Two weeks had passed since Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga — our budding global pop stars — had shocked the world with their songs.
Their EPs stormed the music market, obliterating all competition in their path. Those fortunate enough to perform alongside them could only lament the unfairness of the situation. Combined album sales of Michael and Gaga exceeded 22 million copies, while their ratings on the music site Saxophone Music reached 9.2 and 9.1 points respectively.
They became superstars almost overnight and, in doing so, brought our fledgling label worldwide fame.It was a resounding success. Now, the entire world eagerly awaited my own achievements, for it was no secret that I had written the hits for these two newly crowned stars.
It's worth noting that my first album, Mariage d'Amour, released just four months earlier, had already sold over 48 million copies worldwide—astonishing the entire music industry—despite consisting solely of piano compositions. Naturally, no one doubted that my next release would also be a triumph.
Yesterday, only three days before Christmas, our label Alritex Records released my second album, simply titled Perfect, to an eager audience. Not long ago, Alritex Records CEO Alison Blair had repeatedly emphasized in interviews that releasing Michael and Gaga's albums two weeks before Christmas was a strategy to maximize their time in the spotlight and allow the new stars to fully bask in their well-earned fame.
She had also declared her unwavering belief that Alex Reath's upcoming album would sweep across the globe like a relentless wind, ushering in a new era for the entire music industry. And, as if to confirm her words, 3.4 million people bought Perfect within the first 24 hours of its release. It was a new record, shattering all analysts' predictions—especially remarkable given that some of the album's tracks were already freely available online. Naturally, such a triumph called for celebration.
True to self, I booked Madame Alexandra's restaurant and invited the entire Alritex Records staff to share in our hard-earned victory.
"I made a wise decision releasing Marvin and Joan's albums two weeks earlier," said Dazzling, raising a glass of champagne. "Otherwise, you would have buried their careers."
"You're being dramatic," I said, disagreeing with the studio director.
"They're gifted and unique. They would have shined regardless—I just know how to bring out talent."
"Perhaps," she conceded, "but they would still have started in your shadow."
"I think I agree with her, Alex," Madame Alexandra added. "You're different from the rest."
"And who would have thought that in just six months, you'd achieve so much?" said Sir Maxwell admiringly.
"I'm lucky to have such invaluable assistants and teachers," I replied with a sincere smile. "I'm grateful to all of you, and I ask that we continue overcoming every challenge together." I raised my glass of orange juice. "To us—and to our studio!"
"Hurray! Hurray! Hurray!" The guests cheered, raising their glasses in unison. Cheerful faces, ringing laughter, and pure joy lit up the room—a true moment of harmony. I promised myself then and there that I would do everything in my power to preserve it.
"Alex," Dazzling turned to me, "as you know, on December 24th—the day before Christmas—I'm holding a concert in Gotham. Marvin and Joan will be there as special guests to perform several songs. I think it would be wonderful if you joined us too."
"Really?" I asked.
"It's a great move for promoting Perfect," noted the deputy director, Vivian. "It will boost the already massive sales significantly."
"And you still owe me that duet," Alison pouted, folding her arms. "I want to perform Shallow with you on stage. The whole stadium should see us together!"
"Alright, alright," I laughed. "I'll do it. And since that's the case, let's take Harley with us too. This concert will be a good debut for her. Before aiming at the world stage, she first needs to win over Gotham and rebuild the residents' trust."
"That won't be easy," Blair sighed. "Everyone here hates her... she's still known as the Joker's ex-lover."
"Rome wasn't built in a day," I said. "We'll have to change public opinion about our crazy clown gradually."
"Fine," Alison nodded. "But if she gets pelted with tomatoes, it's not my fault."
"Don't worry—we'll take precautions…" As I've said many times, after Thanksgiving, Americans begin preparing for the Christmas season. One of the most cherished traditions is giving—donations and helping those in need. Christmas is a time for charity and good deeds.
On Christmas Eve, everyone does what they can: some go door-to-door distributing gifts; others organize parties for children; some place collection boxes near stores and public places for warm clothes, toys, and canned goods—or set up donation boxes to fund various charitable programs.
There are even those who make the most cherished dreams of people in difficult situations come true.For many Americans, Christmas charity has become not just a tradition but a heartfelt necessity—an act of kindness and good manners. I couldn't ignore such noble customs.
As a true American, I conquered the greed in my heart and opened myself to generosity. Given my wealth, social standing, and the title of Bright Knight of Gotham bestowed upon me by the city's residents, I couldn't simply toss a hundred dollars into a street Santa's box and go home feeling satisfied.
After all, the famous billionaire Bruce Wayne donates hundreds of millions to charity every Christmas, earning him the admiration of an entire nation. Yet it's worth remembering that he also cultivates the image of a spendthrift playboy whose philanthropy conveniently shields his darker persona from scrutiny.
So what was I getting at? The truth is, I too decided to make a grand gesture—to donate a substantial sum to charity. More precisely, I chose to fund the improvement of Gotham City, the place where my own ascent began. And rather than simply giving the money to an existing foundation, I decided to establish one of my own. Gotham City would become the cornerstone of my organization—quite literally
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Hope you enjoyed the chapter guys.
Here's the link to my p@treon, if you want to support me.
[email protected]/annihilator009
Replace @ with a.