A Sonata for the Scarred

Three years back, a crash wrecked Rhea's hearing—and the future she'd built her life around. At her lowest point, Eddie stayed by her side like a hero, pulling her out of the shadows. But the second she got her hearing back and thought she could finally tell him... she heard the truth: he'd planned the whole thing. For his beloved. So she could win. Yeah, he was already engaged. To that girl. Rhea didn't cry. Didn't scream. Just picked up her phone. "Grandpa, I'm ready. I'm taking back the Cliburn name. And I'm entering the international piano competition as your heir." Chapter 1 "If this deaf girl finds out you're engaged to Glenna, and that you trashed her hearing just so Glenna could win—think she'd still be playing the obedient girlfriend?" Rhea Smith froze, birthday gift still in her hands. Today was Eddie Bowie's birthday. She'd planned a surprise. Instead, his friend's voice cracked everything wide open. Three years ago, a crash stole her hearing. Eddie learned sign language for her. He became her whole world. Now her hearing was back—and everything felt fake. "Keep it down..." someone muttered. Eddie pulled her in. "She can't hear." Rick Hedd didn't bother lowering his voice. "Exactly. She's deaf. I get it if you're just messing around. Even if Glenna bailed on you before, she came crawling back. You two are engaged now. Time to drop the deaf girl." Eddie paused. "She'll never find out. Not if I don't want her to." Rick blinked. "Wait, seriously? You still wanna be with her? Don't tell me you actually fell for her." Eddie gave him a look. "Rhea's done a lot for me. Back when I had nothing, she was there. She loves me. I can't just toss that away. And the engagement with Glenna? That's for her family. If they go broke, I'm not letting her sink. It's not about love." Rick scoffed. "Could've fooled me. If you cared for even a little, what you did to Rhea was brutal." Eddie stayed quiet. Turned to Rhea and signed, [Hungry? Want something to eat?] A chill shot through her. Her lips twitched. No way. He was still wearing that same soft smile—like none of it ever happened. Was this some kind of joke? Liar. Engaged? The crash? All those promises? It hit like a gut punch. She wanted to say something, rip into him—but the words sat there, sharp and useless. She just bit her lip and shook her head. Not because she was scared. Because saying it out loud meant admitting her last three years were fake. Her fingers curled tight around her purse. The medical report was in there—proof her hearing was back. She'd heard every single word Eddie and Rick said. Eddie's phone buzzed. He checked it, then signed, [Next event's starting. Go home—you're tired.] Rhea didn't answer. Just stood, walked out without looking back. But she didn't go far. She stayed close, eyes locked on the door, dead silent. Chapter 2 Ten minutes later, a woman in heels and designer everything pushed open the door. Rhea edged closer and peeked through the crack. It was her—Glenna Digger. The name they'd dropped earlier. The girl from Eddie's photo album. Back when Rhea asked, he'd brushed it off with, "Just an old friend." Glenna made a beeline for Eddie, slid in next to him, all smiles, and handed over a gift. He took it, but her eyes locked on the brooch on his chest. "Wow, Eddie. Your taste really changed. You used to hate these knockoffs." She reached for it. Eddie flinched and caught her hand. Glenna blinked, then pouted. "Didn't realize it meant that much... Guess you won't like my gift either." She opened the box. Another brooch. Flashy. Expensive-looking. Nothing like the one Rhea gave. Eddie's grip loosened. He saw her eyes go glassy, sighed, then unclipped Rhea's brooch and swapped it for Glenna's. Glenna lit up. "Knew you'd love it!" She picked up Rhea's brooch, pretended to fumble, and let it fall. Rhinestones scattered across the floor. "Oh no! Total accident..." she said sweetly. She gave him the sad eyes. Eddie barely glanced at the brooch before looking away. "It's fine. Wasn't worth much anyway." Glenna crouched, picked it up, and tossed it in the trash like it was nothing. "Guess it's broken. No point keeping it." The rhinestones? Crushed under the feet of people who couldn’t care less. Eddie didn't budge. Rhea turned her face, pale and frozen. She was ready to run—then she heard it. "Eddie, I've got a surprise for you tonight. Stay with me?" "Sure." The words cracked something deep. She staggered home, totally out of it. Three years ago, she found Eddie beat-up and bleeding. Later, she found out the truth—he was the heir to the Bowie family, the ones behind Bowie Group, hiding out after