asked, he walked slowly beside her, letting her feel each step. Her head was covered by a wig, as always.
The audience gasped.
"Wow, she's so beautiful but she's never seen her own reflection."
"Wait isn't that Prince Antonio? The rich, handsome man? Do they know each other?"
But the real surprise hadn't come yet.
Havana sat at the piano. Her song was about a broken lover a reflection of her own pain. Antonio's thoughts drifted, lost in the shape of her lips... the softness of her skin... the gentle tone of her voice. There was something hauntingly familiar about her like a memory he couldn't quite reach, wrapped in fog. But what unsettled him more was the feeling she stirred inside him. It wasn't just recognition. It was something deeper. Something raw. Like his heart had known her long before his mind could catch up. And that terrified him.Her eyes and sweet lips mesmerized those who saw her, but it was her voice that truly captured them. Even the judges forgot to write notes. Her voice transcended the room, reaching those listening by radio.
Even drivers stopped their cars to listen including Edgar, another rich, handsome prince and a friend of Antonio's. He instantly fell in love with the voice he heard.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mike, already at the theater, was anxiously searching for Havana, terrified after realizing she had disappeared.
After her performance, the crowd erupted in praise. Overwhelmed with emotion, Havana grabbed Antonio's hand and hugged him on stage. Antonio, caught off guard but moved by her innocence, hugged her back and escorted her backstage.
The Performance
Finally, Havana was called to the stage. Just as she had asked, he walked slowly beside her, letting her feel each step. Her head was covered by a wig, as always.
The audience gasped.
"Wow, she's so beautiful but she's never seen her own reflection."
Wait, isn't that Prince Antonio, the rich, handsome man? Do they know each other?"
The crowd was full of curiosity, but they hadn't seen anything yet.
When Havana began her real performance, she sang about a broken lover—a song that reflected her own life. Her eyes and sweet lips captivated those who could see but not hear, and her voice was so beautiful and unique that even the judges forgot to take notes.
In short, Havana touched the hearts of everyone—not only those in the theatre but also those listening on the radio. Drivers even stopped their vehicles to listen. One of them was Edgar, another prince—a rich, handsome man and Antonio's friend—who instantly fell in love with her voice over the radio.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mike was already at the show, waiting for Havana's performance to end. He was terrified when he realized he had lost her.
After the performance, Havana was overwhelmed by the crowd's praise. Without thinking, she grabbed Antonio's hand and hugged him on stage.
What could Antonio do? He couldn't reject an innocent girl in front of everyone, so he hugged her back and quickly took her backstage, worried and in a rush to reach the dressing room.
"Me? Doing that? In public? Why am I not even disappointed? It's my fault anyway," he thought, lost in his own head.
When he returned to his senses, he looked into her eyes while holding her shoulders.
He felt something he had never experienced before.
Suddenly, the door unlocked, and a man in a suit entered.
"Excuse me, may I take the young lady with me?"
Havana was confused, but Antonio said nothing. Instead, he quietly left the room.
Outside the theatre, reporters gathered, bombarding Antonio with questions, but he said nothing—until someone approached from behind and said:
"You must be wondering what kind of relationship exists between that lady and Antonio. There's nothing going on."
Part Two
"Don't worry, I know you're shy around girls. That's why I've called Walter, my friend."
As they were still standing there, someone passed by them without saying a word.
"Antonio, isn't that Cassandra?" Edgar asked.
Antonio quickly walked forward and gently touched her shoulder. She was crying badly.
"Why are you passing us as if we've never met before?" Antonio asked, disappointed. But Cassandra was even more furious.
"Yes, we've never met before! You're a liar, Antonio. A very big liar! How could you?!"
Antonio was already annoyed by the reporters, and now this woman was shouting at him in public. He didn't like the scene, so he decided to leave. Edgar tried to stop him, but Antonio didn't want to discuss anything further and walked away.
Edgar took Cassandra inside his Maserati.
