Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 231: Domestic Violence]

Late at night, a gentle sea breeze swept across the shore, with a full moon hanging in the sky. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the beach filled the air. Taylor and Karlie walked barefoot on the sand, hand in hand, each carrying their shoes in the other hand, while Ryan walked ahead of them.

As Taylor shared amusing stories from her tour, Karlie casually inquired about ticket sales.

"So far, every show has sold out 100%. Not a single ticket has gone unsold," Taylor said proudly.

"That must be really profitable!" Karlie exclaimed.

"It's not bad, but my goal is to support Ryan. Then he will follow me wherever I go and be my servant. He will be carrying my bags, cooking for me, running my foot bath," Taylor joked, smiling.

"You're definitely going to be the next top-tier star, surpassing Mariah Carey, Britney, and Beyonce, standing right alongside Madonna!" Karlie said with excitement.

Taylor chuckled, her expression a bit somber from the comment: "I haven't thought that far ahead. I just want to maintain my current fan base."

"Why not?"

"Because..." Taylor lowered her eyes.

"Because there are a few new artists in the game who are not too far behind Taylor. Looking at the charts, Taylor doesn't have an advantage." Ryan chimed in from the front.

The Hot 100 chart served as the definitive measure of a single's popularity, and Taylor was up against tough competition.

Rihanna had more number one singles than Taylor, and with Jay-Z's backing, many big names collaborated with her. Although the incident with Chris Brown affected her to some extent, she had emerged as more of a victim, cutting ties with him swiftly afterward.

Lady Gaga, despite having risen to fame not long ago, had consistently been a chart-topper since the latter half of the previous year, making her a formidable competitor.

Katy Perry was also making waves, releasing one hit after another.

Fortunately, Ryan had snagged a Best New Artist award from Adele, or she could have been a strong contender for Taylor as well.

Each of these four artists had different styles -- Rihanna leaned towards R&B, Gaga favored electronic dance music, Katy dominated with pop-rock, and Adele held the adult contemporary space. It felt as if they created walls around Taylor, confining her to the "country music" genre.

While Taylor had a solid fan base, these fans were exceptionally loyal, country music was still far from mainstream. Plus, country music had its own Kelly Clarkson, who had a style and image that appealed more to the traditional country audience.

"We need to break out of this. Attack is the best form of defense," Ryan suggested, indicating a need to venture into other genres.

"What about you?" Karlie then asked Ryan.

"He has his own niche and appears to be doing well for now," Taylor said.

"Not really alone," Ryan shook his head. The Black Eyed Peas were quick to act, with several tracks from their new album making an impact. More artists were experimenting with electronic sounds, and he had heard that Atlantic Records was planning to push David Guetta, who had already collaborated with many top-tier artists.

In a sense, both Ryan and Taylor were in similar situations.

"Ryan and I can't rely on anyone else," Taylor said, shaking her head.

Both were financially independent, largely unsupported by the old giants of the record industry.

"Our only hope is each other, but I have Ryan, and that's enough for me," Taylor told Karlie, quickening her pace to catch up to Ryan, embracing him from behind, and matching his steps as they walked along the beach.

"I heard that some major DJs received word not to perform at any club related to me," Ryan continued.

This news had leaked from Spinnin' Records, stating that several nightclubs in Europe had collectively decided to boycott Bad Room. This wasn't a blatant ban but rather a whisper campaign, compelling those big-name DJs to choose between Ryan and the clubs.

"Those people must be envious! They can't compete, so they start to play tricks," Taylor said, sounding somewhat irritated but with little recourse; she couldn't find a way to help Ryan in this situation.

"This is going to be tough, and it won't be over quickly," Ryan remarked.

"So how are you planning to deal with it?" Taylor asked anxiously.

"Crisis also represents opportunity. See those new DJs? That's my strategy," Ryan replied.

With those major DJs absent, he could take the chance to build a roster of well-known DJs under his brand.

"You can handle anything," Taylor said with a smile, her worry lifted. She felt a sense of security knowing that Ryan always had a plan, bringing her comfort.

Hearing their conversation about challenges, Karlie opened up.

