Notes of Destiny: A Musical Odyssey by Neil Grant

Chapter 4



Chapter 4 He’s Changed

His father’s passing and the change in dynamic in his family was a massive blow

But Neil had always been stubborn to a fault. He refused to accept his current reality and work hard. Instead, choosing to drown his sorrows in degeneracy and denial

He wanted to slap them all in their faces

Thankfully the award winners were announced just as the clock struck four

The host announced the results of the competition

In third place, contestant number three, Jennie O’Moore, with Land of My Soul!” 

In the second place, we have contestant number fifteen, Calvin McConnell, with This Is Your 

Home!” 

And finally, in the first place. The winner of this year’s Patriotic themed song contest is Neil Grant! He sang Dracorea the Beautiful! Please put your hands together for our three winners!” 

Neil went on stage to receive the prize from Shawn Pash

You sang very well. Keep improving, and you’ll represent Cloubury and bring glory to us on a provincial level!” 

Shawn encouraged him

The winner of the contest would go straight to the provincial competition

Neil was notified that he had to get to the province on July 10 to participate in the competition

Don’t worry, Mr. Pash! I’ll work hard!Neil quickly replied

Clutching the certificate and the weighty ticket tightly in his hands, Neil burst into tears

He had donated millions of dollars that were rightly his without a lingering glance during his past life

But the three thousand bucks in his hand was much more valuable than that

Strolling through the streets, Neil spent around a hundred on a skincare set for Aneira and some 

snacks for the children

Neil soon arrived home

While still downstairs, he could hear arguing

His physical self was better than before ever since his rebirth

His memory, eyesight, and hearing had drastically improved

He could hear every word being said

He could hear his stepmotherinlaw, Sharon, and Ancira’s nineteenyearold brother, Keith

Sharon was screaming, You’re coming with me! I’m not letting you stay here with these useless pieces of trash! Come here! I’ll beat you to within an inch of your life!” 

Keith held her back, Mom, don’t hit her! Just let her stay if she really wants to! You can’t force her to do something she doesn’t want to!” 

I’m not going with you! Neil said he’ll changeIt sounded like Aneira was struggling

Sharon was shrieking now. How can you believe the words of an alcoholic! You’re beyond help!” 

Mom, I won’t let you hurt her, no matter how upset you may be. I, too, believe that Neil will change!Keith said

Neil took to the stairs two at a time, reaching the second floor in no time

He pushed open the door

Sharon was dressed in silver and gold. Her fingers were covered in gold rings. She was pinching Anera

For some reason, Aneira was wearing a longsleeved grey dress. Her cheeks were covered with streaks of tears

Keith was standing between the two women trying to keep them apart

They froze when they saw Neil

Neil strode forwards, pushing Sharon to the side. He hid Aneira behind him

Look what the cat dragged in. Return my daughter to me, you piece of trash!” 

Sharon shrieked. She leaped forwards, but Keith held her back

Don’t be like that, Mom! Calm down.” 

Calm down? How can I calm down when Ancira has decided to stay with this bastard!?” 

Stop screaming!Keith yelled. Let’s listen to what Neil has to say!” 

Sharon finally calmed down when she saw Keith losing his temper with her

She had always favored her son more. She had neglected Ancira and married her off at the first. chance she got

Whereas her son was the apple of her eye

Keith quickly turned to Neil, Neil! Didn’t you say you’d change? Quick! Give my mom and sister your word!” 

Neil’s heart ached

Aneira had changed into long sleeves to hide the wounds on her arms

If her brother found out about him abusing her, there would be hell to pay

Turning to face Aneira, Neil immediately showed her the certificate and money he had just won

I won first prize in the competition, Aneira! I’ll need to go to the provincial capital on the tenth to compete! The first prize for that is twenty thousand dollars! I can be a singer! And if that doesn’t work out, I’ll find a way to be a singing coach and go on TV shows! I won’t disappoint you!” 

Aneira looked dazed and confused

She had lied to Sharon about Neil changing. Aneira was trying to keep her children from losing their father at such a young age

But to her surprise, Neil had changed

The certificate looked real, at least

Realizing Aneira was softening towards Neil, Sharon jabbed a finger in his face and cursed him 

out

Stop your little tricks! The certificate could be forged, and who knows where you got that money from! You made Aneira pay your debts. You neglect your wife and children. Why don’t you find a corner on the street somewhere and die there?” 

Stop it, Mom! Neil said he’s changed. Stop yelling at him. I’d rather start a war than tear a family apart!Keith stopped her

Neil felt warm inside

Keith was defending him

He did not know any of this before his reversion. He was drunk all the time and barely went home. Keith had beaten his close to death after Aneira and their children jumped off the building

Neil made a mental note to treat Keith well after he became successful

Neil promised Keith and Ancira

Aneira, Keith. Give me a little time. I’ll earn lots of money. My songs will be heard all over the country! Believe me!” 

He completely disregarded Sharon

He may be a bastard, but Sharon wasn’t any better

All Sharon wanted was to marry Aneira off to an infamous son from a wealthy family she knew. The man was known to drink, indulge in prostitution and gambling. How could such an immoral woman like this call herself Aneira’s mother?! 

I believe in you, Neil! Pick yourself up and treat my sister and my niece and nephew well! I’m taking my mother back with me to Remmington!” 

Coaxing and persuading Sharon, Keith dragged her away with him

Papa! Up!His daughter ran over with her open arms

Neil knelt down and lifted her up

This time, Aneira did not stop him. Holding onto their son’s hand, she watched him warily

Neil kissed Yivi’s adorable little face

Daddy bought some snacks for you, darling. Look! It’s your favorite teddy bear cookies!” 

Yivi’s eyes lit up

She clapped her hands in glee

Yay! Teddy bear cookies! It’s the one that comes out on TV! Yummy!” 

She watched TV while at their landlord’s house

Their TV was practically vintage. But despite the low picture quality, the cookies looked so delicious and irresistible that Yivi practically drooled on sight

Sitting on their wornout couch, Neil placed his daughter on his lap

Opening the bag, he distributed the snacks to his two children

He then took out the skincare set and handed it to Ancira

Staring at him warily, Ancira refused to take it

Trying to convince her, Neil said, Ancira, I saw them while on the way home and thought of you. I promise to buy you much better ones after I’ve made more money.” 

Aneira stayed silent

She didn’t know if Neil would hit her again for saying the wrong thing

She had not bought a single piece of clothing or makeup since they moved here from the city

Her glasslike skin had lost its shine and brilliance from neglect

She had heard of this brand

Whilst working as a cleaner at the magistrate’s house, she had heard his wide talking about it. Apparently, it was pretty effective, and the entire set cost over a hundred dollars

There was no way she could afford it


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