The Serendipity of It All

I showed up at Berkeley College to enroll, only to be told Lia Lockwood had already registered.
She was even living in the villa my dad bought for me.
And she and my fianc were playing the happy couple.
I rubbed the calluses on my fingertips, hardened from years of playing the guitar.
What in the absolute hell?
If she was Lia Lockwood...
...then who was I?
And was this condescending jerk looking down his nose at me really my fianc?

1.
Lia Lockwood has already completed her registration.
Impossible! I stared at the admissions officer. This is my acceptance letter.
That letter was sent out over six months ago. If it was yours, why wait until now to show up?
I clutched the letter, a slow burn of fury building in my chest. Right after my mom passed away, my dad had pushed me to attend Berkeley and, while I was at it, marry some fianc Id never even met. Wed had a massive fight, and his bodyguards had unceremoniously dumped me on a plane.
The moment I landed, Id made a decision. This was my life. Before shackling myself to college, I was going to take six months to see the world.
But yesterday, my dad had called, his voice clipped and cold, announcing he was coming to visit. Panic seized me. I knew I couldn't hide anymore, so I rushed here to finally enroll, only to be met with this disaster.
Well, if I couldnt register, Id at least go to the villa Dad had bought for me. I needed a place to crash.
All the way there, one question hammered in my mind: Who had the audacity to steal my life?
When I got to the house, I punched in the security code. The screen flashed bright red: ACCESS DENIED.
I tried again. And again. Same result.
Just then, I heard footsteps inside. Whos out there? a mans voice called.
A knot of dread tightened in my stomach. The door swung open, revealing a tall, well-built man.
From inside, a womans voice drifted out, laced with curiosity. Peter, who is it?
My blood ran cold.
Peter? My fianc. The one Id never met.
A moment later, an impeccably dressed girl appeared behind him. She was about my age and looked vaguely familiar, but I couldnt place her.
Stunned, I managed to ask, Youre Peter? Then she is?
Peters gaze swept over me, his expression turning to ice. This is my fiance, Lia Lockwood. Who are you? And what are you doing here?
So, this was her. The imposter whod stolen my spot at school and was now living in my house. A wave of rage washed over me.
I met his cold stare and said evenly, This is my house.
Peter laughed, a short, ugly sound. Are you serious? Everyone knows Mr. Lockwood bought this place for his daughter, Lia.
Im Lia Lockwood!
You? His eyes raked over me, from my tangled hair down to my frayed t-shirt and dust-caked boots. He shook his head in contempt. The Lockwood heiress is a pristine little princess. Her family worships the ground she walks on. You, dressed like that? You expect me to believe youre a Lockwood?
The girl calling herself Lia arched an eyebrow, her smile sickeningly sweet as she adopted a look of magnanimity. Seeing as we share a name, if youre really that broke, I could spare some cash. But you really shouldnt lie, you know.
I clenched my fists, taking a deep breath to quell the fire in my gut. Youre sure shes Lia?
Of course I am. Now get lost! Ive never seen someone so shameless.
I stared them down, a cold plan forming in my mind. I pulled out my phone, opened a familiar online forum, and found a thread that had once been my digital home.
I typed a single message: Im back.
The replies came instantly, a flood of notifications.
Whoa! Youre finally here! Where have you been for the last six months? You promised us a jam session when you arrived!
Yeah, after all these years as online friends, we finally get to meet you in person! We have to see you!
A smirk touched my lips. I scrolled through the excited comments and dropped the villas address.
Ill be home tomorrow. Bring your guitars.
Then, looking up at the two of them, I let out a low, cold laugh. Just you wait.

2.
The next morning, a crowd had gathered outside the villa. Every single person was armed with a guitar case or an instrument bag, their faces buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
The fake Lia opened the door, her jaw dropping at the sight of the small mob on her doorstep.
Uh can I help you?
Excuse me is Lia here? Were here to see her, someone from the crowd called out.
Im Lia.
A guy in the front laughed. Awesome, we finally get to meet the Guitar Goddess in person! You kept us waiting long enough. Lets do this! Were dying to hear you play!
Yeah, come on, Lia! Dont make us come all this way for nothing!
I stood in the middle of the group, having changed into an old hoodie, my face mostly obscured. Thats right, I chimed in. Were all here for a performance from the master herself.
The color drained from the imposters face. Her lips trembled as she struggled to find words, forcing a brittle smile. I when did I say you could come over?
Someone immediately held up their phone, showing her the forum page. You posted it right here, didnt you? he said, pointing to the post made by the verified account. This is the official Lia, the Guitar Goddess account. Are you saying thats not you?
A flicker of panic crossed her face. No! It was me I posted it, she stammered, waving her hands dismissively. Sorry, it just slipped my mind. She gave a weak, awkward laugh and stepped aside, gesturing for us to come in.
I smiled coldly and followed the crowd into the villa.
This was the first time Id ever set foot in my own house. I looked around. The decor was opulent, but in a gaudy, over-the-top way. It screamed new money, completely devoid of any real artistic soul.
I am going to expose this fraud today, I vowed silently.
The fake Lia wrung her hands, still trying to weasel her way out. You know Im a little busy today. Maybe some other time
We came from all over just to see you play today! someone interrupted. Now that were here, you have to play at least one song for us.
I added my voice to the chorus. Yeah, just play anything. After all, the Guitar Goddesss fingerstyle is legendary. Thats what were all here to see.
At the mention of her playing, her face turned another shade paler. A bead of sweat trickled down her temple. Okay okay, she said, her voice strained. Let me let me just get everyone some water. She turned and fled toward the kitchen.
I was about to stop her, but the others were already thanking her. Fine, I thought with a smirk. You cant run for long.
A moment later, we heard a crash from the kitchen, followed by a sharp cry.
The imposter emerged, clutching her hand. Im so sorry, she said, her face a mask of regret. I dont think I dont think I can play today.
Before she could say another word, I strode forward and grabbed her hand. A small, clean cut on her finger was welling up with blood.
What a coincidence. You hurt your hand right now? Or is this just an excuse to get out of playing for us?
The crowd murmured, their expressions shifting from excitement to suspicion. Yeah, someone muttered. The timing is a little perfect.
Just then, Peter came storming down the stairs, his face a thundercloud. He shoved me aside and rushed to her. Lia! What happened? Are you okay? Where are you hurt?
She looked down, tears shimmering in her eyes. Peter, its nothing It was just an accident. Its not her fault
I let out a derisive snort. Peter, dont you find it a little strange? Lia Lockwood is a famous musical prodigy, a genius on the guitar. You two have been together all this time. Are you telling me youve never once heard her play?

