Shadows Of Stardom

Chapter 43

I hurt him.

I betrayed him.

I cheated on him.

Those words replayed in my mind like a haunting melody, each phrase a sharp blade digging deeper into my heart. The weight of my actions was suffocating, and I couldn't escape the truth of what I had done. How could I have shattered Everton we once had so easily? The burden of my mistake felt like a heavy shroud of despair that I couldn't lift. I couldn't bear the thought of losing us. I just couldn't let that happen.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the familiar scent of the office. This was meant to be a celebration; my album had just been released, and the excitement should have been palpable, but instead, it felt like a distant echo. I glanced at the clock on the wall, its hands ticking away mockingly, reminding me of everything I had lost. The world was moving forward, he was out there on a world tour, while I remained here, trapped in my thoughts. He was somewhere far away, leaving me behind.

Part of me yearned to chase after him, to mend what I had broken. But my work felt like a cage, and I was caught in a storm of nerves and anticipation. The songs I had poured my heart into—every note, every lyric—were infused with my feelings for him. I loved him. I still loved him. That love resonated through every track I created, yet he wasn’t here to share this moment with me..

I thought of him, his radiant smile brightening my life, beaming with pride over my music. Those countless nights of laughter and creativity spent chatting on the phone now felt like bittersweet memories that tugged at my heart. He was meant to be here, celebrating with me, eager to hear the songs inspired by our shared moments. But that was no longer possible. I had ruined everything, and all that remained were the haunting reminders of my own selfish decisions.

Suddenly, a message appeared, interrupting the haze of my thoughts. It was from Yoongi.

Yoongi: Congrats on the album release!

Me: Thanks… so what gift am I getting?

Yoongi: Anything the queen desires?

I let out a soft laugh, a faint smile breaking through my sorrow as I pictured his playful grin behind the screen.

Me: My boyfriend?

Yoongi: I’m going to need some backup if I’m kidnapping him…

My heart sank at the thought of Taehyung’s current situation. I knew he was struggling, and guilt pierced through me like a knife.

Me: How’s he doing?

Yoongi: Not great… but better than before.

Me: Please take care of him.

Yoongi: I will.

If anyone could look after Taehyung and help him heal, it was Yoongi. He had a unique ability to understand people and situations without needing words.

I sighed, scrolling through my notifications, each congratulatory message feeling like salt in an open wound. They only deepened my sense of emptiness.

The voice of the news anchor broke the silence, slicing through my thoughts like a blade.

Jennie has just released the most eagerly awaited album ever. It's been 12 hours since its launch, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.