The Mistress Is Reborn As The Fiancée-Chapter 48: It Was Hard Being A Woman

Areum, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, stepped into the sleek, modern office of the record label’s boss. The receptionist, her expression cool and professional, directed her towards a private meeting room, where the boss awaited her.

She had gotten the call early in the morning to be at her record label’s offices to see Mr Pratt, her record label’s boss. She had expected his summons after the leak of her marriage. He was probably going to reprimand her and tell her to be more careful.

She shuddered at the memory of what had happened to other female acts who had gotten involved in some scandal or the other. It had been horrible, she would not wish such a date on anyone.

They had been immediately cut off, their contracts pulled and their music and hard work taken over entirely by the record label, leaving the girls diminished and their careers barely ever managed to survive it. It was hard being a woman in the music industry. The slightest misstep and they were out for your neck.

For the men, things were always easier. They could commit the most heinous crimes and all they would get was the labels falling over themselves to cover up for them and ensure their reputations remained pristine.

Areum however did not fear that such an unfortunate fate would befall her. She had been with the record label for three years and she was consistently one of their top earners, there was no way they could do without her. They probably asked her to come over so that they could just scare her a little, she would survive.

The room was spacious and elegantly furnished, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. Keon Pratt, a man of sharp features and impeccable attire, rose from his desk, a warm smile gracing his lips.

"How is our top pop star Noelle, so good of you to come," he said, his voice smooth and welcoming. "Please, have a seat. Tell me, what would you like? I’ve asked Mercy to have macaroons ready for you."

Areum sat down with a confident smile and crossed her long legs. Mr Pratt’s friendly tone key her at ease and made her more confident. Surely, he would not go through the trouble of ordering her favorite treat just to sack her.

"How can I say no to macaroons?" Areum asked.

Mr Pratt nodded then pressed a button and spoke into the intercom. "Mercy, get those Macaroons for Miss Noelle please."

He turned to Areum with a smile and a moment after, the door opened and a tray with macaroons were brought in.

Areum thanked the secretary and took one of the macaroons before taking a dainty bite out of it while thinking of how hard she was going to have to work off the extra calories.

"We have been very pleased with your progress," the boss began, his tone friendly and encouraging. "Your talent is undeniable, and your time here has caused the label tremendous growth."

Areum nodded, her expression cautious, she felt like something was amiss, that the boss’s pleasantries were a prelude to something unpleasant.

"However," the boss continued, his smile fading, his tone turning serious, "we have encountered a... complication."

Areum’s heart sank. She knew what was coming, he was about to mete out some punishment, make her go on a rigorous tour.

"The rumors," the boss said, his voice laced with a hint of regret. "The rumors about your marriage. They are causing... concern to the stake holders."

Areum’s jaw tightened. "But I addressed those rumors," she said, her voice firm. "I held a press conference. I denied them."

"Yes, you did," the boss acknowledged, his expression grave. "And we appreciate your efforts. But the damage has been done. The public perception has shifted. They see you as... unavailable, untouchable."

"Unavailable?" Areum repeated, her voice laced with disbelief. "What do you mean?"

"You see Noelle, any pop star worth her salt needs to exude a level of availability." Mr Pratt said, his voice patient. "It is the perception. It’s the image. Your fans, they want to believe that you are attainable, that you are within reach. We know that is not possible, none of them can touch you, but the idea of you being married... it shatters that illusion."

"That is ridiculous," Areum retorted, her voice filled with frustration. "My talent is what matters. My music is what matters."

"Talent is important," Mr Pratt conceded. "But image is everything. In this industry, perception is reality. And the reality is, your sales have already dipped. And we anticipate they will fall further, we can’t have that."

Areum’s face flushed with anger. "So, what are you saying?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Are you going to drop me? Because of a rumor I already addressed? Because of a day of low sales?"

"We are a business, Areum," the boss said, his voice laced with a hint of fake regret. "We have to protect our investments. And right now, you are a liability. It’s just one day of low sales but it could become two, three and then you are off the charts, what then?"

Areum stood up, her body shaking with rage. "You are making a mistake," she said, her voice filled with venom. "You will regret this."

"I understand your frustration," the boss said, his voice calm and even. "But this is a business decision. It’s nothing personal, Noelle. We wish you the best in your future endeavors." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Areum stood up and prepared to leave, her heart pounding with a mixture of anger and despair. But before she get out of the seat, Me Pratt spoke again, his voice halting her in her tracks. She stiffened, sensing that something really bad was coming. But what could be worse than this?

"There is one more thing," he said, his tone laced with a hint of finality.

Areum sat back down in the chair, her eyes narrowed, her expression wary as she prepared for what was coming.