Chapter 2: Echoes Deeper

Mac's unseen song faded into silence, leaving Alessia breathless. His eyes still burned intensely – as if singing directly to her soul.

The room seemed to shrink further, until only the space between them mattered. Mac's voice barely above whispers:

"That song...I wrote it months ago. But reading your letter – I felt like I wrote it for you."

Alessia's heart skittered wildly. "Maybe you did," she whispered back. "Without knowing it."

Mac leaned in closer, lips inches from hers. Alessia anticipated a kiss, but he paused – breathing softly against her skin:

"Want to hear the actual song...live tomorrow night? Backstage pass – just for you."

Alessia nodded eagerly – Mac smiled slyly and pulled out a pass from his pocket...

Alessia's fingers closed around the backstage pass Mac offered – his touch lingered briefly.

"Tomorrow night, then," he whispered, eyes burning intensely. "Come early. I want to show you something before the concert."

Alessia nodded, still entranced, as Mac stepped back – breaking the spell. Uni cleared her throat from the doorway:

"Mac, we really must discuss tomorrow's schedule..."

He turned to his manager, leaving Alessia to slip out unnoticed – pass clutched tightly in her hand.

Outside the venue, cool night air slapped Alessia awake. Her mind reeled – Mac's song, his touch, those piercing eyes...

Suddenly, her phone buzzed – an unknown number texting:

"Meet me tomorrow earlier than planned. -M"

Alessia's heart skipped beats. Mac is already breaking rules for her...

Alessia's fingers flew across her phone screen, responding eagerly:

"How early? And where?"

His reply arrived instantly:

"3 pm. Hotel suite. Alone."

Alessia's heart raced – Mac's boldness both thrilled and intimidated her.

She spent the remaining night sleepless, mind consumed by visions of Mac's eyes, voice, and touch.

The next day, 2:45 pm arrived – Alessia stood outside Hotel suite door, smoothing her dress nervously.

A deep breath later, she knocked softly. Mac opened the door himself – devastatingly handsome in black attire, hair tousled.

"Right on time," he whispered, stepping aside for her entrance.

The suite was dimly lit, the city views stunning behind him. Mac closed the door – Alessia felt trapped beautifully...

He began walking towards her slowly, voice low:

"I wanted to show you something...about me."

Mac stopped close enough for Alessia to see the intensity in his eyes. He pulled out a small key from his pocket and unlocked a nearby drawer.

From it, he revealed a worn leather journal – filled with handwritten lyrics, poetry, and sketches. Alessia recognized some song titles from his albums.

But then, her eyes landed on sketches of a girl – hauntingly familiar features... hers.

Mac whispered, "I've drawn you for years...before even meeting you."

Alessia's breath caught – eerie yet captivating. Mac continued:

"And wrote about my past...my darkness." He opened the journal to a page filled with chaotic scribbles:

"'Abused by my father's hands and mother's silence. Saved by music...and visions of you.'"

Alessia's heart shattered – Mac's dark past revealed...

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