Chapter 6: No More Silence

In the end, the whole mess was twisted into me being jealous of Natalie's talent.

Caleb looked at me, wanting to say something but stopping.

Derek brought Natalie to see me.

Supposedly to apologize, but really just to show off.

Natalie still acted pitiful, trying to take my hand. I dodged: "Ah!"

Caleb frowned, his face cold as ice, warning her: "She said don't touch her."

Her hand finally shrank back, and Derek, looking annoyed, shielded her: "Lily, don't go too far. Natalie is ready to apologize. What more do you want?"

"Apologize? Even if she got down on her knees and begged, I wouldn't forgive her."

I looked coldly at Derek, a mocking smile on my lips: "From now on, we're done."

"Don't worry, I'll definitely find proof that I wrote this song. She won't get away with it either."

Everyone says someone who can't talk has to swallow their pain in silence.

But I, Lillian Grant, though mute, will never swallow my pain.

And I won't let anyone force me to, either.

Actually, I wasn't born mute.

I used to be able to speak.

Because of an accident, I lost my voice.

Or rather, I got sick.

It was late in the afternoon, the sun low through the dorm window, dust motes swirling in the golden light. The anger in my chest felt almost cleansing—a quiet, stubborn fire. I met Derek's gaze head-on, not flinching, not looking away. I could sense Caleb behind me, silent support, as if to say: Don't you dare let them make you small.

My heart hammered, but my hands were steady. I wasn’t here to be small anymore.