"There's competition among models, but it's not as intense. Still, modelling industry is youth-driven; who knows what will happen in a few years?" Karlie said.

Taylor, hugging Ryan from behind, turned around, "Then let Ryan help you; he always finds a way."

"You shouldn't lack job opportunities now, right?" Ryan asked.

"Not at the moment, but it feels like competition is getting tougher. Many new models emerged this year -- Lara Stone, Sasha Pivovarova, Natasha Poly, Jessica Stam. There are only so many high-fashion brands, and competition is fierce; I've lost numerous opportunities to those girls this year," Karlie admitted.

"Have you considered switching to commercial modeling?" Taylor asked.

"Is there a difference?" Ryan asked, genuinely perplexed.

"Of course, there is a distinction. Commercial models represent mass brands and are closer to the public, while high fashion caters only to the wealthy elite. For example, Miranda Kerr is a commercial model -- luxury fashion shows won't invite her. Similarly, Maybelline would never get Karlie for an ad, because she's too 'high-end'," Taylor explained.

"Are you suggesting trying to shift careers?" Karlie proposed, "That sounds too tough. Not to mention, I could lose my stronghold."

"Is there anyone who can excel in both commercial and high fashion modeling?" Ryan continued his inquiries.

"Of course, there's Gisele Bundchen. She can be a Victoria's Secret angel and still get invited by several high-end brands to model," Karlie replied.

"Speaking of Victoria's Secret, the CEO invited me to serve as the music director for the fashion show, and I've accepted," Ryan casually mentioned.

"Are you serious?" Karlie asked, incredulously.

"You've been hiding this from me!" Taylor lightly pinched Ryan's arm, realizing that if they didn't discuss Karlie's situation, Ryan might keep this under wraps even longer.

"I haven't started officially yet. I can help Karlie transition," Ryan said, detailing how it happened without mentioning Sharon's prior commission, simply stating that his live performance went well enough for Sharon to approach him.

"You want me to sign with Victoria's Secret?" Karlie quickened her pace to walk alongside Ryan.

"Not necessarily," Ryan refused, aware of the deeper inner workings of Victoria's Secret.

"So what will you do instead?"

"I have my methods, but you have to follow my lead," Ryan teased.

"Just tell me what to do," Karlie said, slightly blushing.

"Let's head home," Ryan said to Taylor behind him.

...

Upon returning home, dinner was already prepared. The three of them enjoyed a hearty meal, and Taylor then gave Ryan a subtle hint.

"You go shower first; I'll chat with Karlie for a bit, then I'll come up."

"Why the rush? We just finished dinner," Ryan remarked, wanting to relax for a moment, catch some TV, or play video games.

"You smell like other women; if you don't shower, I'm not sitting next to you," Taylor pouted.

"Fine, if you don't want to sit next to me, so be it," Ryan responded nonchalantly.

Taylor shot him a glare, "Just go!"

"I'm too tired," Ryan insisted.

"I really can't do anything about you; I'll wash you up later," Taylor rolled her eyes at Ryan, "I'll wash both the big head and the small head for you."

Karlie stuck her tongue out. Was this what married life was like?

The two women continued their chat while Ryan sat nearby watching TV.

...

"Ryan, I'm feeling tired," Taylor said as she noticed the time.

"Then go to bed."

Taylor rolled her eyes, "You need to shower first!"

"Let me finish this episode," Ryan said, focused on the screen.

"Come if you want." Taylor stood up and headed upstairs.

...

"Why is she in such a hurry?" Karlie blushed.

"After getting hitched, women tend to be far more proactive than men, wanting to lock the door and not step out all day," Ryan quipped.

"Can you handle that?" Karlie probed further.

"Every time, she's the one begging," Ryan replied.

"I don't believe it," Karlie shook her head, feeling like Ryan was just boasting; she knew men often liked to embellish in this regard.

"Don't believe me? Then stick around and listen at the door tonight," Ryan challenged.

"Not a chance," Karlie scoffed, shaking her head, knowing the two of them were only teasing her now.

...

After a while, Taylor grew impatient and called Ryan, prompting him to head upstairs.

