Tawana, growing irritated, said, “Stop going on about it. No matter what you say, Trevor and I are done. I can’t go back to how things were, and I certainly won’t marry him. Honestly, I’d rather stay single forever than marry him just because of my age.”
Her mother couldn’t hold back, “But you have to think about your life! Your career is so successful, you’ve earned so much money, and your music royalties will keep generating wealth. But you need to move forward with your life. What will happen to all that money, your music rights? Who will inherit them?”
Tawana blurted out, “If I’m meant to have heirs, they’ll inherit it. If not, when I die, I’ll just donate it all!”
Her mother’s eyes reddened with urgency, “That won’t do! Stars who end up alone are so pitiful. Some, in their old age, are surrounded by con artists eyeing their inheritance. Organisations swarm around them like flies, as if they’re a prime steak on the table. I can’t bear the thought of you going through that!”
Tawana said earnestly, “Mum, I’m only in my thirties. I don’t want to think about this now. Besides, I trust my abilities. If I could build a career in my twenties, by my seventies or eighties, I won’t be anyone’s pawn. You don’t need to worry about me.”
At that, Tawana stood up, intending to head to the terrace to feel the sea breeze and clear her head.
Just then, her phone pinged with a WeChat message.
The moment she saw the notification, her face lit up with excitement, her earlier frustration vanishing. She knew it had to be from Ye Chen.
Tawana’s main social circle was in Europe and America, where people used their own social and messaging apps. Few used WeChat daily.
She’d only downloaded and registered on WeChat to stay in touch with Ye Chen.
She’d added some Chinese friends on WeChat, mostly work contacts, but after her twenty China concerts, she’d muted all their notifications except for one person: Ye Chen.
So, any WeChat message was guaranteed to be from him.
Her parents instantly noticed the dramatic shift in Tawana’s mood and her sudden joy.
Tawana grabbed her phone, eagerly opened WeChat, and saw Ye Chen’s message: “Which villa is Miss Svet staying in? I’m leaving the island today and would like to meet you.”
Tawana was thrilled, quickly replying, “I’m in Villa 1, but I’m currently at my parents’ Villa 2.”
Ye Chen responded, “I’m nearby. If it’s convenient, I’ll come over soon.”
Tawana immediately typed, “Let’s meet at Villa 2 then. I’m heading back now.”
Ye Chen replied, “Alright, see you soon.”
Tawana put her phone away and said to her parents, “I’m going back to my room. A friend is coming to visit shortly.”
Without waiting for a reply, she hurried out to her own villa.
Tawana’s mother couldn’t help saying to her husband, “Tawana’s acting like a teenager in love. Who’s this friend she mentioned?”
Tawana’s father shook his head, “I’m not sure, but she’s been a bit off lately. Could she have someone new in her sights?”
