LightReader

The Maestro's Heart

ARIA_BROWN
--
chs / week
--
NOT RATINGS
14.1k
Views
Synopsis
Troy a charismatic musician, lives life on his own terms, unapologetically embracing his reputation as a 'fuck boy'. His confidence, charisma and talents draw people to him but also create controversy and challenges. Aria, Troy's manager tries to keep him grounded and focused on his career, while navigating the consequences of his actions. Troy's friends, Ted, Bobby and Mark, are often dragged into his chaotic world, cleaning up after his adventurous parties and offering a mix of support and criticism. Ella who lives across the street, is drawn to Troy's energy but also frustrated by his antics, creating a complicated dynamic between them. As Troy's music takes off , he must confront the repercussions of his lifestyle and figure out what it means to be true to himself.
VIEW MORE

Chapter 1 - The Night He Owned The Stage

The arena was none other than the legendary United Center in Chicago, the iconic venue where America's biggest artists came to make history. Known as the "Madhouse on Madison," it had hosted countless unforgettable performances, from powerhouse concerts to electric sports events, and tonight, it was Benjackson Troy's turn to take over.

As fans filled the vast expanse of the United Center, the lights danced over the towering structure, adding to the allure of the midnight skyline outside. Inside, every seat was packed, and each person braced themselves for a night that would go down in Chicago's memory. This was no ordinary performance—this was Benjackson Troy's moment on a stage he owned, a stage that had seen legends, and tonight, he was ready to become one of them.

The arena pulsed with electric energy as thousands of lights twinkled beneath the darkened ceiling, and the collective heartbeat of the crowd grew faster with each passing second. Benjackson Troy's fans, millions strong, chanted his name with an intensity that reverberated through the venue, blending seamlessly with the anticipation thickening the air. This was what they had come for—an unforgettable night with the artist who'd redefined the boundaries between R&B, hip-hop, rap, and pop.

As he emerged onto the stage, Benjackson Troy, tall and lean at 6'1", exuded confidence and style. His latest look featured a freshly bleached-blonde hairstyle, shaved in sharp, eye-catching patterns that accentuated his distinctive, chiseled jawline and piercing gaze. Tattoos stretched across his chest, arms, neck, and back—a tapestry of intricate designs reflecting his artistic journey and inner conflicts. Dressed in his signature style—a distressed denim jacket over a loose black tee, paired with olive cargo pants and Jordan sneakers—he looked every bit the superstar his fans adored. A backward face cap and bold accessories—a gleaming silver chain, rings, and a chunky watch—added just the right touch of urban edge.

The roar of the crowd hit a fever pitch as he lifted the mic, pausing for just a heartbeat to soak it all in. The DJ cued up "Fallen Angel," a track Benjackson Troy had poured his soul into, and the opening beats echoed through the arena. His voice, smooth yet haunting, carried over the crowd as he began the first verse:

"𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧

𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠,

𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐞

𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐧𝐚 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲...

𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐡, 𝐈'𝐦 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥..."

The fans sang along, their voices blending with his as the words cut through the air, resonating with everyone who'd ever felt like an outsider. His dancers joined him onstage, moving in sync with the haunting beats, amplifying the raw energy of the song. And just as the chorus dropped, he tossed aside his jacket, revealing an intricately inked torso and his famously chiseled abs. The crowd—especially the women in the front row—exploded in cheers, hands reaching out to touch him, though his bodyguards held them back just enough to maintain a boundary.

As Troy and his dancers broke into a routine showcasing his powerful, fluid moves, each twist and turn drew the audience deeper into his world. His body moved with effortless precision, the product of years of dedication to his craft. His intense expression mirrored the darkness of the song's lyrics, yet there was a vulnerability to him that held the crowd in a trance.

The final beats of "Fallen Angel" echoed across the arena as he raised the mic in a victorious gesture, the last lines of the chorus lingering in the air. The audience roared—a tidal wave of admiration and excitement. Cameras flashed from every direction, capturing his triumphant stance. His performance was already being immortalized by the media buzzing about the show and fans flooding his Instagram, ItsBenjacksonTroy, with texts and reactions.

