Chapter 3: Backstage Tension

The backstage area of the concert venue buzzed with activity—crew members adjusting lighting rigs, sound technicians testing equipment, and assistants rushing around with last-minute notes. Olivia clutched her notebook tightly, her senses overwhelmed by the sheer scale of Adrian Hayes's world.

Adrian, however, looked effortlessly in his element. He strolled across the stage, laughing with his bandmates as he adjusted his in-ear monitors. Despite her irritation with him, Olivia had to admit—he commanded attention.

A man in a headset approached her. "You must be the journalist. I'm Liam, Adrian's manager. Try not to get in the way, yeah?"

Olivia bristled but nodded. "I'll stay out of the way."

Liam sighed, lowering his voice. "Look, Adrian doesn't let reporters this close. If you push too hard, he'll shut down. Just… ease into it."

She frowned. "I'm not here to coddle him."

Liam smirked. "Then this should be fun."

Before she could respond, the sound of Adrian's voice filled the stadium as he launched into a mic test. Olivia's breath hitched.

It wasn't fair how good he sounded.

Even in a half-empty arena, his voice carried raw emotion, smooth yet powerful. For a moment, she forgot her reservations and simply listened.

Then his gaze found hers.

His expression shifted—knowing, teasing.

She quickly looked away, pretending to scribble in her notebook.

When rehearsal ended, Adrian sauntered over, wiping sweat from his brow with a towel. "So, how did I do, Miss Journalist?"

Olivia refused to give him the satisfaction of flattery. "I'll let you know when the article comes out."

He chuckled. "You really don't like me, do you?"

"I don't know you."

"Yet," he corrected. "But you will."

Something about the way he said it sent a shiver down her spine.

She wasn't sure if that was a promise or a threat.