He drove the car to find a quiet, calming place. While they were still in the car, Edgar asked:
"Well, will you say something? What happened? Why were you shouting at your friend? You two should have at least sat down and talked."
Cassandra remained silent. Her silence bored Edgar, so he switched on the radio. A beautiful voice filled the car, but suddenly Cassandra switched it off.
Edgar stopped the car.
"Hey, have some respect, okay? Since you didn't want to talk, you could have at least let me listen to some music."
Without replying, Cassandra opened the car door and stepped outside. She started walking down the road, angrily throwing her shoes.
Edgar quickly drove the car toward her, stopping when he reached her.
"Stop it. If you didn't want my help, you should have just said so. But remember this. you've disappointed me."
Cassandra felt guilty.
"I'm sorry. Forgive me. I was overreacting."
She got back inside the car.
"Actually, the moment I saw Antonio with that girl, my heart shattered. I couldn't stand seeing them together. They even hugged each other, and the worst part is Antonio looked so comfortable with her."
"Cassandra, there's been a misunderstanding. You've misjudged Antonio."
Cassandra was shocked. It felt like her head was on fire.
"What do you mean?"
"There's nothing going on between them. They don't even know each other. He was just helping her."
Cassandra didn't believe him. She thought maybe Edgar was hiding something.
"Since when did you become a liar, Edgar?"
Edgar smiled slightly and decided to end the conversation using his usual tricks.
"Why? Why do you care so much, anyway? Besides, it's not bad if he likes her. Or maybe… is he your crush? Is that it?"
Cassandra deeply liked Antonio more than a friend but she never showed her feelings. She chose to keep them to herself.
"What? No way! He's not my crush!"
But Edgar could tell she was lying. He wanted to push her to confess the truth.
"Then why were you crying?"
Cassandra took her phone and showed him the news article.
"What hurts me the most is that this… this witch won the award. She's now overshadowing my name. You know I worked so hard to reach this level."
Edgar felt a little sympathy, but he was also in love with Havana, so hearing Cassandra speak badly about her made him uncomfortable.
On the other side, Antonio checked into a luxury guesthouse. He was far from home and wanted to spend some time alone. He paid for a room to clear his mind.
Around seven in the evening, Antonio decided to take a short night walk. He preferred wearing a sweater with a hood to cover his head.
While walking, he noticed a girl sitting alone on a swing. She was wearing a red dress that perfectly showed her body's curves. Her head was covered by a cap, and she seemed completely alone.
Antonio felt as though he knew her, but he wasn't sure. He decided to keep walking. However, after taking just two steps, he suddenly heard someone singing. The voice sounded familiar the tone was so sad, so broken from within.
He couldn't resist. He followed the sound until he reached the same girl. She was stunning, incredibly attractive, and her smile seemed to carry something deep and mysterious.
"So, it's you again," Havana said, already aware of who was there.
But Antonio was confused.
She said, her voice calm but confident.
Antonio froze.
"Who do you mean?" he asked.
Havana smiled knowingly.
"Finally, I can hear your voice. I thought you were a mute. You're the one who pretended to be my bodyguard, aren't you?"
It was obvious that Havana was blind but how could she be so aware of her surroundings? Antonio was confused.
She tilted her head slightly.
"You must be wondering how I recognized you without seeing. I remember your perfume... and your footsteps. So tell me what are your intentions?"
But Antonio wasn't listening anymore. His eyes and mind were somewhere else on her lips, her presence, the soft way she spoke.
He had never felt like this before
Ma'am, you have an important guest."
The speaker was Mr. Mike, who had followed Havana to the swing.
"What guest? Was it the man who was just here?"
Havana's face blushed and turned red. Even Mr. Mike wondered what was going on with her.
Mr. Mike, her bodyguard, guided her back to the house they had bought near the hotel.
Inside the house, Havana sensed a new scent of perfume.