getting framed and hunted. At first, she helped out of duty, maybe. But then he started showing her this softer side. One no one else got. There was always something between them. Unspoken. Untouched. Then came the crash. Eddie didn't hesitate—he threw himself into the fire to save her. She woke up deaf. First thing she saw? Eddie, covered in bandages. He said, "If you can't hear, I'll be your ears." For three years, she carried his pain, shared his fight, and helped rebuild his legacy. She never thought the second he made it back, he'd put a ring on someone else. Now she sat on her bed, staring at their old photo, eyes blank, heart wrecked, waiting for morning. Then she grabbed her phone. "Grandpa, I'm ready. I'm taking back the Cliburn name. And I'm entering the international piano competition as your heir." Chapter 3 Leopold Cliburn's voice came through the phone. "Really, Rhea?! I never stopped looking for you. Your father was useless—if he hadn't ditched your mother, we wouldn't have lost all those years. I've heard everything. With your talent, carrying on the Cliburn legacy will be easy." Rhea dropped the photo of her and Eddie into the trash, laughing bitterly. "Yeah. Thanks, Grandpa." Three years ago, she was the prodigy everyone talked about. Every stage, every spotlight—she owned it. Then a single crash wrecked everything—took her hearing, killed her shot at the life she'd trained for. The competition was the very next day. Two years of grinding, prepping, aiming for that one title—top-ranked pianist in the country —just vanished. Leopold kept going. "In seven days, I'll send someone to bring you home. We'll handle your name change and everything else." "Okay, Grandpa. Got it." Seven days. Just seven more days and she'd be gone. From Eddie. From this whole version of herself. Her phone buzzed—a pic. Eddie and Glenna. Twisted up in bed, arms all over each other. Yeah, no mystery who sent it. [Miss Smith, Eddie was wasted last night, so I brought him home. He kept me up for hours... said we're going to Bali for our wedding.] Rhea saved the pic and the text, then typed back. [Congrats. You finally got what you wanted.] She spent the whole afternoon packing. Everything that screamed them hit the trash. The apartment? Her mom's gift. Small, but prime location. Agents had been circling for years. She never budged—too many memories of her and Eddie tucked in the walls. Now? She called the agency herself. They moved fast. Someone came to check it out the next day. Once the price was set, Rhea personally walked them out. She stepped outside—and bam, Eddie's car rolled up. Window down. He spotted the group, frowning. "Who are they?" One of the agents jumped in, "Ah! You must be Miss Smith's boyfriend—" Rhea cut him off. "Nothing. Water heater broke. Just repair guys." The agent blinked, confused, but backed off under her stare. Inside, Eddie paused. The apartment felt... wrong. Too empty. He signed, [Why does it feel so empty all of a sudden?] She signed back, cool as ice. [Just tossed some useless stuff.] Her face gave nothing away. Eddie didn't press. He pulled her in, sat down like nothing happened. [I drank too much, crashed somewhere. You didn't wait up, did you? Work's been insane lately. Company celebration's tomorrow. Wanna come?] She didn't say no. Every second looking at him now—every fake smile, every touch—made her stomach turn. But with six days left, she couldn't risk blowing it. She just needed out. Three years of lies—about to be over. Chapter 4 At the Bowie Group celebration, Eddie showed up with Rhea on his arm. Heads turned. Some stared, others snickered. "So that's Eddie's girl? Deaf and basic. What's he even see in her? He brought her here?" "So what? She met him when he was a wreck. Just dumb luck." "Luck? Please. Glenna's the one with the ring—and a Bali wedding locked in." Rhea didn't flinch. Played it like she couldn't hear a thing. Eddie's frown twitched—he totally caught the whispers. Didn't say a thing. Just steered her to a corner seat. [Gotta talk to some people. Chill here. Grab food if you want.] He signed that, then dipped into the crowd. People swarmed him fast, but his eyes kept darting to the entrance. Then boom—doors opened. Glenna stepped in, dripping in couture. She and Eddie locked eyes, smiling like they owned the place. They looked perfect together. Compliments flew. Glenna soaked it all in, glowing like she lived for it. Then her eyes found Rhea. Quiet. Alone. She walked over, hand out. "Hi, you must be Rhea Smith? I'm Glenna Digger. Hope we get along from now on." Rhea shot her a glance but stayed still. First time face-to-face, but Glenna's hate