Hi rats! I know this is random lol but I want to start asking a question at the beginning of every chapter. Just to interact more with you guys and to get to know you better!

So first question: If you could have one wish, what would it be?

Now onto the chapter! Lol

Keefe's P.O.V

Keefe's heart still pounded as the audience started to file out of the theatre. It had been so long since he had been able to sing opera.

It felt so good. It was a way Keefe was able to pour out and cope with his emotions. It kept him distracted from all the problems in his life.

He had almost forgotten what it felt like to perform for so many people end for them to actually like it.

But he still felt sadness in his heart, knowing Sophie wasn't here to see him. She had always been supportive with his opera career and for her not to be here at one of the most important performances of his life was just heartbreaking.

Keefe hadn't realized how long he had been standing there alone on stage until he looked up and saw that the seats were practically all empty.

Just when he was about to go backstage to start grabbing his things, someone called up, "Mr. Keefe Sencen?"

Keefe looked up to see the man that had called his name was in a suit, approaching him and followed by a woman.

"Yes?" Keefe replied, confused.

The man smiled and reached out his hand and Keefe shook it. "I'm Trevor Worth and this is my assistant Clara Freeman," he introduced, gesturing to the woman beside him.

"Nice to meet you," Keefe replied, smiling, still confused.

"Your boss should have informed you about our presence here. We were told to judge if you should be signed or not," Trevor explained.

"Oh!" Keefe gasped, quickly adjusting his suit. He had been so into his performance that he had forgotten that he had people watching out to sign him.

"Well, after tonight's performance, we see you have some talent. We'd be honored to be the first to sign you," Trevor continued.

Keefe gasped again and forced himself not to smiled and to remain serious.

Ahhhhhhh!

"Th-thank you sir! I'm honored," Keefe stuttered, not believing this.

"Here's our business card," Clara said, hand over a small slip of paper.

"Yes, call within a month and we can talk more about this contract," Trevor added.

"Yes, will do! Thank you so much!" Keefe thanked, shaking the man's hand again.

"Looking forward to it, great work," Trevor concluded, then walking away with Clara.

Keefe watched them leave and gaped.

Did that really just happen?!

Keefe felt so much excitement. This was a huge opportunity for him. He let his mind wander to what the future could look like. Keefe traveling to several different countries to perform, the fame, and—

No...that couldn't happen.

Keefe felt his smile falter as he realized he couldn't sign this contract. He still had to save Sophie from the Neverseen.

Keefe sighed. There goes that opportunity.

"You should really take that opportunity," a voice said behind Keefe.

Keefe froze and felt his body run cold. He slowly turned around and couldn't believe it when he saw his father standing right there.

"What are you doing here?!" Keefe exclaimed, taking a step back.

"I came to see you perform, son," he replied, taking a step closer.

Keefe took a step back again and shook his head. "Why?!"

"You are my son, Keefe," Cassius said, calmly.

"No, stop. This doesn't make sense," Keefe said, shaking his head.

"I thought I should probably attend," he replied.

"Should?" Keefe scoffed.

Something flickered in his father's eyes as he cleared his throat. "I was um...impressed."

"Impressed? You know what, just stop. Please," Keefe begged, closing his eyes and turning away.

"Son, I don't know why you are getting like this. Can't you see I'm trying?" Cassius questioned, seeming frustrated.

Keefe scoffed and spun around to face him. "Trying?! Dad, don't you think you're a little too late? Don't you understand that you can't just show up and pretend like you actually care. You've never been there for me so don't pretend that you're this loving and supportive father!" Keefe yelled, feeling himself lose control.

"Son! Don't you dare speak to me that way!" Cassius yelled, now looking mad.

See, Keefe used to be afraid of that but not anymore. There was no way this man was gonna continue to ruin Keefe's life.

"Are you suddenly pretending to care because you finally realize that I'm successful? That I might become famous?!" Keefe questioned, feeling his anger rage within him.

"HOW DARE YOU THINK SUCH LOW OF ME?!" Cassius roared.

"It's because low is the only way you play," Keefe spat, spinning around and starting to stalk off.

"Where are you going?!" Cassius demanded.

"I'm leaving, that's what!" Keefe exclaimed, not wanting to deal with his father.

"Wait— please! Come back! I'm— uh...s-sorr..." Cassius started to beg, fumbling with his words.

Keefe spun around to face his father and noticed his rage was gone. He glared at his dad and asked, "what? Are you sorry now?! Too late for that, I'm already out of the picture for you!"

"Please— AHH" Cassius roared, falling to his knees and clutching his chest like was in pain.

"Oh don't be pretending you're all hurt now," Keefe scoffed, thinking his dad was being too dramatic.

"Keefe! Pl-please— I'm actually—"

"No, goodbye," Keefe concluded, sprinting out of the huge room as fast as he could, leaving his father on the ground.

Keefe now wanted to leave this place as fast as he could, his mind rushing with so many problems. It was too much to handle and Keefe just needed air.

As he was trying to run out, a woman stopped him and said, "Keefe Sencen! There are several people who would like to speak with you!"

Keefe realized it was his manager and had completely forgotten all the things there was planned for after the performance.

"Tell them not today, I must go. I'm not feeling too well," Keefe said, not turning to face her.

"Huh? Are you sure? We have so much to do—"

"I said no, okay?" Keefe snapped, spinning around.

She blinked and quickly apologized, "I'm so sorry sir. Here's your things and the donations left for you."

Keefe grabbed his things and was surprised at how filled up the basket was for all of the donations and letters.

"Thanks," he mumbled. Keefe felt guilty for snapping at her but he didn't have enough energy to apologize. He just need to get out of here.

"Shall I call a ride for you?" She asked.

"No thanks, I'll figure it out myself," Keefe concluded, leaving without letting her respond.

It felt like he couldn't even breath until he made it outside. Even then, he still felt so much rage within him and knew he had to get away from everyone.

His group for Sophie's search had been at the performance and were supposed to meet up with him afterwards but he had to make up a lie to avoid that.

He just couldn't pretend like he was happy now.

He just needed to be alone.

Hey rats! Just to let you guys know, I can't update until around this coming Wednesday instead of Monday.

I have probably one of the biggest exams of my life on Tuesday and it's gonna take up over half my school day so I need time before hand to study and refresh myself to I'm ready.

I hope you guys understand. After that, the updating schedule should continue to be as it has been.

That'll be all! Adios rats!