Chapter 16
Watching Genevieve practically flee, Xavier’s gut feeling only grew stronger.
He hurried home and, without pausing, powered up his computer to search the lyrics she’d just been humming. A few clicks later, the search engine spat out a result.”
“The Unmet Star, performed by Loretta. Song synopsis…”
The moment Xavier saw Loretta’s name, his eyes froze on the screen.”
All at once, memories of the songs she’d written in her spare time came flooding back–along with her bright–eyed dreams of becoming a professional singer.
He stared at her name over and over, unable to look away, before finally typing “Loretta” into the search bar.
“Loretta, twenty–four, female, breakout artist under Luminis Music, officially debuted in March 2024. Released her first album, Stellar Wanderlust, the same month.”
Luminis Music?!
Xavier scrolled through his contacts and quickly found the CEO of the label.”
He couldn’t wait another second. Without hesitation, he sent a message.
Minutes later, the CEO replied with polite professionalism and connected him to someone else.}
Loretta’s current manager–and the talent scout who had discovered her–Dailey.
From Dailey, Xavier finally learned the truth.
Loretta hadn’t just vanished. She’d signed with Luminis Music and spent three years in intense, private training. As soon as she finished, the company tailored her debut album for her–and it exploded onto the scene, earning rave reviews both inside and outside the industry. But Xavier had never paid attention to the music world. So he’d missed all of it.”
Now, with this sudden rush of information, he felt like he’d been struck by a bolt from the blue–dazed, overwhelmed, and unable to process it all.
Joy at their unexpected reunion, the relief of letting go of old obsessions, the regret that had built up over the years, and uncertainty about what tomorrow might bring–emotion after emotion crashed over him.
He spent the entire night scouring the internet for every scrap of news about Loretta, trying desperately to make up for three lost years in a single night.
At dawn, he set off straight for Luminis Music’s headquarters.
After waiting in a conference room for three hours, the person he’d been longing to see finally walked in.>
The moment Loretta opened the door, Xavier felt his heart skip a beat.”
She’d changed in three years–more poised, a little older, her confidence shining through.”
For just a second, she looked surprised to see him. But she quickly recovered, offering a polite, professional smile.
“Mr. Kingsley. It’s been a long time.”
Hearing the formal address, Xavier’s eyes flickered with disappointment.
“It really has. But do we have to be so distant?”
Dailey, who had followed Loretta in, felt the tension immediately and hurried to smooth things over.
“Oh, not at all. We just thought it would be more respectful to use your formal title.”
With Dailey’s easy laughter filling the room, Loretta didn’t have to keep up the small talk. She nodded politely, took a seat, and began leafing through the contract on the table.
She’d gotten the meeting notice late last night–apparently there was a new project to discuss, which was why she’d rushed in early. On the way, Genevieve had messaged her, and she’d had a feeling Xavier would be waiting.
A couple of weeks ago, fresh off a flight from Vienna, she’d heard rumors about the lengths Xavier had gone to over the past three years to find her.”
She was surprised–maybe even a little confused.
After all, she’d always been just a stand–in to him, and Fidelia had already agreed to take him back. Why was he still so concerned about someone who had walked away?
So, after the meeting finished and the others left, leaving them alone in the conference room, Loretta didn’t bother with pretense. She got straight to the point.
16:09:0
Chapter 16
“The Kingsley family only just started investing in film and TV recently. For your hottest music show to land in the hands of a rookie like me–surely that’s not just a coincidence, is it?”
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