FLAWLESS

CHAPTER 31

Shanelle POV

I stood outside the grand entrance of Marconi Studios, my heart pounding against my chest like an overzealous drummer. This was the moment I had been waiting for—the radio interview that could potentially propel my career to new heights. With each passing second, the weight of the occasion bore down on me, and I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead.

As I stood there, nerves mingling with anticipation, my mind wandered to the countless hours I had spent preparing for this day. I recalled all the right answers I had rehearsed, the anecdotes I had carefully curated, and the charming wit I hoped to display. Failure was not an option, and I hoped with every fiber of my being that I wouldn't mess up.

"Shanelle, are you ready?" Ava asked, her voice brimming with encouragement.

I nodded, a mixture of determination and trepidation coursing through my veins. Together, we made our way into the studio, where we were greeted by the producer, Mr. Thompson. A tall man with silver hair and a warm smile, he extended his hand to both of us.

"Thank you for coming, Ava, Shanelle," Mr. Thompson said, his voice laced with genuine gratitude. 

"We're truly thrilled to have you here. It's a wonderful opportunity for both of us."

Ava and Mr. Thompson exchanged pleasantries, their voices interweaving with an air of professionalism. As they conversed, I took a moment to absorb the studio's atmosphere. The room exuded a cozy ambiance, with warm lighting and a sense of purpose lingering in the air. My eyes were drawn to a colossal round table positioned at the center, adorned with an array of technical equipment and microphones resting atop it. It was a sight that epitomized the magic that transpired within these walls.

Soon, Mr. Thompson led us towards the heart of the studio. Sitting on either side of the table were the two people who would be interviewing me—a man and a woman, radiating enthusiasm and camaraderie. They introduced themselves as Michael and Sarah, their smiles genuine and inviting.

"Shanelle, it's a pleasure to meet you," Michael said, extending his hand towards me.

I shook it with a mixture of excitement and nerves. "Likewise, Michael. Thank you for having me."

Sarah chimed in, her voice filled with warmth. "We're really looking forward to this interview, Shanelle. It's an honor to have you on the show."

Her words filled me with a renewed sense of confidence. It was comforting to know that they were genuinely excited to ask me questions especially with all the rumors and gossip flowing around and I was only here for one reason only. To clear up all the misunderstanding. Sarah handed me a pair of headphones, and as I slipped them on, I felt a surge of anticipation. 

Taking a seat at the table, I adjusted the microphone in front of me, my fingers trembling slightly. The studio's coziness enveloped me, creating a bubble of focus amidst the whirlwind of emotions. It was just me, Michael, and Sarah, ready to embark on a conversation that would reach the ears of countless listeners.

As we settled in, the crew outside the studio busied themselves, fine-tuning the technical aspects of the broadcast. Michael caught my eye and gave a reassuring smile before he subtly motioned towards my headphones and microphone. I nodded, my nerves threatening to consume me, and he nodded back, his smile widening.

With a confident nod from Michael, he gave the cue to the crew outside that we were about to commence. The bustling activity beyond the glass walls came to a hush, and the studio was transformed into a sanctuary of sound and storytelling.

"Alright, folks, we have the fabulous Shanelle here with us today, and we can't wait to dive into her incredible career. But first, let's give a shoutout to our regular listeners."