had always been loud. When Rhea didn't budge, Glenna turned to Eddie, all faux-upset. "Eddie, Miss Smith, she..." He gave Rhea a look—half annoyed. "She can't hear." Glenna nodded, then leaned in, all sweet and smug. "Eddie, I heard she used to be this rising piano star. Think she can play with me tonight? It's my first show since I got back, and I really want it to be perfect." Rhea stiffened. She hadn't touched a piano in forever. After the crash, just seeing one made her chest tighten. The memories hit too hard. Too sharp. Eddie knew that. Still, she heard him say, "Alright." Rhea bit her lip, blinking back the burn behind her eyes. Of course it was always Glenna. She was the one Eddie really gave a damn about. Even the crash—what Rhea once thought was some twisted rescue—that was part of the setup. All so his girl could snag that win. Didn't matter if it wrecked Rhea's future. Nothing's changed. Her pride, her past, her whole name—meant zero to him. Eddie glanced at her, caught the way her face had gone ghost-pale. Guilt flickered, but it was weak. He hesitated, then started to sign—[Glenna wants to do a duet with you...] Rhea cut in, voice steady. "Fine. I'll play." Eddie froze. Started signing again—[Rhea, I know you don't want to, but it's Glenna's first performance since coming back...] Rhea stood and headed straight for center stage. Eddie watched her, uneasy creeping in despite her calm face. He reached out, signing, [After this, let's go home. Got a gift for you.] She turned around. No words. No glance. They sat at the piano. Rhea took a breath, turned to Glenna. "Let's begin, Miss Digger." Glenna lifted her hands, all elegance. The melody floated out smooth. Rhea tried to sync with her, but the past hit hard. The keys looked white—she saw blood. In her head: 'Sorry, Miss Smith. Your hearing may never return.' Her timing slipped. Whispers rose. "She won awards? Doesn't even play well enough to teach." "She's deaf. What'd you expect? Glenna's wasting her talent up there." The piece ended. Glenna stood, bowed like a queen. Eddie handed her flowers, smiling. "Beautiful, just like before." Rhea met his eyes. He flinched like her stare burned. [Rhea, tonight was Glenna's show. That's why the flowers were for her. I'll make it up to you.] Make it up? CEO of Bowie Group couldn't find a spare bouquet in ten minutes? He didn't even fake it. "No need." Even she was surprised by how raw her voice sounded. She just wanted out. This place wasn't hers. To them, she was just the side act—the joke. Applause echoed like thunder, but none of it hit her. Only the mockery did. She stood to go. Glenna grabbed her arm. Chapter 5 Glenna yanked out her phone and flashed a message at Rhea. [You probably don't know the car crash was Eddie's doing, huh? All for me. Even pretending to care after—that was just to make sure your hearing was wrecked for good. Those meds for your ears? I had him give them to you. You might've had a shot, but not after that. And you really thought you could compete with me?] Rhea's fists curled tight, nails cutting into her palms. The pain snapped her awake. She'd taken those meds for a whole year. Back then, Eddie had quit Bowie Group. He was broke, barely scraping by, but still dropped money on her treatment. She'd been so moved. Took every dose on time. He even drove her to every checkup. In the end, she gave in—convinced her ears were done for. Started easing off the meds. Whenever Eddie asked, she'd just hold up the leftovers like everything was fine. She just hadn't wanted to be a burden. Funny how that choice ended up saving her. If she'd kept taking those pills, how would she even be hearing now? Those checkups? Just part of the scam—to prove she'd never get better. Rhea felt stupid. Three years she thought were redemption? Just one long setup. She'd been played from day one. Her eyes locked on Glenna. Blood dripped from her clenched fist, but the burn in her chest hurt worse. She snapped. Right there, in front of everyone. Walked straight up—and slapped Glenna across the face. Her hearing, her dreams, her whole world died in that crash. And the person who killed it? Living her dream. The darling of the stage. The fake piano queen. Rhea's hands shook with rage. The slap wasn't even that hard. But Glenna dropped like she'd been hit by lightning. A loud thud echoed as Glenna hit the floor, crying out and tumbling off the platform. Before anyone could even move, Eddie was already there, scooping her up. Scrapes lined her arm and hand. She leaned into him, eyes misty. "It's my fault. I just told her I wanted to help her get back to her old self, that she could practice