Just for Tonight

51.

Even so, there was some tension between Ville and Chloe. He no longer hid his displeasure at seeing her working as a waitress.

"You're so stubborn! You can do anything you want in life, honey".

Chloe didn't even respond anymore, merely nodding occasionally. Busy preparing for the tour, he began not to sleep at her place every night.

Shortly before his departure, he knocked on her door and entered.

He seemed to hesitate for a moment before speaking. "I don't want to leave until I'm sure we're okay", he managed to say.

"It's okay, don't worry. We just disagree on something".

"On something that's important to you", he added.

"I don't know what to tell you about that anymore, Ville. I can't spend my life conforming to what everyone expects of me".

"Everyone?". He frowned.

She sighed, searching for the words, not sure she wasn't hurting him in the process

"I'm in no way comparing you to Raf, keep that in mind. But ... all I had to do was follow the plan he had laid out for me, right down to having my own radio show. If I follow your plan here, all I have to do is enter a singing competition, and with your support, I'll actually be able to dream of glitter and music. I quickly went from a relationship where someone dreamed big things for me, to a situation where I find the love of my life who dreams of seeing me enter his world. But sometimes... I don't even know who I am anymore, Ville. The only certainty I have is my feelings for you".

Ville thought about what she'd just said. "I loved it so much when we shared the music".

"We still share it, differently. I love your writing and you know it. If one day you compose a new duet, I'll be happy to be back on stage with you. In the meantime, let me do this work, believe me, it helps me to find myself. And I need it".

"I really would like you to see yourself through my eyes".

He took her in his arms.

___

Ville had been away for a few days when the first attack arrived. Actually, it was more of a media boycott. The tour kicked off in Finland, and the media remained silent on the event. Yet Ville was one of the country's best-known and best-loved personalities. Venues were barely filling up, fans simply weren't aware that Neon Noir was coming to their cities.

Chloe moved quickly, reactivating social media accounts and coordinating with fan communities to spread the tour dates and details. She also contacted Matti, who confirmed that they had received no information about Ville. He quickly corrected the situation and notified the other media he worked with.

"Raf, isn't it?", Ville asked her in a phone call.

"I'm afraid so. I told you he ran the media". She felt helpless and, contrary to her habit, kept a close eye on every publication and article that concerned Ville. "I'm sorry, Beautiful".

"Chlo, it's not your fault. Thanks for what you're doing, tonight's concert was sold out".

"I love you, V."

"I miss you, honey. If you need anything, go to Migé, he's in charge of looking after you," Ville reminded her.

The second attack was more vicious. After the boycott, articles about Neon Noir's songs poured in. All negative. The headlines were destructive:

- Valo still surfing the same old doom and gloom.

- Neon Noir: the art of recycling the past.

- Mr. Valo's shaky return to English music.

- Neon Noir tour : so few new songs that half the concert is just a tired rehash of HIM covers.

Other criticisms were far more personal.

- Ville Valo, abandoned by his closest friends, the former HIM members. Is his temper to blame for his isolation?

- Impossible to live with? Ex-girlfriend Chloe reportedly fled to London to escape him.

- Valo's downfall: from dating models to... a waitress.

This last newspaper headline made Ville and Chloe jump.

"This has really gone too far!", he exclaimed during one of their many phone calls.

"But I never thought he'd go this far. Yes, a waitress isn't great for your image, you were right", she said in a neutral voice.

"Honey, waitress or astronaut, I love you. How does he even know you're a waitress? But this has got to stop. Remember the right of reply you gave the newspaper?".

"When a journalist shot down our duet, followed by others?".

"That's right. We're going to do something similar, but bigger. I've got a few days free before I leave for Europe. Use your connections... and try to get us on the news".

"Us?".

"We're going big. You, the guys and me. Whether you like my music or not, that's one thing. Whether they attack you or my friends, that' s a whole other story. I'll call the guys, you take care of the media with Matti's help. I have a feeling he's on our side. Hang in there, honey. I'll be there soon".

---

Chloe contacted Matti. They met discreetly at Migé's place.

"So, if I understand correctly, what you're asking me for is a place on the news".

"Do you think that's possible, Matti?", she asked, concerned.

"I'll see what I can do. I've got one or other contact there. Seeing Ville on the news is something many people have been waiting for a long time. But what are you going to say and explain?".

"Nothing directly targeted, but a reflection of reality nonetheless. Trust Ville, he has a gift for playing with words".

She smiled. The right of reply was taking shape in her head.

-----

Hello, dear reader!

I'm glad you made it this far.
Chloe seems to have something up her sleeve... can you guess what? 🕵‍♂️🕵‍♀️