Chapter 1: The Broken Audition

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The city of New Haven was already alive before sunrise.

Cars filled the streets, people hurried to work, and music echoed from every corner. But for Ethan Vale, today wasn't just another day.

It was the day that could change his life forever.

Standing in front of the towering glass building of Aurora Entertainment, Ethan stared at the giant company logo.

This was the company that had produced the biggest stars in the country.

Including...

Adrian Ashford.

The most famous singer in the nation.
Ethan took a deep breath.

"This is my chance."

He tightened his grip on the old guitar case he'd owned since he was sixteen.

His clothes were neat but cheap.

His shoes had been repaired so many times that the soles were beginning to peel away.

Still...

He walked inside with confidence.

The waiting room was filled with contestants.

Some were warming up their voices.

Others were practicing dance moves.

Many wore expensive clothes and designer shoes.

Ethan quietly sat in the corner.

He ignored the whispers around him.

"Look at his clothes."

"Does he really think he'll become an idol?"

"He doesn't even look like he belongs here."

Ethan lowered his head.

He had heard comments like that his entire life.

He refused to let them stop him now.
A staff member opened the door.

"Contestant number twenty-seven..."

"Ethan Vale."

His heart nearly stopped.

He stood up.

"This is it."

The audition room was cold.

Three judges sat behind a long table.

Bright lights shone directly into Ethan's eyes.

"Introduce yourself."

"My name is Ethan Vale.

I'm twenty-two years old, and music has been my dream since I was a child."

"Begin."

Ethan closed his eyes.

The room disappeared.

The fear disappeared.

Only the music remained.

His voice filled every corner of the room.

He sang with every emotion inside him.

Every painful memory...

Every sleepless night...

Every sacrifice...

When he finished...

Silence.

The judges exchanged looks.

One of them sighed.

"You have passion."

Hope lit up Ethan's eyes.

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