45I don't own any detail of VA or BL!
A/N:
Summary:
Rose Hathaway (19), a famous singer, a contract with the biggest record label and dating a teen heartthrob. Sounds perfect, right? Looks can be deceiving. Dimitri Belikov (30) an entrepreneur, a hard work ethic and never been fortunate in the love department. What will become of the two when their lives intertwine more than once? Will Dimitri remain blindsided by Rose's fame? AH
Rose, Sydney: 19.
Lee: 23.
Viktoria: 24.
Ambrose: 28.
Dimitri, Ivan, Lissa, Christian, Mason, Eddie, Mia: 30.
Tasha, Keith: 34.
Paul: 16/17.
Now On With The Story!
Chapter One,
9th July 2014,
Breathe.
"Life is like a novel. It's filled with suspense. You have no idea what is going to happen until you turn the page."—Sidney Sheldon.
Rose
"Miss Hathaway, Mr Hastings, I'm Zeke Russo, the Executive Producer of the Lia DiStefano Show, "Zeke informed while clutching a dark clipboard with the name Lia DiStefano in bold, soft, pink lettering with a brass coloured headset over his smooth, silky, bronze hair. "I just wanted to let you know that you're both needed down in the Studio in five minutes; we go on air in twenty minutes."
Zeke stood straight as a lamppost, his posture reminding me more of a soldier than a civilian, in the narrow dressing room doorway; anticipation and stress reeked from him.
My manager, Ambrose Hastings, my very close, glitter-freak-king, friend, and I nodded at him.
"Thank you, Zeke, "Ambrose replied on our behalf, leaning casually against the dressing room wall, crossing his muscular arms over his glitter infested, black, leather suit jacket. "Tell them we'll be down in the Studio soon. I just need to discuss a few things with my client beforehand, regarding today's interview."
Zeke nodded."No problem. I'll let Lia know right away, sir."
Zeke swiftly exited through the doorway of my dressing room, leaving us alone.
Ambrose strolled over to the cream coloured high chair beside me, proceeding to scan through a selection of magazines on the chocolate oak side table in front of him. Gently he let his long, light, olive fingers brush against the tops of the magazines until he pulled out one of them in the pile: 'The Ruby Circle.'
Ironically, I just so happened to have the pleasure to be gracing the front cover of The Ruby Circle, with Lee Donahue—known as my "adoring", "affectionate", "sex-god" of a boyfriend to the world—and a six-page spread.
My "darling" infamous mother, Janine Hathaway (mainly her), and Ambrose jumped at the chance for us both to have the honour of being photographed for the front cover. My band, Shadow Kissed, was offering the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the support act on our fasting approaching world tour. The frenzy that would brew within the fandom would be alluring for the press, thereby feed through social media and expand, growing and spreading more awareness; the food chain cycle of Hollywood.
"Think of the increases in sales! The publicity we'd receive due to the spread would be tremendous," Quoting the words of my Scottish mother. Of course, she aced the sales pitch to have Lee and I on the cover, to the boardroom. In addition to that, she managed to convince the Label that our ticket sales would skyrocket.
Crossing my right leg over my left leg, I began shaking my left leg; a nervous, annoying habit of mine that drives most people insane, particularly my darling mother of mine. It's a part of my life, a constant reminder of my anxieties, almost like a stain on your favourite shirt.
Ambrose cranked his head slightly to the side, angling himself to look at me whilst continuing to glance through the magazine.
"Roses, now that everyone's gone, "Ambrose began.
"Ambrose, is this the start of a lecture?"I inquired, cutting him off.
"What am I your father?"Ambrose remarked jokingly before adding on."Don't even answer that, misses."
"All I was gonna say, you shouldn't worry too much about today's interview. Syd and I'll be at the side watching you out with Lia and Lee, "Ambrose added."If you feel uncomfortable at any time or feel panicky/ill, look at us, okay? I'll ensure they cut to the adverts. The bosses at the Label, and your mother will most likely want to slaughter me, but that doesn't matter to me. Ok?"
Nodding, I sighed in relief; Ambrose and Sydney are my number one supporters, standing faithfully beside me throughout my entire career. They're the only two people, who don't treat me as if I'm an endangered species - to them, I am just Rose.