with me... Maybe that hit a nerve. I messed up. I'm so sorry..." She sniffled and handed him her phone. The message on screen? Total rewrite—just sweet, supportive words for Rhea. Like the venom never happened. Eddie turned to Rhea, eyes cold. "Rhea Smith, you're being completely unreasonable! Do you even get how important Glenna's hands are? If she can't play after this, I won't forgive you." He spoke slow, every word exaggerated so she could read his lips. Then he shoved her. Hard. She stumbled back, crashed into the piano. Her forehead smacked the edge. Sharp pain. Gasp. Blood dripped down her face. Vision swam. She looked at the red on her fingers, let out a bitter laugh. Glenna's hand barely had a scratch. And Eddie lost his mind over it. When Rhea lost her hearing, all Eddie cared about was pushing those pills that wrecked any shot she had left. Love? Yeah, that was never real. In the beginning, when the silence first hit her, she was drowning—couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. She even hurt herself. And Eddie? He acted shattered. Started staying in every day, trying to cheer her up. "Rhea, promise me... don't do that again. It kills me to see you like this." Back then, even a paper cut on her hand had him spiraling. Now? He couldn't even look at her. Held another girl in his arms, right in front of her. Blood kept dripping. People stared, disgust plain on their faces. Rhea didn't wait. She caught a cab to the hospital. Asked a night nurse to patch her up. But she was told every doctor and nurse was in the same room. Eddie and Glenna's room. She stood outside the door. Heard Eddie inside, all worried. "How's Glenna's hand? It won't mess with her playing, right?" Glenna's voice, soft and sugary. "Oh, Eddie, I'm fine. Just a scratch. Aren't you going to check on Miss Smith? She looked hurt when we left." Silence. Then Eddie finally said, "She brought it on herself. If she hadn't hurt you, none of this would've happened. It's just a surface wound—she'll be fine." The staff finally stepped out once Glenna's bandages were done. "Mr. Bowie really spoils his fiancée," one nurse whispered. "Even a paper cut sends him into a frenzy." Rhea was still at the door. No one noticed the blood still trailing down her face. No one saw how pale she'd gone. A wave of dizziness slammed into her. She reached out, grabbing a stranger's sleeve just to stay on her feet. Chapter 6 "Are you alright, miss?" The voice pulled both Eddie and Glenna to the doorway. Their conversation cut off. "Rhea?" Eddie. But she didn't even look his way. Still gripping the nurse's sleeve, she whispered, "Please... can you help me bandage this?" The second she said it, her legs gave out. When she came to, her head was already wrapped, the bleeding stopped. A nurse called out, "Mr. Bowie, Miss Smith is awake." Rhea stayed still, lying there as Eddie rushed to her bedside. Eddie's face twisted into something complicated before he launched into his neatly packaged text. [Rhea, I overreacted tonight. Glenna's been my friend for years. I just panicked when I saw her hurt—it wasn't on purpose, leaving you like that. But you're being petty. How could Glenna have known what you've been through? She's an heiress. And what if her hand had been seriously hurt? She might never be able to play piano again. You understand that, right? Playing is her dream. Just go over and apologize to her, and this whole thing can be over.] Rhea stared at the screen and let out a dry laugh. "No." Her voice was low, steady. Eddie stiffened. She'd always leaned on him. Rarely pushed back. But now, over an apology, she shut down. "You want me to say sorry? To her?" She shook her head. "Not happening. Glenna's dream matters, but mine doesn't?" She raised her hand. A faint scar stretched across her pale skin. Two years ago, when Eddie got jumped by a hitman sent by some Bowie bastard kid, Rhea had taken the knife for him. Straight through her hand. A random bystander had called the cops—only reason they got out. But her hand never healed right. Sometimes it shook for no reason. That tiny tremble? It killed whatever dream she had left. Still, she gave up her hand to save him. No regrets. Eddie had promised after that—never again. But promises? They're just words. With Glenna, his panic was instant. He saw her hand and thought, 'What about her music? Her future?' With Rhea? Her future didn't even cross his mind. She looked him dead in the eyes, smiling. "Eddie, I just remembered something. Three years ago, that big competition—it was between me and Glenna. Then right before it, boom. Car crash. I lost my hearing. She won. You really think that