As he stood there, drenched in sweat and applause, Benjackson Troy knew he had left a mark on everyone in that arena. And as the night wore on, his performance continued to ignite conversations, already trending on every social platform—another unforgettable chapter in his journey.

As the crowd continued to cheer long after he left the stage, Benjackson Troy felt a rush unlike anything he had ever experienced. Performing at the United Center—the place he had only ever dreamed about while growing up—wasn't just a career milestone; it was a personal victory. He had made it. He had conquered the stage where legends had stood, and tonight, he had been welcomed as one of them.

Once he reached the dimly lit backstage area, the energy shifted from the roar of thousands to a quieter, buzzing tension. Crew members gave him congratulatory nods and thumbs-ups as he walked past, and his manager, Aria Landon, beamed with pride, her face flushed with excitement. She had been with him from the start, back when his gigs were in rundown bars and open mics where the only audience was a handful of strangers. She pulled him into a quick, celebratory hug.

"Troy, you killed it out there. Oh my God, I'm so proud of you!" Aria exclaimed, her eyes glinting with admiration. "I knew tonight would be huge, but that was something else. The crowd was eating out of your hand!"

"Thanks, Aria. Couldn't have done it without you," he replied, giving her a warm smile before they parted ways. She moved off to speak with the press while Troy made his way toward the backstage lounge. That was where he knew his best friends would be waiting, always there to support him through every high and low.

The lounge door flew open, and before he even stepped inside, he could hear their voices.

"Benjackson Troy! Benjackson Troy! Benjackson Troy!" they chanted, loud and enthusiastic.

There they were—Mark, Bobby, and Ted—grinning from ear to ear, as if they were more excited than Troy himself.

Mark, his closest friend and ultimate hype man, bounded forward and slapped him on the back with a hearty laugh. "Bro, that was lit! I swear, I've never seen anything like it!" Mark had been there from the beginning, a constant source of encouragement, always ready to cheer Troy on. With his bald head, chubby build, and fair skin, Mark exuded natural playfulness. His dark eyes sparkled mischievously as he continued to gush. "The way the crowd was losing it out there? Man, you've really made it!"

Standing next to him, Ted was grinning just as widely. Slim, with a punk hairstyle that made him look like he was straight out of a '90s rock video, Ted was fair-skinned and always had a jacket slung over his shoulders, even indoors. "Dude, you saw those girls in the front row, right?" he teased. "I thought they were gonna start a riot trying to get to you! They were practically climbing over the security guys!"

Troy laughed, shaking his head. "Man, I know, right? It was wild! I still can't believe it." He looked over at Bobby, the quietest of the three, who was hanging back with a reserved smile.

Bobby, tall and dark-skinned with short, neat hair and calm brown eyes, stepped forward and extended a hand. "Honestly, Troy, that was the best performance I've seen from you yet. You really outdid yourself," he said, his voice low but full of sincerity. Bobby had always been the grounding force among them. His seriousness and maturity balanced out Mark and Ted's antics, completing their dynamic.

"Thanks, Bobby. That means a lot," Troy replied, giving his friend a firm handshake.

After the initial excitement settled, they moved toward the parking lot, still buzzing from the energy of the night. Mark was practically bouncing as they reached their cars.

"So, what's next, guys? Are we just gonna head home after a night like that?" he asked, glancing at each of them with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Something's missing, don't you think?"

"Like what, Mark?" Bobby replied dryly, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He knew exactly what Mark was hinting at. "You and your clubbing, man. I'm surprised your mom didn't name you 'Club' at birth," he added sarcastically.

Ted laughed. "He means some kind of after-party, right?" he asked, nudging Mark.

Mark rolled his eyes dramatically. "You all know exactly what I mean. This performance deserves a celebration—a big one! I'm talking VIP, our favorite club, the works!"