Sydney Katherine Sage is my childhood best friend. We met at St Vladimir's Academy, in Montana. In true old Rose Hathaway style, I punched Dawn Yarrow in the face, after she insulted Syd for being a bibliophile and reading books that were in a higher age range. No one insults my friends without consequences, naturally resorting to violence seemed like the most rational decision; it worked, Dawn never bothered Syd again. Our friendship blossomed from that day onwards.
Syd's the opposite of me. She's incredibly intelligent academically; I'm average academically but excelled more in the artistic side of the school. She's very independent, highly responsible and a soon-to-be a Student of English Literature and History, at the University of Lehigh.
"Ok, that's fine with me, "I breathed.
I laughed humourlessly as a thought popped into my head."To be honest Ambrose, I'll be lucky if Lee allows me a chance to speak with Lia. He adores the spotlight as you know—but, I'm sure my mother will kill me if I don't mention her name at least five times. Praising her for starting my career, ensuring our band fans worship her for giving birth to their 'queen'."
Ambrose chuckled whilst I shifted in my high chair, continuing to shake my left leg.
"You've got that right, Roses,"Ambrose amused. He then spotted my shaky leg."Have you taken your medication today?"
I nodded.
Ambrose and Syndey demanded the doctors put me on 'this medication' after the "incident" that occurred a few years ago. However, lately, it doesn't seem to make a difference since Lee moved in with me.
"Yes, why? I'm here talking to you, about to go on a live TV show, "I snapped immediately."Trust me. If I hadn't taken it, I wouldn't be here right now."
Ambrose leaned over to me, squeezing my hand in a comforting gesture."I know, I'm just checking. It's a long interview today, Roses."
"I know, "I expressed, guilt-riddled throughout my entire body. I offered an apologetic smile."Thanks for having my back; you are a true friend, Ambrose."
Ambrose grinned at me, showing his dazzling smile through the mirror. I couldn't help but shift my gaze onto my full appearance. I froze: I felt like I had entered a parallel universe.
The young woman in the mirror looked nothing like Rose Hathaway, the nineteen-year-old ordinary girl from Montana, who thoroughly enjoyed having the freedom of doing whatever she wanted and playing music. I looked more like Rosemarie Hathaway from the bestselling band, Shadow Kissed, groomed for stardom and an illusion created for the public's eye.
My long, luscious, dark brown hair now tied back in a neat bun with vivid ombre tips. My pale eyeshadow highlighted the gold flecks in my dark eyes. The bold coloured statement red-stain lipstick on my lips to enhance the size of my lips. My rosy cheeks looked less elegant but more strikingly fierce than before. I wore an onyx black leather plunged crop top, skin-tight black skinny jeans, and a pair of six-inch strappy sandal heels. This girl may be a false illusion, but she's an alluring liar illusion. She's the girl I once dreamed of becoming years ago. Now... I don't know.
Ambrose gently nudged me, bringing me out of my train of thoughts."Well, time's ticking on. We better get a move on down to the Studio before they air."
I looked up at the clock on the dressing room wall before nodding. Ambrose helped me stand up from the high chair because of the height of my shoes.
"Thanks, "I praised once I stood up.
"No problem, "Ambrose replied, offering his arm."Shall we, Roses?"
I smiled.
"Lead the way."
As we approached the spot on which we were requested to await my cue, I noticed a herd of crew members frantically setting up the last of the equipment for today's show.
Sydney lazed against the hot pink coloured wall of the set, reading a large book that probably had at least 700 pages. She wore her typical going-out look, which consisted of a white silk blouse, a formal black knee length skirt, and black flats. Syd often waited patiently backstage for my TV appearances' or tours', just occupying her time by continuing her obsession with reading.
"Syd, have you seen Lee?"Ambrose inquired once we approached her, halting in front of her.
Syndey didn't reply.
"Syd?"I asked.
Syndey lifted her molten golden eyes from her book, widening in shock."I'm sorry, did you guys say something? I just got so caught up reading facts about the legends of the Moroi, Strigoi, and Dhampirs back in Romania. My first term will consist of studying it, so I thought I'd get a head start. You know me! Haha. Wait, what did you guys ask again?"