"So this one is different," Havana said out loud, not realizing the person was right in front of her, staring at her like a statue.
"Who is different?" the guest asked. He was already standing, heading toward Havana.
"Miss, I am the prince of Zelda Palace. My name is Edgar Vegan."
Havana smiled when she heard the word "prince." She had always heard of famous princes but had never met one before.
"It's so nice to meet you, Prince Edgar."
Mr. Mike, who was still there, didn't waste time introducing Havana.
"Prince Edgar, this lady here is Havana La Prosa."
Edgar, always charming, especially around women, added a touch of humor.
"She isn't Havana at all."
Mr. Mike was almost ready to kick Edgar out.
"If not, then who do you think she is?"
Havana remained quiet, waiting to hear his response.
"She is Havana, the Queen of Piano."
Havana smiled brightly. For the first time, someone had treated her so kindly. Even Mike laughed along with Prince Edgar.
The three of them went to have drinks while listening to Edgar explain why he had come.
"Mr. Prince, I really appreciate your kindness and charming nature. Mr. Mike and I would like to hear the reason behind your visit."
Havana was a wonderful speaker, and this made Edgar even more drawn to her.
"As you know, you've won a special award. I am responsible for training the best singers in London. I've chosen to personally train you for the upcoming world competition, which will take place in six months."
Havana thought about it. Her original reason for coming was to win and become famous, but now she had been offered another chance to sing for the whole world, something she loved deeply.
She happily agreed. They continued chatting and sharing stories until Edgar left, driving away in his expensive car and fine suit.
The Next Day
Havana packed a few of her things, and Mike took her to the training address Edgar had provided.
"Is this really the training place?" Mike asked himself. After following the directions, they found themselves standing in front of a grand palace.
Mike tried to call Edgar, but he was unreachable. Suddenly, a man wearing a suit and a hearing aid came out of the palace.
"You must be Madam Havana. I've been expecting you."
But Havana was still not convinced.
"Oh, just me? What about my bodyguard? Is he supposed to stay out here?"
The man in the suit was a little startled by Havana's cold tone.
"Well, miss, sir will stay here while you proceed to the changing room."
"It's okay, ma'am, you need to go and prepare. I'll… I'll visit my… just go and be free."
Mike hesitated to finish his sentence. The truth was, he wanted to go meet someone—his crush in London. The day he lost Havana at the airport, he had met a girl named Eevee.
Havana went inside, escorted by a palace maiden. She was dressed in a beautiful gown, fit for a queen.
"My lady, the prince has ordered that you be taken to the hall tonight. He has prepared a welcome party for the singers who participated in the competition."
"But why didn't he say so? How am I supposed to go there by myself?!"
Suddenly, someone spoke from behind her.
"Here I am—your new friend. I'll be your instant bodyguard."
It was Edgar, her new friend who had visited her the day before.
He held Havana's hand as they walked together toward the hall.
When they arrived, the hall was filled with people.
Everyone was amazed and surprised.
"Oh my goodness! Is that the Queen of Piano?"
"Wow, she's even more beautiful in person!"
"Now she seems close to both princes. First Antonio, and now even Edgar!"
People were all buzzing with excitement about her presence.
Havana was taken to her seat. She remained silent the whole time, feeling very nervous and insecure.
"Havana, let me introduce you to my friends."
Havana became even more nervous. She felt like the center of attention something she disliked the most. But she couldn't escape that fate. She was just too beautiful; no one could take their eyes off her easily.
"This is Walter, my friend from Los Angeles. He's an artist too, and"
Before Edgar could finish, Havana interrupted.
"Wait, did you just say Walter? And he's from Los Angeles?"
Edgar's friends were surprised. She seemed to know Walter.
"Are you sure it's him?" Edgar asked. He was suddenly worried what if it was true?
"Walter, do you know this lady here?"
"I don't think so. Maybe it's because people these days have similar names."
His reply was wise and careful, but Havana trusted her instincts.
