14:29 Tue, Nov 5
Chapter 122
30%
he bright lights of the studio dimmed as I stepped away from the interview set, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins.
Five years had passed since my gut–wrenching single, “Numb Heart,” thrust me into the spotlight.
It had been a whirlwind, and as I navigated through the complexities of the music industry.
“So, Daphne, what inspired one of your biggest songs, ‘Numb Heart“?”
The interviewer’s question lingered in the air, and I couldn’t escape it.
I took a deep breath, my mind rewinding to the painful memories that fueled the lyrics. Yet, I wasn’t ready to lay bare the raw emotions that had birthed the song.
A practiced smile graced my lips. “Let’s just say a certain someone.” The interviewer chuckled, sensing the delicate nature of my response.
As the conversation veered toward safer topics, I maintained the façade, unwilling to unravel my emotions.
The interview concluded, and I exchanged pleasantries with the crew.
Henry, my manager, joined me as we made our way to my waiting SUV. The door
Mid–bite into his granola, Henry turned to me with a determined look. “You need
closed behind us.
to
go on that tour.”
The familiar tug of disagreement pulled at my chest. We’d been at odds over this since yesterday, and the looming prospect of having to go to Miami intensified my internal struggle.
“I don’t want to go to Miami,” I admitted, my voice tinged with frustration. I glanced at Henry, hoping to convey my reluctance. “Can’t we skip it? Maybe pick another city?”
He shook his head. “You have to include Miami. It’s also a part of your career, hashtag humble beginnings.”
you PR ending your world tour where
started your
My shoulders slumped in resignation. The relentless pressure to conform to the industry’s demands felt like an anchor around my neck.
“Fine,” I sighed, conceding defeat. “I’ll go to Miami.” Henry’s satisfied smile spoke volumes, but I couldn’t shake the sense of impending dread.
Miami, the city I had hoped to avoid, would be the final stop on my tour.
As the chauffeur steered the SUV through the bustling streets, I gazed out the tinted windows, my mind grappling with the upcoming journey.
Miami was vast, I reasoned, and the likelihood of running into him felt slim.
I reminded myself that this was my moment, my tour, my success–no room for ghosts from the past.
When I arrived home, Melody, my daughter, ran up to me hugging my legs. I picked her up, planting soft kisses on her cheeks. “How are you, Melody?” I asked in a high–pitched voice.
She giggled, “I’m fine mommy.”
Jasmine, her nanny came out from the corner. I put Melody down. “Oh, Jasmine there’s something I want to speak to you about.”
14:29 Tue, Nov 5 –
Chapter 122
She paused and
oked up at me t
expectancy. “I’ll be going on tour and I don’t want to leave Melody here since she’s on
eye on her while I’m on stage.” summer break, so I’ll need you to come along with us. Somebody has to keep
Jasmine smiled, “Of course ma’am, that’s not a problem at all.”
“What’s good London?!” I screamed into the mic, my voice echoing in the arena as fans chanted back.
Days passed, and the tour unfolded in a blur of performances and adoring fans. I moved from city to city and country to country. Trying out so many new delicacies and experiences.
“You did so great Daphne!” Henry hollered as I neared the van.
“Thank you,” I responded. Plopping down on the seat as Melody walked up to me.
I felt so fulfilled, this is life. I was living my dream, my career was doing fine and I had my daughter by my side.
The looming Miami date approached like an inevitable storm on the horizon.
Each city left behind a trail of memories, but as I stood on the cusp of the tour’s end, anxiety gnawed at the edges of my composure.
ཤམས ས བ 1:|: ཀ མ པ པ ད 1 : 1 : 1 ད ད ད ད 1:|:|:ཀ
The night before Miami, I found solace in the dimly lit backstage of a concert venue. Henry approached, concern etched on his face. “You ready for tomorrow?” he asked, granola conspicuously absent this time.
I nodded, feigning confidence. “Of course. It’s just another show
He arched an eyebrow, seeing through my bravado. “Remember why you started all of this. It’s about your music, your journey.”
The flight to Miami left me drained, but Melody seemed impervious to the weariness, sleeping soundly in her seat. As we settled into my booth, Jasmine engaged in playful antics with her.
Amidst the cozy atmosphere, Henry walked in, his expression clouded with concern. “What’s wrong?” I inquired, rising to my feet while attempting to appraise my appearance in the mirror.
“I heard you don’t wanna perform ‘Numb Heart‘ tonight,” he stated, his voice tinged with disappointment.
I sighed, admitting, “Yes, it’s true.”
“Why?” he pressed.
I continued to fidget with my dress, avoiding eye contact. “This city and this song, they’re tied together. It feels too emotional for me.”
Henry sighed audibly. “Daphne, you simply can’t remove one of your best songs from the performance lineup.”
“Treplied,
“I’ve been singing this song throughout my tour, maybe singing other songs deserves some attention too,” applying my lipstick.
“More than half the people out there that are waiting for you knew you because of Numb Heart,” insisted.
“It wouldn’t kill if I didn’t perform it just once.”
“There’s no valid reason why you’re against performing this song, Daphne,” he responded.
Igroaned, tossing my stick on the table with a clatter. “It’s personal, I could do it anywhere but not in Miami. It makes me
feel vulnerable.”
“Nobody knows that except you.”
0/2
14:29 Tue, Nov 5
Chapter 122
Reluctantly, I agreed to perform it, knowing the significance it held for both the audience and Henry.
3
56%
Stepping onto the stage, the initial jitters dissolved as the crowd’s energy embraced me. The music flowed effortlessly, and I reveled in the joy of performing. As I neared the end of the set, the moment arrived to sing “Numb Heart.” The audience, familiar with the song, eagerly joined in a collective chorus.
Amid the harmonious blend of voices, my gaze swept the front row, where a familiar face caught my eye. Him.
୦
SEND GIFT
COMMENT
