Chapter 1

"Look to your left... right, that's a good pose. Now turn to your right... that's good, another shot, keep going... that's good," the photographer said. I mentally sighed, happy that the photo shoot is almost done. Finally!

"Wrap up, guys. Good poses, Miss Alexianna. It was so nice to work with you," the photographer smiled at me. I thanked him and went straight to my dressing room.

Since the day I announced the new album I’ve been working on, everyone's congratulating me. We will finally release it next week and I'm excited to show them what my new music sounds like, but I’m anxious about my mom.

"You okay, dear?" she asked me. I don't know if I'm okay or what, but I am dead tired. I’ve been working my ass off since five in the morning and my body had reached its limit.

I badly needed to rest.

"Are you tired, Alex?" my mother continued her question earlier while giving me bottled water. Being a pop star is tiresome. It’s exhausting knowing that all cameras are focusing on you, watching your every step. I longer know what privacy feels like…

"Yes," I simply answered as we waited for the van to arrive. The head is slowly getting into me as buckets of sweat came running down my forehead. The van arrived after a few minutes and we hopped in. Mom gave me a handkerchief and I wiped my sweats away.

"Can you please drive faster, Walley," I said to the driver and looked through the window. The sky was dark, and it was as if it was going to rain. I can feel the van is speeding up, and this is why Walley has my trust; he's obeying any tasks that I am giving to him.

"Good job, Alex. You did an excellent job on that photo shoot. We're almost there, honey, our dream." I glanced at my mom and away. Our dream…

"Yeah, mom. It's our dream," I said in an undertone that only I can hear it. I opened my phone and browsed the internet to see the latest news. A bunch was on the front page of today’s news, but one thing caught my attention. It's about the new rising star.

'Rising Star, Bryle Montecarpio, was caught dating another girl despite having a relationship with Ellise Mclein, a singer and songwriter.'

That's hot news. I can see all the hate comments about the guy but I'm not interested. I don't even care about these two. Why don't just people mind their businesses? If the guy wants to cheat, then let him cheat. They are not the ones who will rot in hell if their time will come. Why hate? Duhhh.

It didn’t take long before I reached my condo. I have my own space because of obvious reasons; I want no one to bother me.

"Goodbye, mom,” I smiled.

"Goodnight, sleep early." I entered the building as they went their way. Everyone I run into as I walked towards my unit greeted me. I replied with a smile and went inside my destination. I changed into my pajamas and threw myself on the bed, facing my laptop.

I opened the door in excitement as I heard the doorbell ring. It was the food that I ordered minutes ago and just by smelling its delicious aroma, my mouth watered. I paid the delivery guy and brought my pizza in. my tummy was growling in excitement and I wasn’t able to stop myself but to shriek. Woah… easy there, my dragons.

My mouth watered in satisfaction when I saw the pizza perfectly placed inside the red box. It's oozing into toppings and without wasting time, I grabbed a bite.

I am now scrolling through social media using the dummy account that I made sense my mom was the one managing my official account. This is what I used to connect with my friends and, you know… flings.

'How's the shoot?' Melany asked through chat. Melany is a long-time friend of mine.

'Stressful af. Argggg Like everyone is expecting you to be the best, but they don't understand. I'm anxious, you know,' I replied to her.

'Don't worry, everything will end soon. :

Sleep now, Alex.'

'Okay, goodnight,' and then I turned off my phone. I closed my eyes and rolled over onto my bed. I don’t know what else to do. I’m still not sleepy.

Roaming my eyes around the room, I found the guitar. I extended my hands to get it and started strumming as I sang.

I was lost in singing when I heard my phone rang loudly. I leaned closer to it and, as I expected, my mom was the one who's calling me.

"Hi mom, why did you call?" I asked. I stood out of my bed and walked towards my fridge.

"I just want to check on you. What are you doing right now?" mom asked me in a serious tone. Here she goes again, being superior.

"I'm eating cho-"

"Is that a chocolate? DO YOU WANT TO GET FAT? THEN WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU GET FAT? YOU WILL LOSE YOUR POPULARITY, YOUR CHARISMA. WHAT THE HECK, ALEXIANNA. BE RESPONSIBLE." I can sense that she is fuming mad right now. She's always like that. She wants me to be perfect. Perfect for the eyes of everyone.

"Okay, mom. Goodnight." As soon as I ended the call, I laid down on my bed and closed my eyes. It wasn’t long before I felt my cheeks getting wet. My tears were falling uncontrollably as I sat on the floor. I placed the chocolate beside me and hugged my knees tightly.

I am not heartbroken, but my heart feels like it’s being crushed. I am tired of this setup, but I also don’t want to stop…

I opened my eyes and look at the picture on the table near me. I extended my hands and grabbed it. Staring at the picture, I hugged it tightly.

"I will do everything to make you proud, mom, but I am tired from all of this shit."