Karlie continued watching TV but soon felt tired and turned it off. Upon reaching upstairs, she could hear muffled sounds from Taylor and Ryan's room.

"Oh my God!" It took only a single line to make Karlie blush fiercely.

Quickly shutting herself in her room, Karlie sighed with relief as the noise dissipated.

Lying on her bed, she tossed and turned, reflecting on what Ryan had just said, her mind racing with thoughts about their conversation, losing all sense of sleep.

After what felt like ages, she finally drifted off.

In the middle of the night, Taylor's voice woke her up, sounding tearful and pleading, calling out "daddy."

Domestic violence? Karlie wondered why Taylor was crying. Was it something that deeply pained her, or was Ryan actually a violent person? She was utterly bewildered.

...

The next morning, Karlie, Ryan, and Taylor climbed back into the car, heading straight towards Miami's most luxurious shopping district.

"I want to sit next to Karlie," Taylor shot a glance at Ryan and made a beeline for the seat next to her.

"Did he hit you last night?" Karlie whispered cautiously.

Taylor raised an eyebrow, "Ask him that -- does he dare?"

"Then why were you crying?" Karlie pressed for answers.

Taylor paused, then chuckled, "Sister, that wasn't crying, that was..." She leaned into Karlie's ear and whispered.

Karlie quickly covered her mouth, unsure of how to respond.

"That feeling? Let me describe it -- it was like um... Overall, it was the best thing in the world, a soul elevation where every pore was breathing," Taylor described, smiling.

"Stop!" Karlie shook her head repeatedly.

Taylor noticed Karlie's face was flushed bright red, and decided to tone it down. She truly saw Karlie as part of their fun, and witnessing Karlie's flustered expression only added to Taylor's delight.

"I'll find a chance to share it with you later," Taylor said, hugging Karlie like an older sister.

...

After some time, the car reached its destination. Taylor was the first to hop out, wearing a striking black and white patterned jumpsuit with bright yellow heels that drew attention, her bag also a vibrant yellow, complemented by her golden-tipped hair.

Karlie dressed more casually today, deliberately wearing flats to match Taylor's height.

Ryan, on the other hand, adopted a much more relaxed appearance, resembling Taylor's bodyguard.

The upscale shopping district was relatively quiet at this hour, and Taylor and Karlie stood out in their tall statures -- Karlie at six feet two, and Taylor was in heels, their height surpassed most women around. The two women wandered into prominent luxury fashion boutiques.

Taylor bought numerous items, spending even more on Ryan, selecting everything from formal to casual wear and remembering her friends and parents, splurging generously.

Karlie benefitted from Taylor's generosity as well, receiving several pieces.

Karlie estimated that Taylor's spending that day could equal a two-year income for an average family.

"Earned money should be spent; saving too much isn't all that meaningful," Taylor casually remarked, feeling like a top-tier rich woman now, as most of her income came in cash.

...

After lunch, they strolled around a bit longer before leaving the shopping mall. They were met by a swarm of paparazzi at the entrance -- a sight well accustomed to Ryan and Taylor.

Karlie expressed that she would be leaving the next day to return to work, while Taylor and Ryan would head to Los Angeles together -- co-starring in a film, the same one Jennifer Aniston introduced to Taylor called Valentine's Day, set for a release next Valentine's Day.

Taylor had previously made a cameo in Hannah Montana: The Movie. Ryan, however, had never acted before.

"Have you read the script? We're returning to 'high school days'," Taylor asked eagerly.

"I've read it several times. I can recite the lines by heart, practically," Ryan replied.

"Do you know how to act?" Taylor continued.

"Not really, but in love scenes, just think of it as playing myself," Ryan said confidently.

"Let's call it a second first love," Taylor murmured.

"Wait, does that make me your first love?"

"Of course! Those before you were just practice, but what I have with you is serious."

"When I initiated things, it was because I liked you. The publicity was Scott's plan; I swear on my family's name, every word I've said is the truth," Taylor added, a bit anxiously.

Ryan laughed, "Seriously, at this point, what are you rambling about?"

Taylor realized her anxiousness and quickly hugged Ryan, "Ryan, why didn't I meet you earlier?"

*****

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