Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 102

Chapter 100

Imema’s POV

The woman approaches me with such reverence that for a moment, I’m

genuinely taken aback. “Ms. Volkov, it’s such an honor! I’m Jessica Brown from

the Starlight City Music Association, one of today’s judges. I’ve watched your performance videos online countless times. When I saw you standing there, I couldn’t believe my eyes–I had to come over and confirm!”

I smile, warm and gracious, the perfect picture of humble celebrity. “Ms. Brown, the pleasure is mine.”

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She waves her hands frantically. “Oh please, Ms. Volkov, call me Jessica. No formality between us!”

She leans closer, conspiratorial. “Did you receive our association’s concert

invitation last month? We would be

absolutely thrilled to have you perform.”

I tilt my head apologetically. “I’m so sorry, I’ve been completely consumed with preparing for my own concert. I simply haven’t had a moment to spare-” r

“Say no more!” Jessica interrupts, enthusiasm undimmed. “A talent like yours must be overwhelmed with opportunities. Please, whenever you have time, do visit our association. We’d be 14:23

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honored.‘

I nod graciously. “I’ll certainly try.”

Jessica hesitates, then asks almost shyly, “Ms. Volkov, could I possibly trouble you for a moment?”

Curious, I agree. She disappears briefly, returning with an autograph board and

marker.

“Would you… would you mind signing this for me? I know it’s terribly forward,

but-‘

“Not at all.” I take the pen, signing my name with practiced elegance. She

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her chest.

Then she asks, “Were you also invited to judge today? That would be wonderful for the competition!”

I laugh lightly, pulling Aeson forward. “No, nothing so official. I’m here to support this young man–he’s competing.”

Jessica’s eyes land on Aeson, and something shifts in her expression. “He looks so much like you! Your són,

I assume? He has the look of a natural

musician. The winner today might well be the two of you.”

I glance at Aires instinctively. His

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expression has darkened.

Another judge, clearly annoyed by Jessica’s unprofessional enthusiasm, clears his throat loudly. “Ms. Brown, who is this young lady? You seem quite familiar with her.”

Jessica understands the implication perfectly and doesn’t bother to soften her response. “We’re not personally close. Ms. Volkov is simply a pianist I deeply admire. She graduated from Altheria University.”

The man’s skeptical expression vanishes instantly, replaced by something approaching awe. “Altheria University? Truly? In the past five years, I don’t think a single musician in Zenithara has

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graduated from there.”

The other judges murmur among themselves, their gazes shifting to me with new respect. Hard work is admirable, but true genius–the kind that comes once in a generation–that’s what earns lasting recognition. People like them, successful in their own right, will be forgotten in time. Altheria graduates become legends.

Jessica’s assumption about Aeson and me hangs in the air. I see Aires’s jaw tighten, see him prepare to correct her.

But Diana catches his arm, voice sharp and low. “Aires, what purpose would correcting her serve? It would only

embarrass Aeson. If the judges learn that23

Chapter 100

Aeson’s mother is that useless woman, what will they think of him? How will they speak of the Perseus family?”

She casts a cold glance toward Talia, her lip curling.

“I’m protecting Talia’s reputation, believe it or not. These judges have influence. They might not remember her face, but they’ll remember she’s your wife–and they’ll mock her mercilessly behind closed doors.”

لو

The teacher arrives to escort the judges away for the draw. As they file out, Jessica throws me one last adoring look.

smile back, savoring the moment.

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The recognition. The respect. The way everyone now looks at me differently.

This is how it should be. This is what I

deserve.

And Talia? Standing there in her ruined dress, utterly forgotten?

Perfect.

Talia’s POV

Electra’s face flushes with outrage as the judges disappear down the hallway. “They completely erased you! Didn’t even mention you’re Aeson’s mother–just let them assume whatever they wanted!”

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I catch her arm before she can storm after them. “Let it go. After the divorce, I won’t be connected to the Perseus family anyway. Their assumptions save me future complications.”

Electra snorts, still fuming. “Diana used to despise Imema. Now that Imema can bring them prestige, suddenly she’s useful. Watch–they’ll all come crawling when they realize their mistake.”

Imema basks in the lingering admiration, her posture straighter, smile wider. She glances at me, and in that glance, I see everything: contempt, triumph, the absolute certainty of victory.

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Her voice drips with false generosity. “Ms. Perseus, if you’re willing to discuss this like reasonable adults, I’m still willing to pretend your earlier comments were simply a joke.”

The words are honey, but the meaning is clear: back down. Admit defeat. Let me

win.

Raymond watches quietly, then leans toward Robin. “Son, how well does Talia play the piano?”

لو

Robin’s face lights up. “She’s incredible! Like… like that phrase I learned recently- the sound of nature!”

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“And how does she compare to Ms. Volkov?”

Robin doesn’t hesitate for a second. “Ms.

Perseus is the best! Ms. Volkov is… well,

she’s not very nice. She can’t compare to Ms. Perseus at all.”

He’s never heard Imema play. His loyalty is to me, not to objective truth. But his unwavering faith warms something in my

chest.

I turn back to Imema, letting a faint smile curve my lips. “I don’t joke with strangers.”

Her smile falters.

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Nick explodes immediately. “Talia, you’re impossible! Imema and Aires have given you chance after chance, and you keep pushing! Fine–if you’re so set on competing, then compete! Let Imema show you exactly how insignificant you

are!”

Imema hesitates, playing the reluctant participant. “I don’t know… this feels inappropriate…”

Nick waves away her concerns. “She’s the one being unreasonable! What’s inappropriate about defending yourself?”

Imema looks at Aires, performing uncertainty. “Aires, perhaps you should talk to her. Calm her down.”

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Aires’s brow furrows. Talia has gone too far lately–he knows this. But she’s still

Aeson’s mother. He doesn’t want to see

her humiliated in front of their son.

“Talia.” His voice is measured, calm. “Stop

this.”

I don’t even glance at him. My eyes stay locked on Imema.

“If we’re competing, there should be a prize.”

Imema’s smile returns, condescending and secure. “Of course. What would you

like?”

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I raise my hand, pointing directly at her

throat.

“That necklace you’re wearing. My mother’s necklace. If you lose, you give it back.”

Her hand flies to her throat, fingers curling protectively around the pendant.

For the first time, uncertainty flickers

behind her confident mask.

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