London Rising (Wild Hearts Book 1)

Chapter Seventeen*

Music for this chapter: Lovely by Billie Eilish Ft. Khalid, What a Man Gotta Do by The Jonas Brothers, Little Black Dress by Jace Everett, Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton, My Generation by The Who

Rising Star fans were left outraged last night as their number one vote to go on to the final rounds of the singing competition was sent home. Valeri Harris surprised us all by outwinning London Trellis in votes, although it was a close call. Harris had fifty five percent of votes while London had the other forty five in their category. While normally, this should have sent Trellis home, the audience was left stunned when Harris wasn't even present for the Results Show. Pamela Fields, a representative of Rising Star, has released the following statement on the matter:

"Unfortunately, Valeri Harris was sent home Monday night after physically assaulting another contestant. The matter has been dealt with. We will not be taking questions."

This comes after a stunning moment that occurred on stage after London Trellis's solo performance during the Team Green Battle. After singing a heartfelt original song and playing the piano no less, Damon Keller took the stage and swept London off her feet in their first public kiss.

Could the two events be related? Let us know in the comments!

That's all on the drama today, but as more unfolds, we here at The Celebrity Rag will be here to keep you updated. Don't forget to subscribe!

Jennifer Wallaby, The Celebrity Rag, November 6, 2021

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The Rising Star Finals include guest performances, highlight reels, and the final four performances. But there's also the duets between contestants and coaches. I completely forgot that this was a thing until Damon told me what he wanted us to sing. I may be biased, but our duet might be the best ever.

Damon's wearing dark denim jeans and a thin white t-shirt and I'm wearing one of his button up dress shirts with a pair of white nike shorts under it. My hair is unbound and has been blown dry for extra volume. I'm only wearing extra amounts of specifically not waterproof mascara that Ashleigh insists will give the effect we want in the end.

The lights are off as Damon and I stand back to back on stage and I fight a grin when water starts pouring down on us. The music starts and then the stage lights up with white LEDs. I bring my microphone to my face and start the song.

"Thought I found a way, thought I found a way out. But you never go away so I guess I gotta stay now." I stare off and try to ignore the drones flying around us to capture the performance. We can't see the audience or anything beyond the rainstorm around us, it's one of the coolest experiences I'll walk away with from the show.

"Oh, I hope someday I'll make it out of here even if it takes a hundred years. Need a place to hide, but I can't find one near. Wanna feel alive, outside I can't fight my fear." I get chills as our voices mix, melding together beautifully. Never mind the fact that we've practiced multiple times now and even had a rehearsal with the rain.

"Isn't it lovely? All alone. Heart made of glass, my mind made of stone." I sing and Damon joins me for the next line. "Tear me to pieces, skin to bone. Hello, welcome home." I tilt my head back and rest it against his back, letting the water rain down on my face and Damon laces our free hands together as he takes over.

"Walking out of time, looking for a better place. Something's on my mind, always in my head space." I squeeze his hand and bring the microphone to my mouth so we can sing together.

"But I know someday I'll make it out of here. Even if it takes all night or a hundred years. Need a place to hide but I can't find one near. Wanna feel alive, outside I can't fight my fear."