was just a coincidence?" Eddie stiffened. Panic flashed behind his eyes. "It was just a coincidence. Why would you even say that?" He was so shaken, he forgot she wasn't supposed to hear. He stood, trying to brush it all off. "You're tired, Rhea. Get some rest. I'm... disappointed in you." She didn't answer. Didn't have to. She didn't care anymore. Her phone buzzed. New ID: approved. Three days. She'd be gone. Chapter 7 Over the next three days, Eddie popped up now and then—usually on his way to see Glenna. Rhea was just a detour. The hospital buzzed about how the Bowie CEO was babying his fiancée. Glenna got a tiny scratch, and Eddie freaked—demanded a trauma specialist on standby 24/7. Rhea couldn't care less. Even seeing him didn't faze her anymore. He thought she was just being dramatic. Figured once he patched things up with Glenna, he could sweet-talk Rhea back like always. But this time? She was out. Whatever shred of hope she had died the night he didn't come home. While a nurse changed her bandages, Glenna waltzed in like she owned the place. Glowing. Clearly Eddie was spoiling her. Rhea didn't even blink. Eyes stayed glued to her phone. Her grandpa had already handled everything—her stuff moved. The apartment? It had been sold and signed over to the new owner. It was time to go. Glenna stepped closer, smug grin locked in place. "Still chasing Eddie, huh? God, you're stubborn. We're getting married in Bali in three days. You knew that, right?" She clicked her tongue. "Oh, wait—you can't hear. My bad." Rhea glanced up, face blank. Glenna's words didn't land. None of it mattered. She was already halfway gone. But then Glenna grabbed her hair and yanked hard. "Think you can beat me? First the stage, now Eddie? You're nothing." Pain ripped through her scalp. Rhea snapped, grabbed Glenna's wrist, and shoved her off. That's when she smelled it—smoke. Her head whipped toward the door. Thick gray clouds were already rolling in. Flames licked the doorway. No time to think. She soaked the bedsheet, tossed it over herself, and bolted. But Glenna, coughing and half-conscious, latched onto her leg like a maniac. Rhea kicked, but Glenna wouldn't budge. Then came the whisper of a smile. "Tell me—who do you think Eddie's gonna save?" Rhea's stomach dropped. This wasn't some freak accident. Glenna was completely unhinged. "It's Eddie's choice now. Today, you die." The smoke was choking. Rhea's body was shot, her strength draining fast. She hit the floor, the black closing in, panic twisting deep in her chest. Time blurred. Seconds? Minutes? No clue. Then the door slammed open. Eddie charged in with the rescue team. "Glenna!" He spotted her out cold and rushed over, scooping her up like it was muscle memory. Didn't even glance at Rhea, who was barely hanging on. Rhea tried to speak, but just sucked in more smoke. Through the haze, she saw him vanish down the hall—never looked back. She clenched her teeth, yanked the damp sheet over her face, trying to stay upright. Third floor. No time to think. The fire was already here. She shoved herself up and hurled toward the window. Pain snapped her fully awake. Her leg—definitely wrecked. One last look at the flames, then she crawled through, dragging her busted leg behind. The hospital was in the suburbs— No help in sight. Everything started going black again— Until arms caught her. She blinked up. Stranger. Strong grip. He didn't say a word, just carried her to a car. "To the Cliburn Hospital." Then the calmest voice: "I'm Hank Truhart. Grandpa Leopold sent me." And that was the last thing she heard. *** Eddie had Glenna moved into a luxe hospital suite, doctors and nurses swarming like she was royalty. After the check-up, one of them stepped forward. "She's fine. Just needs rest." Glenna fluttered her eyes open. Eddie rushed to her side. "How do you feel?" She shook her head, tears spilling like she'd barely escaped a horror movie. "Eddie, I was terrified. I tried to run, but Rhea stopped me. She wouldn't let me go. If you hadn't shown up, I—" Eddie's jaw tightened. He turned to ask where Rhea was—then froze. His face went ghost-white. Next second, he was sprinting. But the room was already burning. Fire had swallowed it whole, and the nearest crew was five minutes out. "Rhea! RHEA! Are you in there?!" No reply. He lunged forward, but bodyguards grabbed him. "Mr. Bowie, it's too late. Even if she was inside—" "Shut up! She's alive! She has to be!" As Eddie cracked, a doctor sprinted over, waving a chart. "Mr. Bowie! About Miss Smith's test results—her hearing's fully restored. Test was from last week..." Eddie stared at the report. Last week. His birthday.