We chuckled. I wandered over to stand beside Syd, resting my head on her shoulder; Syd rested hers on top of mine while wrapping her pale around my waist.
Ambrose loosely folded his arms over his chest."I asked if you've seen Lee? He's due on set with Rose soon."
Sydney shook her head."No, I can't say I've seen him around. I've been standing here, watching everyone set up between reading my book."
I sighed.
Please don't say he's late because he's drunk, I silently prayed to myself.
"He better hurry up. Janine and the Label will want to have my head if he doesn't turn up today! "Ambrose expressed, with annoyance in his voice while taking out his phone from his jeans pocket.
"I'm gonna call Keith, see where he is. He better answer his bloody phone this time, though."
Before Ambrose had even the chance to dial Keith's number, they both appeared out of the shadows.
Lee wore a gothic-inspired outfit consisting of a low plunging black tank top, with metal chains, a black scarf hanging loosely around his neck under a black leather jacket, a pair of skinny black leather jeans with chains hanging down from his belt loops, and a pair of ankle boots.
"No need to Ambrose, "Lee's manager, Keith remarked smugly "as we're here now."
I felt Sydney freeze beside me, pulling me to her side.
Keith strolled over to stand beside Ambrose while Lee headed over towards me, forcing me out of Sydney's hold. He pressed his lips roughly against me, causing me to gasp, forcing my mouth open in the process wide enough for him to gain access to my mouth with his tongue.
Lee tugged my chin up, making me stand on my tiptoes while wrapping his arm roughly around my waist. Pulling back, Lee winked seductively at me and took a few steps back to stand by Keith. A smirk appeared on his lips as he took in my full appearance.
I inched closer to Sydney as she linked out arms together. I noticed out of the corner of my eye, Keith smirked at Sydney before at Ambrose.
Ambrose narrowed his amber eyes at them."You're both super late. They're going to start the show in a minute."
"I wouldn't say we are late then, Ambrose, "Lee amused, smugly."More like still on time if you ask me."
"I have to agree with my client, Ambrose, "Keith added onto Lee's comment smugly."From what I see, we're just in time for this interview."
Ambrose frowned while he balled his fists. Immediately, I gave Lee a warning look; Lee, in return, gave me an innocent look, pretending not to know what he's doing.
Syndey cleared her throat."Well, it shouldn't be long before they start both calling you onto set now."
I nodded in agreement with Sydney.
"They better not keep us waiting, "Keith declared flatly."My client and I have better things to do than wait around all day waiting for them."
Nodding in agreement with Keith, Lee crossed his over his chest."Keith and I are going out with Kenneth and the guys for a drink after this, so they better start hurrying up."
Suddenly, Zeke appeared on our side of the stage, walking over in our direction.
Syndey sighed in relief alongside me. Ambrose rather annoyed like earlier whilst Keith and Lee looked bored.
Zeke nodded at us."We're live on air in 3, 2, 1. We're live on air!"
Breathe, Rose! You can do this.
I watched nervously, as Lia gracefully glided onto the set from the other side, commanding attention as she stopped at the centre of the stage. She wore an emerald green, slim fitting, sleeved pencil dress and the matching coloured shoes.
The audience automatically rose from their seats onto their feet, clapping thunderously unable to conceal their delight. There couldn't have been more than a hundred-fifty people in the audience, ageing between thirteen and sixty-five, either fans of my music or Lee's movies. Within the crowd, some people stood out like a sore thumb due to the massive banners in their hands that said, We Love Shadow Kissed! They Always Come First! They Always Come First is the title of my band's last album.
Sydney squeezed my hand, whispering good luck into my ear; Ambrose gave me two thumbs up, sending me a silent good luck.
"Good morning from me, in Los Angeles to everyone in our studio audience and at home, "Lia vocalised gleefully."Welcome to the number one talk show in America, The Lia Distafano! How are guys all doing!?"
The audience cheered vociferously, wolf whistling positive replies.
