Chapter 4

I was four years older than Edith. While she was in her final year of primary school, I was already in my senior year of high school. Knowing I couldn't count on my parents, I'd been practicing the piano nonstop since I was a kid, determined to make my own way and escape the family. For more than ten years, I didn't allow myself a single break.

In the end, I won first place in the National Youth Piano Competition, earning the only nomination from Clusia for the International Youth Piano Competition. That nomination came with a full scholarship and…