3.
Peters jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with suppressed rage. Thats enough! Stop pouring salt on her wounds. She was in a car accident right after she got here. Her fingers were severely injured. She cant play anymore.
The imposter kept her head bowed, a flicker of triumph in her eyes hidden beneath a veneer of tragic sorrow. Its true, she whispered. Im so sorry I cant play for you all But that doesnt mean Im a liar
I couldnt help but laugh. Wow, another convenient injury. First a car accident, now a cut. Your fingers certainly are delicate, arent they? Do they get injured every time someone questions you?
The murmurs in the crowd grew louder. Doubt was starting to creep into their faces.
Her expression hardened, her voice trembling with manufactured hurt. How could you say that? That accident was the most traumatic experience of my life Why do you keep bringing it up? Do you have some kind of grudge against me?
Peters face darkened. He glared at me. Are you done? Shes the victim here. Stop harassing her! He held up her hand, pointing to a faint scar on her knuckle. Heres your proof. We have the hospital records too. Do you want to see them?
The crowd gasped. Oh, so thats what happened someone said softly. What a tragedy.
The imposter looked up, sighing dramatically. Regardless, Im truly sorry for letting everyone down
Oh, youre committed to this lie, arent you? Youd even hurt yourself for it
What is your problem? Peter roared, stepping menacingly toward me. Are you deliberately targeting her? He suddenly lunged forward and ripped the hoodie from my head. I knew it! Youre the troublemaker from yesterday! You came back just to start more trouble, didnt you?
His fury boiled over. He raised his hand to strike me.
My heart pounded, but I stood my ground. Im the real Lia Lockwood, I said, my voice cold and clear. If you dont believe me, call my father. Ask him.
Fine. Call him.
Gritting my teeth, I pulled out my phone and dialed my dads number. The call wouldnt go through. The screen just showed a spinning Connecting icon.
Peter saw it and sneered. Whats wrong? Cant get through? The real heiress act is falling apart, huh?
I took a deep breath, refusing to back down. Then call your father. Hell know the truth.
Peters expression faltered for a second before hardening into a contemptuous smirk. Still making up stories? Lia has been by my side this whole time. Theres no way shes a fake!
Fine. Then Ill expose her myself. I locked eyes with her. In the old Lockwood estate, theres a centuries-old pine tree in the backyard. Tell me, where does it stand?
I watched her, searching for any hint of a lie.
But she remained perfectly calm. A small, confident smile played on her lips as she answered softly, There are no pine trees at the Lockwood estate. Only a row of fragrant sweet olive trees.
My stomach dropped. How did she know that?!
A terrible premonition washed over me just as Peters rage exploded. He grabbed me, his voice a low growl. You planned this all along, didnt you? You came here just to torment her!
People rushed forward to intervene. The imposter even made a show of trying to calm him down. Peter, stop, its just a misunderstanding. Her voice was gentle, but her words were poison. Shes probably just jealous.
Her comment was like gasoline on a fire.
Peter shoved me to the floor. Youre just jealous of Lia, he snarled, a cruel smile twisting his face. You keep making trouble for her. Since youre so obsessed with her fingers, Ill make sure yours end up just like hersbroken!
He snatched a heavy ceramic vase from a nearby table, raising it high above his head. His eyes were wild with malice; he was actually going to do it.
I struggled against his grip, a chilling fear seizing me. Im a guitarist. My hands are my life!
The crowd cried out, trying to pull him back, but he was too strong. The imposter just stood there, a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes, as if she couldnt wait to see me crippled.
Just as I braced for the impact, regretting my reckless plan, a cold voice cut through the chaos from the doorway, radiating an authority that silenced the entire room.
Well, isnt this a party?

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