Unseen Bound

An Unexpected Encounter

A week after Adele’s return to the spotlight, Nora was going through her usual routine when she received an unexpected message. It was from one of Adele’s close friends, someone who had been in the singer’s inner circle for years. The message was an invitation for Nora, as the leader of a prominent fan club, to help design the venue for Adele’s upcoming birthday celebration.

Nora’s heart raced as she read the message. The opportunity to do something so personal for Adele was both thrilling and terrifying. But when she read the last part of the message, her relief was palpable—she was invited to design the venue, but there was no obligation to attend the party itself. This was perfect for Nora, who had always preferred to remain in the background, offering her support from the shadows.

She accepted the invitation without hesitation, immediately diving into the project. Nora poured all her love and respect for Adele into every detail, making sure that everything was perfect. The venue was a blend of elegance and warmth, reflecting the essence of Adele herself. From the subtle lighting to the carefully chosen flowers, every aspect of the design was a tribute to the artist who had given so much to her fans. When the work was finally done, the room was a masterpiece, a place where beauty and serenity intertwined.

With everything in place, Nora was ready to leave. She didn’t want to be there when the guests arrived, preferring to slip away quietly before the party began. But just as she was about to go, Adele’s friend approached her, asking her to stay a little longer. She had something to give Nora as a token of appreciation for her hard work.

Nora agreed, albeit reluctantly, and waited near the entrance, trying to remain inconspicuous as guests started to arrive. The room gradually filled with people, their chatter growing louder as the celebration began. Feeling increasingly out of place, Nora decided it was time to go. She had done her part, and now she just wanted to retreat back into the safety of her solitude.

But as she made her way toward the exit, she felt a hand on her arm. Turning around, she saw Adele’s friend standing there, and behind her, to Nora’s shock, was Adele herself. The friend smiled and introduced Nora to Adele, who instantly recognized her from that fateful night at the restaurant. Nora’s heart pounded as she met Adele’s gaze, a mix of awe and anxiety coursing through her.

Adele didn’t mention anything about that night in front of her friend, but there was a knowing look in her eyes that made Nora feel exposed, as if all her emotions were laid bare. Before Nora could make her escape, Adele insisted that she stay for the party, her tone leaving no room for argument. It was clear that Adele wanted her there, and Nora, despite her overwhelming nerves, couldn’t bring herself to refuse.

As they returned to the party, Nora tried to blend into the background, but it was impossible. She felt Adele’s presence like a magnet, drawing her closer even when she wanted nothing more than to disappear. After some time, Adele found her again, this time with a more serious expression on her face.

“I didn’t get a chance to thank you for what you did that night,” Adele said softly, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “You didn’t have to stand up for me, but you did. I don’t forget things like that.”

Nora was stunned. She had never expected to hear those words from Adele, let alone in such a personal setting. She fumbled for a response, her usual composure slipping away. “I just… I couldn’t stand seeing them treat you like that. You’re a person, not some object for them to gawk at.”

Adele’s eyes softened, and she gave a small nod, as if acknowledging something unspoken between them. “I appreciate that more than you know,” she said. “But enough about that. You’ve done a brilliant job with the design—it’s exactly what I wanted, even though I didn’t know it myself.”

Nora smiled faintly, feeling a swell of pride. “I’m glad you like it. I just wanted it to reflect you… everything you’ve given to all of us.”

Adele’s demeanor shifted then, and Nora got a glimpse of a different side of the singer—one that was far from the vulnerable, heartbroken woman the world often saw. Adele was determined, serious, and commanding in a way that took Nora by surprise. There was no trace of the pain she had seen that night at the restaurant; instead, Adele exuded confidence and strength. She was clearly the one in control, the boss in every sense of the word.

“So, are you going to stay and enjoy the party you helped create?” Adele asked, her tone playful but with an edge of authority.

Nora hesitated, feeling out of her depth. “I’m not really one for parties,” she admitted. “I’m more comfortable in the background.”

Adele smirked, crossing her arms as she looked at Nora. “I gathered that. But just for tonight, why don’t you step out of the shadows? You might surprise yourself.”

There was something in Adele’s gaze that made it impossible for Nora to refuse. She nodded slowly, feeling a mix of excitement and fear. “Alright. I’ll stay.”

The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Nora found herself mingling with people she would have never imagined meeting, all the while catching glimpses of Adele as she moved through the crowd, commanding attention with ease. Despite her initial apprehension, Nora found that she was actually enjoying herself. And every now and then, Adele would catch her eye, giving her a smile that made Nora’s heart skip a beat.

As the night wore on, Nora couldn’t help but feel that something had changed between them. Adele wasn’t just a distant figure on a stage anymore—she was real, tangible, and far more complex than Nora had ever imagined. And while Nora still didn’t fully understand the feelings that were stirring inside her, she knew one thing for certain: she was no longer content to remain in the background.

For the first time, she wanted to be seen.