While she was lost in her thoughts, she was suddenly interrupted by the familiar scent of the man who had kissed her yesterday. She wanted to ask who he was, but she was afraid of causing a scene in front of the crowd.
It was time for the couple's dance, and Havana was the only one still sitting, accompanied by Edgar.
"My lady, aren't you bored? Would you like to dance?"
"I wish I could, but I'm feeling a little dizzy," Havana replied softly.
She was blind dancing wasn't really her style.
"Well, I have a call to make. Do you think you can manage being alone for a while, or should I call someone to stay with you?"
"No, it's okay. I can handle it. Be free, I'll be waiting."
Edgar smiled. He liked her so much but didn't know how to confess his feelings, so he chose to stay close to her and let time guide him.
"Pretty, how are you doing?"
A deep voice came from nearby. He gently wiped the ice cream off her lips.
"Who are you?" she asked, startled.
"Call me Antonio."
Havana immediately felt a flutter in her chest; she was blushing again just hearing his voice.
"Are you the one who changed my… never mind. Forget it. What do you want?"
She couldn't hide her nervous excitement, even while trying to sound annoyed.
Antonio's mouth twitched into a playful smile.
"Pretty, I was just helping, that's all. By the way, you look familiar to me."
Havana focused now.
"You know me? No way I'm not the person you think I am."
"Okay, but you do seem like a beautiful queen to me.
Hey, pretty, I'm leaving now."
Havana was left smiling without any clear reason. Her thoughts drifted to her old friend, Walter.
As time passed, the party ended. People began leaving, but many stopped to take photos with Havana before they went. All this time, Edgar was nowhere to be seen.
Havana decided to move by following the direction of the crowd. But accidentally, she bumped into someone a woman. It was Cassandra.
The response was harsh.
"So, it's you again you witch! Can't you see where you're going? Watch yourself, this is a warning. Be careful who you're messing with."
Havana was left on the ground, lost and unsure where to go.
Suddenly, someone approached and gently lifted her up.
"Who are you? Leave me alone or I'll scream!"
"Relax, it's me Walter."
Walter had been her best friend in the past. But this Walter had earlier said he didn't know her. Now he claimed to be the same friend. It was confusing was he truly Walter, or not?
He took her to his car. Havana remained quiet, waiting for the right moment to ask.
"Are you really Walter my best friend from the past?"
Walter was handsome, admired by many women, but he had never found anyone he truly loved until now. From the moment he saw Havana again, he was drawn to her. He couldn't stop watching her, his attraction growing stronger.
Havana, too, found herself emotionally vulnerable, her feelings still stirred by Antonio's earlier presence.
Before anything could happen, Walter's phone rang. He stepped out to answer the call but then vanished without a trace.
Havana remained in the car, waiting. Suddenly, Cassandra appeared again. She opened the door and roughly pulled Havana out, causing her to fall to the ground and soil her beautiful gown.
Walter returned and was furious when he saw what Cassandra had done. He wanted to rush to Havana, but reporters were already there, recording everything.
Before Walter could reach her, Antonio appeared, rushing to her side. At the same time, Edgar arrived, holding flowers as if he had come to propose.
"Cassandra, what are you doing?" Antonio's anger was clear.
He lifted Havana and tried to take her away, but Edgar stopped him.
"I'm the one taking her," Edgar said firmly.
The situation quickly became intense.
Edgar could no longer contain himself.
"I love her! I love Havana. She's mine!"
Reporters and onlookers were watching this drama unfold live—it was a scene no one could ignore.
"I am her best friend, Walter. I've loved her since our childhood."
Havana was completely confused by all these sudden confessions. Just yesterday, her life had been peaceful, but now everything felt bitter and overwhelming.
The reporters were waiting, expecting Antonio who was still holding her to confess as well. But he remained silent and gently let Havana stand on her own.
"This is what we call a crushed crush," one reporter remarked. "And the only way to know who the lucky one is… is to let her decide."