Troy chuckled, feeling the same exhilaration. A part of him just wanted to relax and let the night's energy sink in quietly, but Mark's suggestion sounded too good to pass up. Besides, a night out with his friends was just what he needed to fully embrace the moment.

"I'm in," Troy said, and his friends erupted in cheers. "But I'm not responsible for getting any of you home if you have too much to drink. Deal?"

"Deal!" Mark shouted. "But let's be real—we both know Ted's the lightweight here," he added, throwing an arm around Ted's shoulders as they all laughed.

They got into their cars, engines roaring to life, and headed into the neon-lit streets of Chicago. The city was alive, even at that late hour, with people crowding bars and restaurants, laughter and music spilling onto the sidewalks. The drive was short but filled with anticipation, and soon they reached their favorite club—a swanky, high-energy venue known for its throbbing dance floor, private VIP areas, and a rooftop with sweeping views of the Chicago skyline.

Inside, lights flashed in sync with the heavy bass reverberating through the building. The place was packed, but as soon as Troy and his friends entered, heads turned. People recognized him immediately, and a buzz rippled through the crowd. It wasn't long before the club's manager approached them, eager to show appreciation for the night's star performer. He offered them a private VIP section near the dance floor, complete with bottle service and attentive hosts, adding another layer of allure to the celebration. With drinks on the house, they settled in, laughing and cheering as they toasted to Troy's success.

Mark wasted no time and was the first to hit the dance floor, quickly pulling a woman into a spin beside him. Troy, known for his charm and his way with the ladies, followed suit, his magnetic presence drawing people in as he moved through the crowd. His reputation as a bit of a womanizer preceded him, and it was clear the clubgoers were well aware. Several admirers were already vying for his attention, but tonight, he was simply looking to let loose and enjoy the moment.

The music pulsed, blending with the crowd's energy as Troy and Mark moved in sync with the beat. Mark leaned over and whispered something that made Troy laugh, the sound swallowed by the bass.

Ted and Bobby joined in shortly after, though their approaches differed. Ted playfully spun a woman nearby, eliciting laughter and a teasing nudge in return. Meanwhile, Bobby hung back slightly, keeping a watchful eye on everyone—especially Troy. Despite the relaxed party atmosphere, Bobby was always the one looking out for his friends when things got wild.

Around 2 a.m., they retreated to their VIP section, exhausted but exhilarated. Mark slumped onto the plush leather couch, a goofy grin on his face. "This is what I'm talking about, boys. Troy, tonight was legendary. You're gonna go down in history—mark my words."

Troy took a sip from his drink, nodding thoughtfully. "Thanks, man. I still can't wrap my head around it. Just a few years ago, I was performing for, like, ten people at a time. And now…" He gestured around at the crowd, the lights, the entire night.

Ted leaned forward, a mischievous smile on his face. "Well, get used to it, bro. This is your life now. And we're right here with you, every step of the way."

Bobby raised his glass in a toast, his calm eyes reflecting pride. "To Troy—and to many more nights like this."

They clinked their glasses and sat there for a moment, taking it all in. The night was winding down, but the feeling would linger. This was a night they would remember for the rest of their lives—a celebration not just of Troy's success, but of their friendship, the foundation that had carried him through every stage of his journey.

As they left the club, Troy slid his arm around one of the women he had been dancing with, flashing her a playful smile as they made their way out.

Mark smirked and shook his head. "There he goes again," he muttered, nudging Ted.

Ted chuckled. "Some things never change," he said, rolling his eyes, though admiration laced his tone. "Troy the heartbreaker, in action."

Bobby sighed, giving Troy a pointed look. "You know you're going to hear about this from your PR manager if they find out, right?"

Troy just laughed, unbothered. "Let them talk," he replied with a shrug. "Tonight's about celebrating. Besides, you know me—I can handle a little bad press."

His friends exchanged knowing looks as they followed him out into the Chicago night. Despite his antics, none of them could deny that this was exactly who Troy had always been—a superstar with a wild side. And no matter how high he soared, they would always be right there beside him, ready for the ride.