As she strummed the opening chords, she sang, In every moment of my life, you’re the light of my heart. Zayn hadn’t realized it then, but that song would live in his heart forever. Back in the present, Zayn stared at Kyle.
How does this boy know that song? He hadn’t released it. No one had heard it. Not even his fans.
Only Venus. Could it be? Zayn’s heart raced. Is he… my son? Kyle’s song ended, and the judges erupted into applause, impressed beyond words.
That kid’s incredible. Who needs background music with a voice like that? One judge exclaimed, You’ve got an amazing voice, son, another added. Kyle looked at Zayn, awaiting the opinion of his idol.
But Zayn was silent. He had to steady himself, be sure. You impressed me, kid, Zayn finally said, his words simple but loaded with meaning.
Kyle beamed. The next day, the list of selected contestants was posted. Children gathered around the bulletin board, and Kyle was in disbelief when he saw his name.
Number one. I made it, he whispered joyfully. But he noticed some of the other kids looking at him strangely.
He wasn’t sure why, but a few looked at him with something close to resentment. He shrugged it off and returned to rehearsing. Now that he was in, he had to make it to the semi-finals after the first week.
Slowly, Kyle began to notice the whispers, the glances. At first, he ignored them, but it became clear, wherever he went, murmurs followed. One day, standing by the studio door, three older boys approached him.
Hey, are you the new kid? One asked, nudging his friend. Yeah, Kyle replied quietly. The three exchanged smirks.
I heard you’re getting special treatment. Huh? What are you talking about? Kyle asked. Why do you have a bodyguard? And why’d Mr. Anderson recommend you? Another boy chimed in.
Kyle lowered his head. He had no idea what they were talking about, but he could tell one thing. They didn’t like him, even if he sang well.
What’s so special about you anyway? Look at your clothes. You don’t belong here, sneered the tallest boy. Kyle glanced at his outfit.
Old, yes, but clean. There’s nothing wrong with being poor, he said quietly but firmly. The boys laughed.
Sure, but poor kids shouldn’t squeeze into the world of the rich, one snapped. Kyle clenched his fists. At least I’m working hard for my mom.
What’s your excuse for being bullies? He shot back. The boys were stunned for a moment, but the tallest one grew angrier. So you’re tough now, huh? He said, shoving Kyle hard enough to make him stumble back.
Before Kyle could react, a firm voice echoed through the room. What’s going on here? Everyone turned. The three boys froze when they saw Zane Anderson.
He walked straight to Kyle and gently helped him up, then turned to the others with a stern expression. What did you do? Isn’t it in the contest rules that bullying is not allowed? Zane asked coldly. We’re sorry, the boys mumbled, heads down.
There’s never a good reason to bully anyone. If you have a problem, talk it out. Don’t mistreat others.
Is that clear? The boys nodded nervously. I’ll give you one chance. Don’t let this happen again, Zane said.
Yes, sir, they replied, hurrying away. Kyle hadn’t expected his idol to defend him. Zane turned back to the group.
In this contest, your background doesn’t matter. What matters is your talent and effort. Don’t give me a reason to think you don’t belong here, he said, looking directly at the boys who had bullied Kyle.
They nodded again and quickly left. Zane and Kyle were left alone in the hallway. They looked at each other in silence.
Inside, Zane felt a pull, an urge to embrace the boy. But not yet, he needed to be sure. After the incident, Zane brought Kyle to his office.
It was a spacious room with walls lined with plaques, albums, and awards. As Zane sorted through paperwork, Kyle couldn’t help but look around in awe. He was amazed by the number of awards his idol had earned.
Finally, after a few moments of silence, Kyle couldn’t hold back his admiration. Mr. Anderson, Kyle said. Zane turned and smiled.
Do you have a question, Kyle? You’re my idol. My mom and I always watch your performances together. She says you’re one of the best singers ever, Kyle said enthusiastically.
Thank you, Kyle. That means a lot, Zane replied, his heart warming even as a shadow passed over his eyes. Kyle’s smile faded slightly as he remembered his mom in the hospital.
She taught me how to sing. She said I should learn from you. Zane felt a chill in his spine.
Slowly, answers were forming in his mind. I have a question too, Kyle. What’s your mom’s name? Zane asked carefully.
Her name is Venus, Kyle replied with a bright expression. Zane went pale. He felt his knees weaken.
It was like a splash of cold water. What? What did you say? He stammered, barely audible. My mom’s name is Venus, Kyle repeated, now confused by the expression on Zane’s face.
Zane stared at the boy, his eyes, his face, the way he spoke, and it hit him, a truth he never imagined. How is this possible? He whispered, his hands trembled. Mr. Anderson, why are you crying? Kyle asked.
Zane hadn’t realized tears were falling down his cheeks. He didn’t answer. Instead, he stepped forward, gently placing his hands on Kyle’s shoulders.
He studied the boy’s face closely. There was no mistake. Kyle was his son, the child he and Venus had once created together.
The signs were clear, his last name, his appearance, and most of all, the song only Venus knew. You’re my son, Kyle. You’re my son, Zane whispered, barely able to believe it himself.
Kyle’s eyes widened. He didn’t move, just stared. Then he slowly shook his head.
I don’t understand. How could I be your son? Do you know my mom? He bombarded Zane with questions, unable to process what he’d just heard. Do you believe me, son? Zane asked desperately.
I didn’t know Venus was pregnant. I didn’t know I had a son. But now that I do, I can’t let you go.
If I had known, I would have never let you two suffer. Kyle went quiet. He looked down and muttered, Why didn’t you take us with you? Why did you leave us, mom and me? If it’s true, why now? His words pierced Zane’s heart.
The weight of his past decisions came crashing down. He had left for his dreams, and in return, he lost the chance to know his own family. Zane pulled Kyle into a hug.
I’m so sorry. Forgive me. He once believed that success would allow him to provide a good life for Venus and their child.
He never imagined it would come at the cost of their suffering. Kyle wiped his tears, hesitated, then wrapped his arms around Zane. Can I… call you dad? He asked softly.
Zane held him tighter. Yes, son. Please do.
Dad, I joined the audition not just because I want to sing. I need to earn money for mom. She’s still in the hospital.
Kyle said, voice shaking. Zane froze. He had nearly forgotten Venus was still unconscious.
What happened to your mom? He asked. She had an accident. We don’t have money.
I don’t know what to do. I’m scared her condition will get worse. Kyle sobbed.
The words hit Zane like a punch. The world around him faded, leaving only Kyle’s trembling voice. No.
Venus, he whispered, his hands shaking. She hasn’t woken up in a long time, Kyle added. Zane rose to his feet and held his son’s hand.
Take me to her, please. I need to see her. Without hesitation, Kyle nodded.