Chapter 2642
There on the stage was Ivy, but not the Ivy they knew. She was a whirlwind of passion and vitality, each move a testament to her fiery spirit.
She shone under the spotlight, utterly enchanting. As the Latin beats faded and she stepped off the stage, panting and flushed, she was visibly elated.
Just as she had hoped, the Latin dancer opener set the room ablaze; the fans were pulsing with shared adrenaline.
What would Ivy’s next surprise be? Their anticipation was electric.
–
Before the event, they hadn’t really known what to expect from a fan meet-and-greet. They’d heard about those of other artists’- chit-chat and a few songs – but Ivy had meticulously crafted an entire show filled with hidden gems.
After the opening dance, some fans couldn’t help but share their relief at having come. “Thank goodness I made it.” they said tearfully to the friends beside them. “I was so close to bailing, but missing this? That would’ve been a real tragedy.”
“Same here.” another chimed in. “I traveled from the frozen north to the sunny south just to be here. After knowing what she has been through, I just wanted to show my love, to tell her that she’s got fans rooting for her, and to give her the courage to keep going in this tough business. I had never imagined that she felt the same for us. She organized this whole event just for us – it’s overwhelming.”
They clasped each other’s hands, eyes shining with excitement as they turned back toward the stage.
What other surprises did Ivy have up her sleeve?
During a costume change, the giant screen played behind-the-scenes footage from he movie, “Ballad of Valor”, shared with the director’s blessing. The film wasn’t out yet, but sneak peek with the director’s consent could only help the buzz.
“I’m still Valor. Who’s changed?” Ivy’s voice echoed as the screen showed her character, tears streaming down in bleak despair.
After the director called cut, her tears kept flowing. No one disturbed her; they let her ride out the wave of emotion.
It took her more than ten minutes to compose herself, and then she apologized, her voice breaking, as many in the audience dabbed at their own eyes.
Colton’s voice came from off-camera, understanding and gentle. “I get where you’re at.”
“I just don’t get it. We were one way, and now… now it’s all different…” Ivy’s voice continued, but the video cut abruptly there, guarding the movie’s ending, while many fans were still indulged in the performance.
Ivy watched, too, from the backstage. She took a deep breath as she remembered the confusion and emotion from those filming days. Thankfully, she’d eventually stepped out of Valor’s shadow, but it hadn’t been easy. She’d poured so much of herself into that first role that leaving it behind was a struggle. If it weren’t for Balfour’s support, she might have been lost in the character’s depths for much longer.
But the questions surrounding Valor would soon be answered for the audience in the film. Ivy, now dressed as her character from the film, took the stage once more. In Valor’s classic school ensemble, she held the mic close and began to sing the movie’s theme song.
This was the big surprise she had prepared. The theme song was a duet with Ryan, arranged by the director himself.
