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The Woman Who Made You Famous

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Before: Maddie and Ikaw hadn't spoken in two years. Maddie was the one who discovered Ikaw singing in a half-empty bar, the one who built his first record from duct tape and caffeine. Somewhere between soundchecks and studio dawns, it turned into something neither of them could explain. When she walked away, she told herself it was professional. Two years later, he was famous, and she was pretending not to read about him online at 2 a.m. Now: The after-party glowed in rose and gold. Music pulsed soft and senseless through the floor. Maddie leaned against the bar beside Lila West, her newest artist, all glitter and champagne confidence. Across the room, Ikaw stood under a wash of light, surrounded by Eli Moreno's entourage, Eli in his perfect suit, already mid-sentence, already too loud. Lila followed her gaze. "That's him, right? The one who used to work with you?" Maddie smiled into her glass. "Once upon a label." "He's cute," Lila said, eyes bright. "Does he have a girlfriend?" Maddie nearly choked on her drink. "He's got Eli. Same energy." Eli appeared behind them, that glossy confidence gleaming like a bad cologne ad. "Clarke. Nice to see you out in daylight. I was starting to think you lived in your studio." She turned, sweet smile razor-sharp. "Eli. I thought you only talked to mirrors." His smirk cracked just enough to satisfy her. Lila's laughter filled the gap. Then Eli's phone buzzed, divine intervention. "Excuse me," he said, already walking toward the terrace. Lila, ever curious, followed. Silence. Just the hum of synth bass and the fizz of her drink. Maddie exhaled, realizing she was alone except for Ikaw now standing a few steps away. She didn't look up right away. Let him stand there. Let him decide how long to wait. When she finally met his eyes, the air between them felt charged. "Didn't think I'd run into you here," she said, voice light, teasing. "I was promised better lighting." Ikaw didn't answer. He's doing it again. That quiet thing. Makes you fill the silence for him. I hate that I still fall for it. She tilted her head, tapping her glass rim. "So, Eli treating you well? I hear he brings scented candles to the booth. I should try that." "Anyway. You look good, kid."