PAGES OF MY LIFE

**Part 16: The Interview and Evan's New Song**

After the rumor spread, Evan's manager quickly intervened, insisting he leave the concert venue immediately to avoid the paparazzi. Without a moment to explain, Evan was rushed away, leaving Thandar behind in confusion.

Back at his company's headquarters, Evan couldn't shake the frustration gnawing at him. "Why aren't we saying anything to the public about this?" Evan demanded, pacing the room. "I'm not dating Elaine! The photos that went viral are from a music video shoot, not a personal date! I need to set the record straight. My fans wouldn't like this, and I don't want them to believe these lies."

His manager exchanged a glance with the CEO, who remained stoic. "It's not that we don't want to address it, Evan," the CEO replied, his voice firm. "Elaine's company is staying quiet, and so should we. Let people think what they want. It's not our loss."

Evan's manager nodded in agreement. "Maybe staying quiet is the best choice for now, especially with your music video coming out next week. Let's not stir the pot any more than necessary."

Evan felt a pang of helplessness. He wanted to deny the rumors, to tell the world the truth, but his hands were tied by his management. The thought of someone important misunderstanding the situation gnawed at him, and he couldn't stand it any longer.

Determined, he reached for his phone and called the only person he could think of. "Hey, do you have Thandar's number?" Evan asked urgently.

On the other end, Lee couldn't resist teasing him. "Why are you asking me? You should call Lai, not me."

"I tried, but I couldn't reach her. That's why I'm calling you. Cause maybe.... perhaps you have Thandar's number?" Evan's voice betrayed his anxiety.

Lee's tone softened. "Sorry, man. I don't have it, I think Thandar does not use her old phone including her number right now."

Evan's heart sank. He felt trapped by his busy schedule and his fame, which made it nearly impossible to visit or contact anyone freely.

Sighing, he walked over to the window, gazing out at the flowers in bloom. "Maybe we found each other at the wrong time," he murmured to himself, the weight of his unspoken words heavy on his heart. "Or maybe today just isn't our time..."

Evan continued to stare out the window, lost in his thoughts. The vibrant colors of the flowers outside did little to lift the heaviness in his chest. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was losing something precious—something that he might never get back.

As the days passed, the rumors continued to swirl, and Evan found himself increasingly isolated. He poured his emotions into his work, channeling his frustration and longing into the song he was composing. Each note, each lyric, became a reflection of his inner turmoil. The song was meant for Thandar, a way to communicate the feelings he couldn't express directly.

On the day of the interview, Evan was unusually quiet. His usual charisma was dimmed, replaced by a quiet intensity. The interviewer noticed but didn't press too hard, knowing the rumors had taken a toll on the star.

"So, Evan," the interviewer began, "your fans are eager to hear about your upcoming music video. There's a lot of speculation about it, especially with the recent rumors involving you and Elaine."

Evan took a deep breath, his hands clenched in his lap. "The music video is special to me," he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "It's not just another project—it's a way for me to express something I've been holding onto for a long time. The song is about someone important to me, someone who I may have found at the wrong time."

The interviewer's eyes widened slightly, sensing the weight of Evan's words. "Can you tell us more about this person?"

Evan hesitated, his mind filled with memories of Thandar. The way she used to smile, the way her eyes lit up when she talked about her dreams—it was all so vivid in his mind, yet painfully out of reach.

"There's not much to say," Evan finally replied, his voice tinged with regret. "She's someone I care about deeply. But sometimes, life doesn't align the way you hope. Timing can be cruel, and people can be pulled apart by circumstances beyond their control."

The interviewer nodded, sensing the depth of emotion in Evan's words. "It sounds like this song is more than just a performance for you. It's personal."

Evan smiled faintly. "It is. It's a message to that person—if she's listening, I hope she understands. Maybe we found each other at the wrong time, but that doesn't change how I feel. I like her for a long time"

As the interview continued, Evan's thoughts kept drifting back to Thandar. He hoped she would hear his song and understand what he couldn't say out loud. It was his way of reaching out, of telling her that no matter what happened, she would always be in his heart.

The interview wrapped up, and Evan felt a strange mix of relief and sadness. He had said what he could, but it didn't change the reality of their situation. All he could do now was wait and hope that the song would reach her, that somehow, she would know it was meant for her.

As he left the studio, Evan couldn't help but glance at his phone one last time, hoping for a message that wasn't there. With a sigh, he slipped the phone back into his pocket and walked away, the weight of unspoken words still heavy on his heart.