"Miss Hathaway, Mr Donahue, you're both due on the set in a minute, "Zeke said.
Lee and I nodded.
"Well, let's get started! Now, as you all now know, we have two very special guests here in the studio with us today!"Lia exclaimed enthusiastically. The audience roared with delight. I felt butterflies in my stomach."Please give a warm round of applause to Shadow Kissed's lead singer, Rosemarie Hathaway, and the star of the hit action movie, Zymotic, Lee Donahue!"
It's now or never.
Ambrose, Keith and Syd walked over to their seats to watch the show.
Lee and I stepped out from the side stage together, holding hands as boyfriend and girlfriend. Instantly, the studio audience broke out in fits of roaring cheers and fangirls screams of joy. Lee's face bore a wide wicked grin, soaking in the atmosphere and the limelight. While I, on the other hand, I plastered a false smile across my face, trying to control my nerves.
Once we reached our destination, Lia then directed us over to the two white sofas. Lia sat gracefully down on the small sofa while Lee and I sat down on the other sofa.
"Hello and welcome guys, "Lia sang, with a genuine smile."It's nice to meet you, Lee!"
Lee swung his left arm loosely around my shoulders."Thank you, it's nice to meet you. Rosemarie, "He glanced at me momentarily. "my sister, Tamara, and I watch your show all the time."
Lia grinned.
"Thank you, Lee. "Lia expressed."And Rosemarie, hey gal! It's lovely to see you again."
I smiled fondly at her; I liked Lia. She's known me since the beginning of my fame.
"Thank you, you too. It doesn't feel like it's been two years since I was last here, "I said, adding."But, I saw you a few months ago at, The Bloodlines Awards."
Lia nodded enthusiastically."Ah, yes! I was hosting for, The Female Artist of The Year Award—which you won. Congratulations by the way!"
The audience cheered.
Lee butted in."Yes, then you came over to our table, congratulating us. Wishing the best."
Here we go...
"Yes, I can recall meeting briefly a few months ago, "Lia acknowledged."But, it's your first time appearing on the show, isn't it?"
Crossing my left leg over my right leg, I gently began shaking my left leg.
Lee nodded."Yes, it's my first time appearing on the show—shocking since I've lived here for all of my life. You'd think this would be the first place I would be on."
Lia and the audience chuckled.
"Well, you're here now!"Lia exclaimed. She's always been overly excited and had a positive attitude way of thinking.
"Well, I'm here now. Which is what counts now, "Lee expressed, with a false keenness. He then reached over to pick up two Lia DiStafano mugs. Lee aggressively handed me the cup filled with water while claiming the other filled with vodka. Lee swung his free arm around the back of my shoulders, clutching me closer to his lean body. My head squashed against his shoulder bone.
He's drinking again.
Lia cleared her throat.
"So, let's get down to business then."Lia said."You're both here today to announce the Shadow Kissed's world tour. The contest too, I believe?"
Lia, almost as light a feather, placed her long fingers around the base of the steaming, pale pink, coffee mug on the low rise table. She took a sip before setting it back down on the table, returning her full attention back to us.
I nodded, opening my mouth to speak before getting cut off by Lee.
"Yes, my girl's band going on tour; tickets will go up at midnight tonight. They're playing in over thirty different countries, starting next year in late January. So make sure you check out the dates when they're in your area, "Lee announced.
"Also, there's a chance for an upcoming band to support them on tour too."
Thunderously the audience clapped, the sound echoing throughout the studio while cheering in glee. I grinned; this is one of the positive sides of fame, seeing and hearing the reaction of the adoring fans.
"I know what I'll be doing tonight, "Lia proclaimed."Making sure I get me some tickets!"
The audience cheered in agreement with Lia and added, "Yes me too, gal!"
"Well, starting from midnight—once the tickets have gone up for sale, "I informed Lia."There will be an options button located at the bottom of the page. That button allows you to send in videos of your band performing. But make sure you fill out the form, otherwise your band won't qualify for the contest."
Lee took a large swig of his vodka and set it down on the table.
Lia nodded and grinned."How long is the contest open for?"
Lee's burning gaze made my heart start pounding heavily in my chest.
