SuperStar!

Lucian's voice cut through Ethan's thinking. "We've done our homework on you, Ethan. You've got talent, drive, and charisma. Universal Music Group sees you as a future global icon. But I want to make something clear—this isn't just about potential. This industry demands results."

Ethan nodded slowly, still processing the contract's terms. He felt a surge of excitement, but there was also a nagging sense of doubt. Was he truly ready for this? Could he handle the pressure of the spotlight on such a massive stage?

Bill, picking up on Ethan's hesitation, spoke up. "Mr. Grainge, I must say, this is one of the most artist-forward contracts I've seen in my career. You're making a strong statement about your belief in Ethan."

Lucian gave a curt nod, his piercing gaze fixed on Ethan. "We don't make these decisions lightly, Mr. Jones. So, tell me—are you ready to take the leap?"

The room fell silent, the weight of Lucian's words hanging in the air. Ethan glanced back at the contract, his fingers tracing the edges of the paper. He didn't respond immediately, his thoughts a chaotic swirl of excitement, doubt, and ambition.

On one hand, the deal was everything he could've hoped for—a launchpad to superstardom, backed by one of the most powerful labels in the world. On the other, the stakes were higher than ever. Every move he made would be scrutinized, every song a test of his worth.

Bill gave Ethan a subtle nudge under the table, breaking him out of his thoughts. Ethan looked up at Lucian, who was watching him with an expression that was equal parts patience and expectation.

"I'll need some time to think it over," Ethan finally said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside him.

Lucian raised an eyebrow but didn't seem surprised. "Take your time," he said, his tone neutral. "This is a big decision, and we want you to feel confident about it. But don't take too long, Ethan. Opportunities like this don't wait forever." 

As they left the office, Ethan's mind was still racing. The numbers, the promise of fame, the vision of packed arenas and endless streams of income—it all felt intoxicating. He could already see the luxury, the adoration, the world tours. Yet beneath the surface, he couldn't ignore the enormity of what lay ahead.

Bill walked beside him, a knowing smile on his face. He didn't say anything, but his thoughts were clear: We've struck gold. Now it's up to you to dig it up.

Ethan smiled faintly as they stepped into the elevator. He hadn't signed yet, but he could feel the future calling to him. For better or worse, his life was about to change forever.

As the two men stepped into the limo provided by the label, the secretary who had shown them in waved them off with a cheerful goodbye. The car ride back was quiet, filled with an unspoken tension. Ethan was lost in thought, replaying the events of the meeting, while Bill stared out the window, his expression unreadable.

Finally, Ethan broke the silence, his voice hesitant. "Do you think I made a mistake not signing the deal, Bill?"

Bill turned his gaze from the passing scenery and studied Ethan. There he was: the young sensation who had taken the music world by storm. Yet, in this moment, all Bill saw was a nervous young man grappling with the immensity of his choices. Bill sighed and spoke carefully. "Honestly? That was probably the best deal you'll ever see."

Ethan's face fell. Bill continued, his tone softening. "But it's good that you didn't rush into anything. This is your career, Ethan. You should take the time to think it through. When we get back to the hotel, relax. Eat something. Take a shower. Call your family, your girlfriend whoever you need to talk to. We still have a week here." "And speaking of which do you have a girlfriend" bill asked 

Ethan nodded slowly, absorbing the advice. "Thanks, Bill. And no, I don't have a girlfriend," he said.

"Good to know," Bill replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Just remember, this is your decision. You've got the talent and the vision you just need to figure out what you really want."

The rest of the ride passed in silence; the tension now muted but lingering. When they reached the hotel, Ethan was once again struck by its opulence. The sleek, modern design and luxurious details were awe-inspiring, even on his second day here. He and Bill took the elevator to the penthouse suite, their temporary home, and entered a room that felt like something out of a dream. The marble floors gleamed under the warm lighting, and the expansive space exuded understated elegance.

"Okay, Ethan," Bill said, breaking the spell. "I'm going to call Lisa. There are a few things I need to discuss with her. Take it easy for a while, yeah?"

Ethan nodded absently, his mind already drifting as Bill disappeared into another part of the suite. He wandered into the master bedroom, taking in the details he hadn't noticed the night before. The king-sized bed in the center of the room looked even more inviting now, and he sank onto it, kicking off his shoes. He carefully removed his watch, placing it on the bedside table, and let his thoughts spiral.

Was this really happening? Was he truly on the verge of signing a deal that could catapult him to global stardom? The meeting played over in his mind, along with the contract's terms. The numbers, the promises, the potential—it was all overwhelming. Ethan knew his worth; the songs in his head had already garnered millions of views. Yet, standing at this crossroads, he couldn't shake the uncertainty.

His phone buzzed, jolting him out of his thoughts. Glancing at the screen, he saw it was a FaceTime call from his mom. He swiped to answer, and her familiar face filled the screen.

"Hey, honey! How are you? Have you eaten? How's the weather over there?" she asked in rapid-fire succession.

Before Ethan could respond, his dad's voice chimed in from the background. "Is that Ethan?"

Ethan smiled; the sound of his parents instantly soothing. "I'm fine, Mom. I just got here yesterday," he said, leaning back against the pillows.

"So, how was the meeting?" his dad asked, settling into the frame beside his mom.

Ethan launched into a recount of the past 24 hours—the flight, the luxurious hotel, the imposing label headquarters, and finally, the meeting with Lucian Grainge himself. He explained the contract, detailing how it offered everything he could've hoped for, but also admitted his hesitation and ultimate decision to hold off.

"That's a lot to take in, son," his dad said thoughtfully. "It sounds like they really believe in you. And from what you've said, the deal seems perfect. So what's holding you back?" 

Ethan hesitated, searching for the right words. "I don't know. When it all came down to it, I froze. I backed out."

His mom's voice was gentle but firm. "Honey, only you can make this decision. Your dad and I can give you advice, but this is your life. You need to figure out what you want."

"Exactly," his dad added. "Look inside yourself. Filter out the noise. What's your gut telling you?"

Something about his parents words struck a chord. Ethan sat up straighter, the fog in his mind clearing. "You're right, guys. I need to make this decision for myself. And I know what I want."

His parents smiled, offering a few more words of encouragement before they ended the call. As the screen went dark, Ethan felt a renewed sense of clarity.

In the other room, Bill was deep in conversation with Lisa, blissfully unaware of the epiphany that had just occurred. If he'd heard Ethan's realization, he might've laughed at the irony. After all, hadn't he said almost the exact same thing earlier? But sometimes, the right advice has to come from the right person to truly resonate.

Ethan stood and stretched, a small smile playing on his lips. For the first time since he'd stepped into Lucian Grainge's office, he felt sure of himself. The path forward was his to choose—and he was ready to take the first step.