Filed To Story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
As Mirabella’s tempo picked up, David’s dance became more and more electrifying, the audience’s screams almost breaking the sound barrier.
At that moment, Jossie’s phone started buzzing incessantly. It was Wendell, the agent of a popular star, calling her.
Out of professional courtesy due to their past collaboration, Jossie excused herself to the backstage area, searching for a quiet spot to talk. “Wendell, long time no see.””Jossie,” Wendell’s voice was beaming. “Just wanted to congratulate you in advance for David’s concert success.”
“Thanks, Wendell.”
“Our executives are all watching David’s concert live. The lighting, the stage effects, they’re fantastic, and we’re especially blown away by that glasses-free 3D technology. Of course, what we really want to know is how you managed to get Summer to appear.”
“It was a favor from Summer, a nod to David’s talent.”
“I know, David’s outstanding. No one in the music scene holds a candle to him. Summer must’ve recognized his popularity and his hard work. But I’m wondering, did you negotiate with her agent as well?”
“It was Summer herself who gave the go-ahead. If you’re looking to collaborate with her, you should check with Ms. Kiki for her availability.”
“Ms. Kiki can be tough to deal with. I’ve been on the losing end a few times with her. Just wanted to know how you approached her and what the price tag was. Jossie, we go way back. Just give it to me straight. If they’re open to working with us, you’ll be the hero, and trust me, you won’t be forgotten when it counts.”
“Wendell, I only found out about Summer being tonight’s surprise guest at the last minute. Tell you what, I’ll look into it and get back to you, okay?”
“Perfect, I’ll be waiting for your call. Don’t worry about the time, just ring me for anything related to Summer, and I’ll pick up in three seconds flat.”
“Alright.” Jossie had just hung up when another agent, Lia, sent her an audio call.”Lia.”
“Jossie.” Lia’s voice was warmer than usual. “I watched David’s concert from start to finish. Absolutely heart-stopping. The top stars truly stand out, with that voice, that popularity.”
“Thanks for your support, Lia.”
“Jossie, I just adore David, so I thought of him immediately for a collaboration. You know the global luxury brand OL’s face in Astronisia is represented by Reuben. His contract is up in a week, and Reuben wants to recommend David. With Reuben’s endorsement and David’s fanbase, it’s a sure deal.
We’re talking an endorsement deal for more than one thousand million dollars for a year. But we need a favor from David in return—could he introduce Reuben to Summer after the concert for some late-night grub? We’ll foot the bill.”
Jossie instantly got the drift. “Lia, the timing couldn’t be worse. Ms. Kiki just told me to whisk Summer away the minute the concert wraps up. You know how it is with Summer’s star power—she can’t even grab a bite without Ms. Kiki giving the green light. This isn’t something David and I can call the shots on.”
“But c’mon, it’s only natural for David to grab a meal with Summer after the show, or at least have a quick meet-and-greet backstage. David could play the mediator, introduce Summer to Reuben.”
Jossie could only make excuses. “Lia, we’re tied up with non-disclosure agreements, plus there are time constraints and whatnot. We’ve got to get Summer back right after the concert, and it’s not like I don’t want to help, but here’s the thing—if you can get Ms. Kiki’s approval, I’m on board one hundred percent.”
“If she were easy to talk to, why would I even be coming to you? Jossie, I’ve looked out for you lots, including all those red-carpet events. Whenever Reuben and David are in the mix, I always let David take the stage first.”
Jossie thought to herself, wasn’t that because David’s more popular than Reuben? The organizers themselves wanted David to go first. How did it become her doing them a favor? Did David really need someone to let him shine?
“Jossie, do me this solid, will you? If Summer agrees to work with us, David could land an endorsement deal worth a cool hundred million bucks. It’s a win-win. Kiki’s just too strict, keeping a tight leash. We want to reach out to Summer directly, get her personal ‘yes’.”
“Lia, I’m sorry, but I’m just an assistant. I can pass the message, but whether they meet up is really up to Summer’s schedule.””Jossie.” Lia was losing patience, her voice tinged with annoyance. “Everyone shines for a moment, but who shines forever? Sure, David’s a tad hotter than Reuben right now.”
Jossie was speechless. Just a tad? David was way ahead, or else why would he be the top dog, not Reuben?
“But who’s to say? Maybe Reuben will outshine you one day, and you’ll come knocking for our help.
Then, I can have Reuben lend you a hand.”
“What’s up?” At that moment, Mirabella returned from her performance.
