“I didn't want to, but Effie's song is enchanting. I feared she'd snatch my championship away."

Karol's expression soured with disapproval as Krista spoke. Desperate to explain, Krista hastily added, "Winning isn't everything to me, but you've coached me. I couldn't bear it if they looked down on you and even thought you weren't as good as Lilah."

Karol's tone turned icy. “I am your teacher. Do you doubt your abilities under my guidance? You've made an unnecessary move.”

Despite Karol's cold demeanor, Krista sensed a lack of fury, offering her a momentary reprieve. Relieved, she quickly pledged, “Miss Morris, I'm truly sorry. I assure you, it won't happen again Karol noticed Krista's voice growing raspier and asked, a frown creasing her brow, "What's wrong with your voice? Did you not sleep well Last night?"

Krista too felt the strain. She gently touched her throat, admitting, "Maybe it's due to nerves. It's my first time attempting something like this."

“Now that it's done, don't dwell on it anymore. The priority is to sing well and win the championship," Karol urged.

“Okay," Krista nodded and took another sip of water, attempting to compose herself. Strangely, the more she tried to calm down, the hoarser her voice grew, her mind turning blank.

Sensing Krista's distress, Karol patted her back, offering gentle reassurance. "Don't be nervous. Take a breather. There are still two minutes left."

Krista agreed, convinced her nerves were getting the best of her, attempting to ease her tension.

After all, Effie couldn't possibly sing. Victory in this competition was assured. There was no need to fret.

Amidst these ruminations, a particularly enchanting and melodious voice suddenly filled the room.

"The day I first saw you, the rain poured down. In the streets, you walked alone, a solitary figure in town. ALL the noise of this world disappeared at that moment's call. In my eyes, there was only your joyous form, out of place on the lonely rainy night. Later on, all I wished for was to gaze upon you forevermore. Your smile, like sunshine, warmed me through and through.”

Effie conveyed profound longing through the lyrics, her beautiful voice touching every soul present. It was as if they had been whisked away from the auditorium, transported back to their youth, reminiscing about that special someone.

As the song concluded, a collective realization dawned upon everyone; tears trickled down their faces.

"Oh my God! It felt like I just glimpsed my first love. It was so poignant. I need to reach out to him..."

"I just saw my goddess in college. We could have been together..."

"Wow, Effie is so awesome! Are all actors this incredible nowadays?

She's not just a phenomenal actress but also an exceptional singer.

I doubt many professional singers can rival her!"

“Absolutely! Her performance was beyond exceptional! Effie's definitely claiming the champion's spot today!"

The audience erupted into an unstoppable cheer, their applause threatening to shatter the roof.

Observing the crowd's enthusiasm, Lilah couldn't contain her smile.

Her gaze wandered to a figure in the dimly lit corner of the audience.

Meanwhile, backstage, Krista stood frozen. A cold sensation crawled up her spine, freezing her in place.