isn't it? [taylor swift]

chapter 25

The buzz of excitement filled the air as Riven's voice cut through the chatter, commanding attention. Leia's heart raced as she stood just out of sight, smoothing down her sparkling emerald green dress with trembling hands.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for," Riven announced, his charismatic smile evident in his voice. "Please join me in welcoming the woman of the hour, the artist whose album is about to change the music world as we know it - Leia Hudson!"

A thunderous round of applause erupted as Leia stepped into view, her cheeks flushing crimson. The makeshift stage was adorned with twinkling fairy lights, casting a warm glow over the sea of familiar and unfamiliar faces. Her gaze flitted across the crowd, catching glimpses of her family, friends, and industry bigwigs all beaming up at her.

Riven's arm wrapped around her shoulders as he continued, "This girl right here, she's got a voice that'll make angels weep and lyrics that'll have you questioning your very existence. Trust me when I say, her upcoming album is nothing short of revolutionary."

Leia ducked her head, overwhelmed by the praise and attention.

"Oh my god, Riv," she whispered, "you're laying it on a bit thick, don't you think? How much have you drank already?"

He simply winked at her, raising his champagne flute. "To Leia Hudson, the brightest star in the musical galaxy!"

The crowd echoed his toast, their glasses tinkling in a symphony of celebration. Leia's heart swelled with a mixture of pride and trepidation. This was everything she'd ever dreamed of, yet the reality of it all was almost too much to bear.

Riven turned to her, lowering his voice. "Want to say a few words, superstar?"

Leia's eyes widened in panic. Public speaking had never been her forte, and the thought of addressing this type of crowd sent butterflies ricocheting through her stomach.

"Come on, they're eating out of the palm of your hand," Riven encouraged, already extending the microphone towards her.

As another wave of applause washed over her, Leia stepped forward, taking the microphone. Her voice quavered slightly as she spoke, "Thank you all so much for coming. Please, have a wonderful night!"

She handed the mic back to Riven, relief flooding through her as she made her way down the steps. The moment her feet touched the ground, she was engulfed in a tight hug, a loud voice cheering and chanting in her ear causing her to burst into laughter and wrap her arms tightly around her sister.

"There's my money maker!" Georgie's familiar voice rang out, slightly muffled against Leia's shoulder.

Leia laughed, returning the embrace. "Is that all I am to you?"

As they pulled apart, Leia caught sight of her parents approaching, their faces beaming with pride. Her mother's eyes glistened with unshed tears, while her father's chest seemed to puff out a little more than usual.

"Oh, sweetie," her mom breathed, pulling her in for another hug. Her ginger hair matched Georgie's, the two looking so alike in the venue light. "We are so, so proud of you."

"Thanks, Mom," she managed, her voice thick with emotion. "I couldn't have done any of this without you guys."

Her dad ruffled her hair affectionately, a habit from her childhood that she both loved and hated. "That's our girl. Always so humble."

When Ronnie and Linda had told her they were coming, she really hadn't expected them to turn up. She knew her parents loved her and she loved them too - but they had always made it very clear that this was not the life they wanted to be involved in. They had lives back home that worked perfectly fine without them needing to be involved in the glitz and glamour of the music industry.