"You have three weeks to send in all of your videos. You'll receive an email if you have given a place in the contest, "Lee replied, cutting me off."More information will be released once the three weeks are over."
"Ok, my Little Lia's, you've heard it here first, "Lia echoed."Do send in those videos if you want to grab this phenomenal opportunity to tour with Rosemarie's band."
Vociferously, the audience cheered. Lia leant forwards in her chair towards us and changed the subject slightly.
"Lee, you must be very proud of your girlfriend's accomplishments, "Lia noted while flashing me a grand smile."At only nineteen years old!"
Lee smirked while gazing over at me."Yes, I am. We're just so fortunate to have one another. God has been good to us."
Lee crushed his lips roughly against mine, causing the audience to gush in awe. Lee pulled back, taking a sip of his cup of vodka to take a sip; I gave him a fake smile in return.
Lia placed her hands over her heart."You're both so adorable. Aren't they, my Little Lia's!?"
I noticed Lee missed a piece of information, regarding my band's tour. This little break was the perfect opportunity to mention it, he wouldn't be expecting me to speak now. Firstly, I took a sip of my water before placing it back down on the table and spoke.
"Another thing that I think I should put out there. The contest is open to every country, "I added."You don't necessarily need to be living in the US to enter the competition."
Lia's eyes widened.
"So, it's a real life-changing contest then. "Lia started."And it's open to everyone in the world?"
I nodded.
"Yes!"The audience exclaimed.
Once the audience calmed down, Lia cleared her throat.
"Unfortunately guys, it's time for us to take a break, which means we have to say goodbye to Rosemarie and Lee, "Lia sombrely expressed."It's been a privilege to have you both on the show. It's lovely to you both again. I wish you both luck; I hope to see you in the future."
"Thank you!"Lee said.
"Thanks, Lia. "I said.
Lia smiled. She then pointed to the camera."I'll see you in five minutes. Don't go anywhere!"
"And cut!"Zeke called from the side.
Breathe, Rose. You did it.
"You both were amazing!"Lia admitted."But, I'm afraid I can't stay and chat today. My mother is currently in the hospital at the moment. I need to go to speak with my sister, who's in the hospital with her now."
"It's fine, Lia, "I reassured as I reached over and gave her a hug."Send my regards to your mother."
Lia smiled graciously at me when she pulled back."Thank you, Rosemarie. It was lovely to see you both."
Lee stood up.
"You too!"Lee called.
Lia briskly dashed off stage, leaving us both alone.
Lee turned his burning, furious gaze towards me. Suddenly, my heart beat began increasing as the fear and anxiety pulsed aggressively throughout my entire body. Fear spread throughout my vessel like wildfire, the realisation of being alone with Lee in his intoxicated state hit me. The walls seemed to be slowly, at a snail-like pace, caving in on me.
My dark brown eyes widened.
Lee yanked me aggressively from my seat, bored with waiting for me to stand on my own; my legs instantly turned to jelly. He entwined our arms together, storming off the main stage. I supported myself by placing the majority of my weight on him, thankfully he's strong enough to support my weight.
Once we reached the side of the stage, a dizzy spell hit me; black dots blared my vision.
"Rose!"Sydney cried, panicking from somewhere behind me. A couple of staff members looked over in our direction.
My breathing became uneven and louder. Lee turned, slamming me into his body by tugging at my arms.
"What the fuck?"Lee hissed."What's fucking wrong with you?"
I noticed both Sydney's glossy dark golden blonde hair alongside Ambrose's dark locks heading towards me. I tried to inhale some fresh air. However, the air tasted like mustard gas to my lungs.
"She's having a panic attack, Lee!"Sydney exclaimed, laced with annoyance towards Lee."You need to tell her to try to control her breathing or else she's going to pass out."
Suddenly, I went limp in Lee's arms: two more pairs of hands appeared. I tried to hit away the hands like I was swatting a fly.
Nevertheless, I couldn't see much due to the dark spot clouding up my vision.
"Please."Exhale, inhale."Don't touch."Exhale, inhale. "me. I can't."Exhale, inhale."Breath."I managed to utter before the darkness claimed me.