𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐮𝐬𝐭

The Show Must Go On

She was a fresh face to the music industry but her voice had been blaring out of car windows, houses, party speakers and every hip hop and R&B radio station in the country for six months straight. At just twenty three years old Donnie was already making massive waves with her music, gifted with a vocal and writing talent that comes along once in a generation. She was rocking a black oversized custom suit, no tie, collar open just enough to flash a heavy gold chain that caught every stray beam of light. As she stood there off to the side lines, waiting for her chance to walk the infamous red carpet. She could feel the nerves kicking in.

With only a few hours away from performing live on one of the biggest stages she's stepped on thus far. This wasn't a music festival with thousands of her fans singing her lyrics back to her and screaming her name. This was the Icon Awards, where she would be performing live in front of millions of viewers and every major player in music, film and sports. Bottom line, if your name held weight, you were in the building. If it didn't, you were watching from home, wishing you were there. She was nervous but her anxiety was overshadowed by the excitement, mirroring the organized chaos outside of the venue. As her boots hit the velvet carpet, the flashing lights went off in a blinding synchronized strobe.

" Over here! Donnie, Look to your left! Give us a smile! Can we get a shot without the shades!" the Photographers shouted, their voices overlapping one another as Donnie hit them with various poses.

She tried her best to do what they asked to make sure they got clean shots. Her heart hammered against her chest but on the outside she was playing it cool. She adjusted her shirt cuffs just like her team had drilled into her days ago. Every veteran eye in the industry was watching to see if the kid with the number one record would shrink under the lights. Once that was over the production assistant ushered Donnie and her team towards the media personnel.

" We're live on the red carpet with the one and only, Donnie B. You look incredible tonight. First off, we have to talk about this fit. Who are you wearing?" The interviewer asked, shoving the mic in her face as she smiled brightly.

" Thank you. I'm actually rockin'a custom fit by a local designer from the 'A'. Huge shoutout to Nori & Stone for putting this whole fit together and bringing the vision to life.

"I love it! Since this is your first time here. Who are you most excited to perform tonight?"

" Oh, hands down my boy, Chris. Every time he hits the stage it's like a master class, plus word on the street is there's supposed to be a surprise tribute so I'm definitely gonna be in my seat for that" Donnie replied, smoothly.

" Absolutely. It never fails. Chris is always gonna put on an amazing show! You're also hitting the stage in a little while. What can the fans expect from your performance tonight?" She asked. Donnie smiled, flashing a mouth full of diamonds. She leaned in closer to the mic with a suitable teasing charm.

" Now, you know I can't spill all the juice before the show. We gotta keep some things a mystery. I will say we're bringing something real special to the stage. Viewers, y'all make sure you're tuned in, cause we definitely gonna make a movie out of- " Donnie's words were cut short as her eyes drifted past the interviewer's head.

Her smile instantly fades when she spots Kenya and Aaron on the red carpet together. Kenya flashed a radiate smile with her arm tightly woven around his. Donnie watches from a distance as he leaned in and whispered something into her ear. The nigga must have suddenly developed a new talent in comedy because whatever he said had Kenya showing all thirty two. Donnie felt her chest ache with an ugly jealousy. They looked happy. Not just posing for the cameras or flashing rehearsed bliss, but genuinely happy and it made her blood boil.

Donnie heard the photographers shouting for them to kiss. Her heart pained when she witnessed Kenya gently grab the sides of his face before softly pecking his lips. When she was done she used both of her thumbs to wipe off the smudged lipstick she'd left behind. Everyone nearby erupted with cheers as the cameras flashed, capturing the moment. The interviewer followed Donnie's gaze to the photo section before looking back at her with confusion written all over her face. She leaned in, noticing the break in eye contact.