Chapter 4: Everly Park

Camera flashes popped from every angle. "That's it, Everly! Look at the piano in front!" Everly is currently having a photoshoot for her album. She will be releasing a new single by next month, so the photos taken today will be used for promotion and album covers.

Everly followed the photographer's instructions. Her hand grasped the piano keys while her eyes looked at the piano gently. "Perfect! Continue having that kind of emotion!"

She changed into another angle and threw a gentle smile. The theme of this shoot is sunset, so we are doing it outside. An array of colors set about the sky, from purple to orange, is clearly shown in the image.

Its stunning scene clearly reflected the calm and gentle appearance shown on Everly's face. "Okay, one last shot!" Rows of flashes were directed towards Everly. A very beautiful smile curved on her lips, her eyes shining brightly, and her long wavy hair that reached her waist gently swayed in the wind.

"Perfect! Let's wrap up everyone!" A sigh of relief softly escaped from her lips. She sat on the piano seat as all her energy seemed to have diminished. Because of the upcoming release of her album, her schedule had been packed.

Just like today, earlier this morning, she had an appointment with the recording studio for the adjustment to her music. And right after, she was dragged by her to do the photoshoot.

It's really been a hectic day for her. Her manager walked toward her and handed her bottled water, which she gladly accepted. "Thanks." She softly whispered after drinking a mouthful of it.

Her headache is starting to persist. It feels like it's being split into two. She rubbed her temples but the headache persisted. Her manager noticed her quiet action and action. "Are you okay? Do you want to take some medicine or go to the hospital?"

She shook her head as a response. After a couple of moments, her headache started to fade slowly so she raised her head to look at her manager. "Is there another job scheduled after this?"

"No, this is the last one for today. I'll send you to your apartment so that you can take a rest. You've been having a headache since morning but you don't want to go to the hospital."

She stood up slowly and walked towards the van parked near the set. "It's not that serious. A night of proper sleep can cure it. And besides, it will cause a lot of trouble if I go to a hospital. There is still a lot of work that I should do."

Her manager voiced out her opinion, clearly disapproving. "But Everly, you should take care of yourself. What if it's something serious? Let's have it checked just in case. The hospital is on the way anyway."

"Don't worry. I know my own body. I'll be fine. Let's just go home." Her manager sighed in defeat and opened the car. Everly slowly entered and closed her eyes, intending to take a nap.

The van slowly drove through the city. As time goes on, the colors darken before eventually disappearing. The sky was entirely black, as the moon humbly took the sun's place. Lights start to flicker at a distance from where different street lamps are located. Illuminating the road.

Not a moment later, the van stopped. A 20th-floor building appeared in sight. They have already arrived at the apartment where Everly is staying. A gentle tap on her shoulders woke her up from her slumber. Her eyes blinked slowly as she awakened.

"We're here." Her manager's voice echoed in her ears. She took her bag and opened the door beside her. "Thanks to the ride manager. Goodbye"

"Don't forget about your flight tomorrow. I'll fetch you around 7 in the morning." She nodded her head in approval and closed the car door. As she walked inside the building, a cool breeze clung to her skin. She stopped for a moment and glanced at the darkening sky above.

There are no stars showing. Clouds blanketed the sky, hiding the full in its full glory behind them. She removed her gaze and headed straight to the building. Her apartment is located on the 7th floor of the building. Pressing the button on the elevator, she waited.

Not a while later, a soft ring echoed inside the silent space. She took her phone from her bag and saw that it was a message from her manager. It was her plane ticket. A tired smile flashed on her lips as she read the message. 'Tomorrow's another tiring day.'

She will be having a world tour starting tomorrow. It was a promotional event for her album. Her album will be released worldwide, so it's a must for her to have this tour. She's been in this music industry for 5 years already, so this is not the first time this has happened.

But no matter how often she does this promotion, she still can't get used to the tiring work. A dinging sound broke her reverie. The elevator door opened, indicating she had reached her floor.

As she entered her apartment, she immediately placed her bag on the couch and headed toward the bathroom. She was really tired and her knees were about to give up. Her headache is starting to persist again.

After a couple of minutes, she went inside her bedroom to sleep. A light that looked like a mini chandelier was mounted on the ceiling. In the middle of the room lies her queen-sized bed. A big photo of her hung on the wall above the headboard.

Opening the peach-colored comforter, she lay in bed. She closed her eyes and hugged the long pillow lying beside her. Not a moment later, she collapsed into a deep sleep.

A large crack echoed across the room as the lightning returned the thunder's call. The rain started to pour down in the dark sky. It became heavier as time passed by.  Raindrops continued their ravage on the Earth, ripping cruelly at the ground and whistling angrily through the trees.

Another crack of light flashed in the sky. Inside the room, Everly woke up panting heavily, sheets drenched with sweat. She immediately reached the bedside table and turned on the switch. A faint light brightened the darkroom.

Cold sweat poured down her face and her hands were shaking. 'Another dream again!' Because of the fright she experienced caused by the nightmare, she walked out of bed to calm herself down.

Walked towards the glass window where lightning danced across the whole city. Her arms crossed around her chest and solemnly watched the downpour of rain outside. Her gaze remained glued outside as memories of the past slowly flashed through her mind.

As she recollected the time when she was sitting on the ground. Hugging the dead body of her beloved. Tears slowly dripped down her face. The atmosphere inside is becoming tighter and tighter.

In her dream, she caught a glimpse of King Dominique's body bleeding profusely until he lost his life. No matter how much she tried to wake him up, his eyes remained stiff. This memory will forever hurt her in her dreams.

No matter how many years have already passed, it is still deeply engraved in her mind and heart. Her hand reached out to the necklace hanging around her neck. It's the heart-shaped necklace given to her by King Dominique when she still didn't have an idea about his real identity.

She softly caressed the cold object in her hand as the tears continued to flow. Her voice cracked as she made an effort to say the words that were bottled up inside her.

"Reyl, where are you?... It's been years since I've been here... Up until now, even a shadow of you was nowhere to be seen. Please, my love. Come back to me."