Chapter 3

One week later...

As Aria boarded the plane, her excitement was palpable. She hugged her mom and waved goodbye to her younger sister before finding her seat. With her earpiece in, she began to sing, lost in the music. Meanwhile, Jack was busy ensuring the contestants' safe arrival in New York, working with the pilot to address some issues.

But suddenly, the plane malfunctioned, and the pilot's voice came over the intercom, warning of an emergency. Aria's eyes widened in terror as she felt a panic attack wash over her. She lost consciousness, her body limp in her seat.

Jack sprang into action, his training kicking in. He helped evacuate the plane, but just as they thought everyone was safe, a fire erupted inside. One passenger was still on board - Aria. Without hesitation, Jack rushed back into the burning plane, the flames engulfing him.

Allison screamed his name as he emerged, holding Aria's unconscious form. They both flew through the air, landing hard on the ground. The plane exploded behind them, sending debris flying everywhere.

As the emergency team rushed them to the hospital, Allison sat beside Jack's stretcher, her eyes fixed on his pale face. She held his hand tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks. In the back of the ambulance, Aria lay unconscious, her fate uncertain.

In the hall

Ivy confronted Sophia, her voice firm but concerned. "Sophia, we're a team, and we have each other's backs. I support you in becoming the lead singer, but I need to know what happened to Emily. Tell me the truth."

Sophia stood, her eyes welling up with tears. "Allison was jealous of Emily because she wanted to sing with Jack. Emily was ahead of her, and Allison couldn't handle it." Sophia's voice cracked as she continued, "I saw Allison add something to Emily's orange juice. I think it was medicine, and it ruined Emily's voice."

Ivy's eyes widened in shock. "Why didn't you report Allison to the committee? She deserves to be punished for what she did."

Sofia's tears spilled over, "I only found out two days ago. I tried you guys, but you won't listen.

Ivy's face set in a firm resolve. "I'll figure something out. Allison won't be the lead singer. She doesn't deserve it. I'll expose her." With that, Ivy walked away, leaving Sophia more determined than ever to claim the lead singer spot.

Sofia voice turned determined, "I won't let anyone take that role except me. I deserve it"

As Jack's eyes fluttered open, the beeping of the machines and the soft hum of the air conditioning filled the air. Allison sat beside him, her eyes red-rimmed from tears. She helped him sit up, placing a pillow behind his back, and removed the oxygen mask from his nose.

"Why am I here?" Jack asked, his hand instinctively going to his bandaged head.

Allison's voice trembled. "The plane crashed. You've been brought to the city hospital in New York."

Memories came flooding back – the chaos, the flames, and the girl he saved. "What about the girl I saved?" Jack asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

"She's in the next room," Allison replied. "The doctors are checking on her. Focus on your health first."

But Jack's mind was already racing ahead. He needed to see the girl, to know she was okay. He threw off the covers and made his way to the window separating the two rooms. Aria lay in the bed, her head bandaged, a drip attached to her hand. As he watched, she slowly opened her eyes and reached for the phone.

Jack's heart swelled with relief as he listened to her reassuring her mom that she was safe. But as she started coughing, his concern spiked. He rushed into the room, introducing himself, and helping her with warm water.

Just then, Allison entered, looking frantic. "Jack, I was looking everywhere for you!"

Jack smiled, holding up Allison's hand. "This is my fiancée, Allison. Aria also smiled introducing herself. Then Jack turn to Allison and said, "this is my childhood friend, Aria"

Allison's face paled, her eyes flashing with shock and realization.