Chapter 12: Shadows Before the Spotlight. The Romance Thriller Web Novel "I Love You Even More" by Abrar Nayeem Chowdhury

Chapter 12: Shadows Before the Spotlight

The morning sun shone over the red bricks of the campus buildings as Monday dragged its feet across the university grounds. Inside the faculty building, Professor William returned—though his steps were slower than usual, and his eyes shifted, calculating.

After managing to take one half-hearted class, William marched down to the CC camera room, his face wearing a mixture of suspicion and veiled fury.

“Show me Friday’s footage from the teacher’s lounge corridor,” he demanded of the CCTV technician.

But the staff raised a calm hand and shook his head.
“Sir, you’ll have to take permission from the Vice Chancellor. It’s university protocol.”

William clenched his jaw. “Do I look like I’m here for fun?”

“Still, sir,” the staff replied politely, “Please talk to VC, Sir. We can’t allow access without written permission.”

William’s pride battled his rage. He realized that causing a stir might raise more questions than it answers. So, with a long breath through his nostrils, he turned and left.
“Let it go… for now,” he murmured.

Meanwhile, over in the cafeteria, laughter and plates clinked in the air as Akib sipped his coffee, flipping through a novel.
Then a familiar voice broke through the crowd:

“Akib!”

He looked up, and there she was—Professor Samantha, smiling, graceful, carrying the elegance of her black saree and an air of soft curiosity.

“I wanted to ask you something,” she said, sitting opposite him without invitation, “Are you joining the Cultural Night?”

Akib blinked. “It’s this Friday, right?”

She nodded. “Yes. Three days from now.”

“I was actually thinking… I’d like to perform. A song.”

Samantha’s eyes widened with delight. “You sing? That’s new information.”

Akib smiled, slightly shy. “Sometimes. Mostly alone. But yeah… I do.”

“Well,” Samantha chuckled, clearly impressed, “I’m registering your name. Be at the Auditorium by 3 PM today. Auditions are happening. The judges will finalize the lineup.”

That afternoon, the auditorium buzzed with energy. Lights flickered, mics crackled, and a panel of four judges sat across the stage. Among them, sharp-eyed and silent, was Professor William.

When Akib’s turn arrived, he stepped onto the stage with measured confidence. He nodded at the musician and took the mic. Then, in a clear, warm voice, he began singing:
“Here I am, this is me…”

His voice swept across the room, touching corners, inviting soft nods of approval. Even two of the judges smiled.

When he finished, there was a moment of silence, then applause.

“You’re in,” one judge said simply.
Another added, “We’ll finalize your slot soon. Good work.”

But William only clapped once, stiffly. His jaw ticked. His thoughts darkened.
“So the boy sings… Let’s see how well he sings when the music betrays him.”

Later that evening, William met with the university’s hired musician, Lam, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a money-loving grin.

“I have a favor to ask,” William said quietly, sliding a folded note of cash toward him.
“I want the instrumental for ‘Here I Am’ to be... modified. Wrong tempo. Off-key. Slightly distorted. Can you do that?”

Lam’s eyes lit up. “Sir, music is music… but money is God,” he chuckled. “Yes, it can be done.”

“Good. Make sure he struggles. Embarrass him in front of everyone.”

“As you say, Professor.”

And with that, the deal was done—inked not in paper, but in betrayal.

TO BE CONTINUED....

Chapter 11: https://webnovelbyabrar.blogspot.com/2025/04/chapter-11-unfortunate-fate-of-williams.html

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