It was like Jossie had seen the cavalry arrive. “Somebody’s looking to collaborate with you.”
“Don’t bother, just hang up.”
Hearing Mirabella’s icy response, Lia wasn’t deterred but instead pleaded with Jossie to hand the phone over to Mirabella.
Jossie, feeling awkward, said, “Lia wants to talk to you for a sec.”
Mirabella took the phone. “Except for David, I’m not considering collaborations with anyone at the moment. I appreciate your interest, but no need to call again.”
With that, she ended the call.
Jossie didn’t expect Mirabella to be so assertive. “You have no idea what she was saying on the phone —they think Reuben will be more popular than David someday.”
“And he’s not popular now, so why talk about the future?”
Jossie was stunned. Big shots sure talk big when they have the clout.”He’s not going anywhere.”
As far as Mirabella knew, this Reuben lived a messy private life, often deceiving fans and dodging taxes.
His downfall was only a matter of time.
Then Jossie’s phone buzzed again, with different agents asking the same thing—how they managed to get Summer on board.
Some even wanted to buy her out for the inside scoop.
“Summer, you’re such a hot ticket. I’m swamped with messages, and they’re all about you.” Jossie couldn’t keep up with her inbox.
Mirabella just smiled. “I’m heading back to the seats. Tell David I’ll catch a ride home with Romeo.”
“Aren’t you going to wait backstage? The concert’s almost over, and David’s sure to want a word with you.” Jossie hastily urged her to stay.
“With all those fans out there dying for David’s autograph and a selfie, if we chat for too long backstage, he’ll never make it out.”
Mirabella had seen the fervor of fans before, but still, the energy in the air was electric.
“Oh yeah, is David coming home for New Year’s Eve? Does he have to work?” Mirabella asked casually.
“David cleared his schedule for those days. He said it’s his sister’s first New Year back home, and he’s determined to spend it with her. He was so adamant about it, even pushed back against his agent, who finally gave in.”
Mirabella didn’t expect David to make time for her like that, and her heart softened at the thought.
“I’ll be home, too.”
“I’ll let David know. He’ll be thrilled.”
“I’ve got to head off now.”
“Don’t forget my engagement party!” Jossie called out with a wave.
“I’ll be there.”
Mirabella returned to her seat just as David was bowing to his adoring fans, who were shouting their love, some even in tears, not ready to let him go.
The concert wound down, stage lights dimming, and the crowd began to disperse.
Romeo took Mirabella’s hand gently and said, “You sing beautifully, better than any song I’ve ever heard.”
“Really?”
“Yes, of course. I took videos and photos for you. They’re all on your phone now.””When did you recognize me?”
“When you called David’s name.”
Mirabella was surprised. Romeo had recognized her voice even before she took the stage?
“To have a fiancée with such a lovely voice, I wonder if I could get some special treatment? Maybe a song request? A private serenade?”
“We’ll see how I feel.”
“So, how is my fiancée feeling right now?”
“Not bad.”
“Let’s get some water to soothe your throat first.”
Every VIP seat had a bottle of mineral water. Romeo opened it and helped her take a few sips.
Mirabella’s throat felt much better.
She noticed the floor was spotless. The fans had taken their litter away in little bags, and they were leaving in an orderly fashion through several exits, with no sign of the usual jostle and rush.
Alma was at the end of the queue next to them, watching as Romeo placed the glowing bunny ears back on Mirabella’s head.
He whispered in her ear from time to time, their hands tightly interlocked, his adoring gaze as if it could hold no one but Mirabella.
“The concert was totally worth it tonight! I never expected to see Summer, let alone hear her sing. Her voice is like a stream flowing from the mountains, and David’s voice is like a breeze across the hills.Their voices together, it’s the most beautiful duet I’ve ever heard!”
Hannah couldn’t get enough of the performance, her mind replaying every little moment with a hint of regret for being so absorbed that she hadn’t captured their duet on her phone.
“I’ll have to scour the internet for a video later, I need to relive that performance at least ten thousand times, it was just too good,” Hannah said, her voice bubbling with excitement.
But Alma’s smile was strained, as she forced herself to look away, determined not to focus on the excitement still buzzing nearby.
Back at Reflections Villa, Mirabella was greeted by Louisa, who was inexplicably wielding a glow stick and ran up to her, practically vibrating with excitement.
“Bella, you were amazing out there. I hereby declare myself your number one fan starting today!”
“I’m on board too! I was whooping and hollering up a storm!” Kenneth joined in, brandishing his own glow stick.