The reporter continued loudly for the crowd and cameras:
"Havana, the beautiful Queen of Piano, the audience wants to hear from you. Who do you like among these three? Antonio, Edgar, or Walter?"
"Enough is enough! Stop this nonsense right now, or I'll call the police!"
A woman in an expensive suit appeared. She spoke with authority, and all the reporters immediately stopped what they were doing and slowly began to leave.
"Sampella! You're here? How did you get here? We thought you were in Russia!"
Edgar was surprised to see this woman, who seemed much older than them.
"I was in Russia," Sampella replied coldly, "but after seeing you boys making a scene all over social media, I had to come here immediately. You're embarrassing me, especially my own son, Antonio."
Antonio was still shaken, but since his mother was now present, he had no choice but to remain calm and listen.
"But Mom, what scene are you embarrassed about? None of us wanted things to turn out like this."
"I've had enough of your excuses. Tell me, why did you leave home for three months? Were you so busy chasing nonsense?"
Antonio had always been bored at home. He didn't enjoy the life of being an overprotected prince. He wanted to live freely, chase his dreams, and make his own path.
In the middle of their tense exchange, Havana bravely interrupted, feeling she had no other choice.
"I'm very sorry. I apologize for causing this scene. Please, let's all find peace with each other."
Havana didn't know who Sampella really was; she just tried to say something to calm the situation.
"Who do you think you are to interfere while I'm talking? Listen, use your brain, or you'll lose everything."
Sampella was a cold woman who never cared whether her words hurt people or not.
"What's going on here? Havana, why are your clothes dirty?"
Mr. Mike, Havana's bodyguard, appeared at that moment. Coincidentally, Sampella seemed to know him.
"Wait a second… are you Mike Godlivee?"
Everyone was surprised. How did Sampella know him?
"Yes, I am. How do you know my name?" Mike asked, confused.
"Do you remember Sampella, your friend from high school?" she asked.
Mike remembered her clearly but didn't want to admit it. He had his reasons.
"Sorry, ma'am. I never had a friend by that name, and my name is Mike Nicolas, not Godlivee."
Mike was furious. How could they treat this helpless girl so cruelly and still shout at her? He decided to leave, but before that, he had something to say.
After helping Havana into his car, he turned to face them.
"If this helpless lady has been a problem to you, then I apologize on her behalf. But know this she's already had a rough childhood. Don't make her adulthood just as painful. I won't stand for it. And I never will."
His words were clear and direct.
He left them standing there. Sampella, however, couldn't stop wondering why do they call her helpless? Does she have a disability?
She eventually left, and the only ones remaining were Edgar and Cassandra.
"Learn to be kind, even if it's hard for you. You haven't just hurt Havana you've ruined your own reputation. The scene you've made here? People won't forget it."
Edgar was drained and heartbroken. He went to prepare a surprise for Havana, planning to propose to her soon. He thought Walter would support him, but it turned out Walter had feelings for Havana too.
Meanwhile, Sampella returned home with her son, Antonio.
She was furious every time she remembered how close Antonio was to that strange girl.
"Antonio, who is that girl? Why is she so close to all of you? And why is she staying with Mike?"
"She's blind. I was just helping her. I don't like her the way you think I do."
Sampella was still doubtful and shocked to hear about the blind girl.
"Fifteen years ago, you met that little witch the hairless, blind girl. I warned you many times, but you didn't listen. I even moved us here and changed your name so she would never cross our lives again. Don't make the same mistake, Antonio.
Antonio was tired of conversations like this with his mother. She never cared about what he truly wanted in life.
"Sampella, I gave you my word I won't love any other girl the way I loved my past friend besides this one has hair..she can't be the one "
Could sampella really knows Mr Mike?
Is Walter really who is claiming to be?,
Who Antonio met from the past? Was it just another hairless blind girl? What was Antonio's name from the beginning?