Chapter 105

Onstage, Megan rested a hand on the piano and took a deep breath. She steadied herself, walked to the center with the band Marvin had arranged, and bowed. Teary eyes stared back at her from every row. "Thank you," she said without a flicker of emotion. Applause rolled through the hall like a wave, loud enough to shake the rafters. Megan turned and left with the band. She knew Howard was looking at her, but she wouldn't look back. They had loved each other once, but that time was gone. What they had felt had been real, yet feelings could turn in a heartbeat. Tonight, he was here for someone else. The show rolled on. Megan took the fifth slot, with other contestants still waiting their turn. With such a strong lineup in the second round, the competition was tight, especially for the final few places. Megan scored big with the audience in the venue, but her online votes came in only average. The contrast was obvious. When the scores were added up, she placed above the middle of t