Page 214 of Collide

Chapter 30

Go Your Own Way

As I sit on my green velvet sofa, coffee cradled between my palms, I let my eyes dance over the collection of clothes, shoes, and accessories Rio couriered over this morning. The soft sunlight spills through the windows, casting golden patches on the floorboards, warming the room that has become my sanctuary.

Tonight.

It’s probably the biggest night of my life. Not just because it’s my twenty-third birthday, but because tonight, the world will finally hear my debut U.S. album. A culmination of dreams, heartbreak, and countless hours poured into lyrics that bare my soul.

I never truly got to enjoy the release of my first album. The ink was barely dry on the press releases when everything fell apart. My first single dropped, and then so did my world.

Mom took a turn for the worse.

We knew the day was coming, a shadow that lingered in every corner, but when it finally happened, it still hit me like a semi-truck—loud, unstoppable, and shattering. I cancelled appearances. Any plans for further singles or a tour were left to collect dust. I locked myself away from everyone and everything.

Grief consumed me whole.

It took me two years to claw my way out of that darkness, two years to find my voice again, not only musically, but as a woman who knew how to stand on her own.

And now, here I am.

Sitting in this beautiful apartment that still feels surreal to call mine, in a city that both terrified and thrilled me when I arrived a little over three months ago.

Back then, I was bitter and naïve. But hopeful.

Now?

Now, I get to share this dream with my best friend, watching hers unfold right alongside mine. I have Alex, my first boyfriend, who makes me feel alive in ways I never thought possible.

I have never been closer to my sister, as we slowly stitch ourselves back together from the broken pieces our parents left behind.

Carole, the woman I once hated on principle. Well, there’s an understanding between us now. Enough to not hate her. Enough to see her less as a villain and more as a flawed woman like myself.

And my father…Well, he’s still a work in progress. Some days, I believe we’ll get there. Other days, I wonder if he’ll ever truly see me beyond what he wants me to be.

But despite everything, despite the mess and the past, my old music is getting a new lease on life. Somehow, maybe because of recent events—the media storm, the drama, the unexpected spotlight—people are listening again. They want more.

And I’m ready to give it to them. Tonight, I get to stand in front of Alex, my family, friends, and the people who believed in me enough to take a chance on me.

“You’re up early,” Riley says, emerging from her room, a mess of frizz in an oversized shirt that has paint on it.

“Yeah, the couriers brought these over for us tonight.” I smile, bringing myself back to reality.

Realization slowly creeps onto Riley’s still sleepy face.

“Oh, BABE! Happy Birthday!” she sings, off pitch.

I can’t help but laugh.

“Are you ready for tonight?” she adds, making her way to the coffee machine.

“Born ready.” My heart flutters with anticipation.

A few hoursbefore the event, Rio and his team sweep into the apartment like a glamorous battalion—garment bags hanging on every door, makeup cases exploding across the kitchen island, trays of canapés I’m definitely not touching thanks to the knot in my stomach.

Philippa joins Riley and me for an afternoon of pre-drinks, pampering, and all-out glamming, and for once, it feels like the three of us are just sisters and friends. No tension. There’s an ease to it. A warmth.

“I’m so excited and proud of you.” Philippa beams, standing barefoot on the rug, champagne flute in hand, admiring the lineup of shoes laid out like museum pieces. “Seriously, Elena. I don’t think you realize how far you’ve come.”