Chapter 8

Here's the rewritten text in prose form:

As they walked, Aria's eyes met Daniel's, and she felt a surge of gratitude towards him. He had donated his blood to save her life, a selfless act that she would never forget. She smiled weakly, and Daniel returned the gesture, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Aria's gaze then shifted to Jack, who carried her with gentle care. She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding tight as he navigated the path to her room. The pain in her stomach still lingered, a constant reminder of the attack.

Allison's angry departure had left an uncomfortable silence in its wake. Aria knew that her presence, her very existence, was a thorn in Allison's side. But Aria refused to apologize for living, for surviving against all odds.

The Manager's warning, her condescending tone, had sparked something within her. She had stood up for herself, asserted her independence. "I'm not a kid anymore," she had said, her voice steady. "I can look out for myself." But the truth was, she couldn't do it alone. She needed Jack, needed his support and care. And as he laid her down on the bed, Aria knew that she could face whatever comes next, as long as he was by her side.

Allison burst into Aria's room, her laughter grating on Aria's nerves. Aria, engrossed in her songwriting, looked up to see Allison's mocking gaze. Jack, entering with a tray of juice, overheard Allison's venomous words. "So, you trust Jack so much? What if he's just using you to help me win this competition?"

Aria's anger flared, and she splashed water from her glass onto Allison's face. "Get out of my room!" she demanded. Allison's eyes blazed with fury as she pulled out a knife, but Jack swiftly intervened, grabbing her wrist and sending the knife clattering to the floor.

"Get out of here, Allison!" Jack shouted, his voice firm. Allison laughed as she reminded Jack of a childhood promise. "You remember, Jack? You promised to marry me when we were 12. Don't forget, we're not just in music school, we've finished college too."

Jack turned to Aria, ignoring Allison's taunts. "Aria, are you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face. Aria nodded, still shaken. As Allison stormed out, Jack closed the door behind her and placed the tray in the table. Aria was still thinking about what had happened now, Jack smiled and whispered to her , "Here's your juice, drink up. I'll be right back." Aria nodded and smiled.

Meanwhile, Ivy was trailing behind Daniel, her voice calling out to him.

Daniel stopped and turned, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in Ivy's smile. "What do you want, Ivy?" he asked, his voice neutral.

Ivy's smile faltered for a moment before she spoke, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I've had feelings for you for a long time, Daniel. But I know you have feelings for Allison."

Daniel's expression didn't change, but he turned to walk away, leaving Ivy's confession hanging in the air. Ivy called out again, her voice laced with determination. "Daniel, please give me a chance to prove myself to you."

Daniel halted, his back still to Ivy, but he didn't turn around. For a moment, he stood there, then continued walking away. Ivy's smile returned, a small, hopeful smile. She knew Daniel had heard her, and that was all that mattered.

Mrs. Anita and Mr. Steven met with the manager, deciding to resume normal activities, including the music exam, which would commence early the next morning. With everyone prepared, they retired to their quarters for an early night's rest. Aria, having completed her preparations, also went to sleep, ready for the big day ahead.

The next morning, the manager took his seat alongside Liam, the lead judge, and three other judges. The hall was decorated, and the contestants gathered, eager to begin. Jack stood beside Allison, who held his hand tightly. As Aria descended the stairs, she stumbled, but Daniel quickly caught her, saving her from a fall. Aria thanked Daniel, assuring everyone she was fine. Allison smiled, tightening her grip on Jack's hand, while Liam watched Aria going to her sit.

With everything in place, the manager invited the contestants to take their seats, reminding them that the competition would be broadcast on camera. The atmosphere was tense, with everyone ready to showcase their talents. The judges were poised to evaluate, and the audience waited with bated breath. The exam was about to begin..

With the exam complete, the contestants submitted their scripts to the judges, eagerly awaiting the outcome. The manager announced that the results would be revealed the following day, at the same time and location, with everyone in attendance. The contestants were dismissed, and the tension was palpable as they left the hall, each hoping for the best.

Meanwhile, Aria's mother watched the live broadcast on TV, her eyes scanning the room for a glimpse of her daughter. When she saw Aria, she felt a wave of relief wash over her, knowing that her daughter was safe and had completed the exam. She prayed fervently for Aria's success, hoping that her hard work and talent would be rewarded with a good result.

The day of reckoning had finally arrived. The judges' decisions were met with bated breath as the contestants awaited their fate. Leah and Leo stood hand in hand, their anxiety palpable. Allison's worry was evident on her face, but Jack's reassuring smile offered her some comfort. Sofia and Andrew stood together, their eyes fixed on the judges.

The announcement began, and the room fell silent. "The finalists are... Jack, Leah, Aria, Andrew, and Allison. Congratulations!" The room erupted into a mix of cheers and gasps. David, Leo, Sofia, and Daniel were disqualified, their dreams shattered.

Aria's eyes welled up with tears as she thought of Daniel, who had selflessly donated his blood to save her life. She quickly excused herself, overcome with emotion. Jack followed her to the restroom, concern etched on his face.

Leah's world was crumbling around her. She couldn't bear the thought of continuing without Leo. With a determined look, she approached Liam, the judges' representative. "I want to give up my spot in the competition," she said, her voice firm. "If Leo can't stay, I won't stay either." Liam's eyes widened in surprise.

Leo's face lit up with a smile as Leah took his hand, and together they walked away from the competition, their dreams abandoned. Allison, on the other hand, steeled herself for the challenges ahead, knowing she had to win to survive.