Chapter 99 - Quiet On Set

Sadé's POV:

— Tuesday, December 20, 2022

It's the holiday season, and Christmas is near. Despite all of that, I wasn't in the festive mood. There has yet to be any snow in Detroit, there's no Christmas decorations up - not even a tree, and Marshall & I have been tied up in work.

He's finishing the final touches on his album still. Him being a perfectionist means he's focused on every little detail. So he's basically been living out of his recording studio all month long... Day and night. While I wasn't upset, I do wish I got to spend just a little more time with him this month. It's our first Christmas together. I know we haven't been dating for long, but still. It's worth celebrating.

I myself have been busy all day long. I've been in and out of meetings for my brand and discussing my social media career in more depth. Things were moving fast when it came to business. It seems like just yesterday I had decided to take a leap of faith, and step foot into the fashion industry. I was proud of myself and how things have been progressing. So much so, that my brand is projected to be released or at the very least announced publicly in the upcoming new year!

It was currently past five o'clock when my work day had ended. I had just gotten out of my last meeting via Zoom, and was spent. I wanted nothing more than to take a warm shower, ice my hand, and snuggle up by the fireplace to watch a movie or tv show. My plans had gotten sidetracked, however, when I saw Marshall sprawled on the couch as I was about to head upstairs.

"Hey, what are you doing home? I thought you were going to be working tonight." I asked him confused.

"Nah. I decided to stay home tonight. I could use the rest anyways." He replied.

"Oh, okay. Well I'm going to take a hot shower, then maybe we could watch a movie afterwards. Only if you want to though."

"Uhh... Actually." He started to say, "I had some other plans in mind."

I pursed my lips, brows knitted together, and listened closely as I tilted my head to the side.

"I'm listening."

"How about I give you tickets to see Ed Sheeran perform tonight; You, the girls, and Nate and his family. And I stay home and sleep?" Marshall suggested as he wiggled his dark haired eyebrows in temptation.

He knows how much I really love Ed Sheeran. He's one of my favorite artists. If I were to ever get married, I definitely want him to perform at the wedding.

"Oh, Honey. You don't have to tell me twice! Let me go get ready!" I squeal out of excitement.

I run over to him, giving a kiss on the cheek. I then dart to the staircase to race up to the room to begin to get ready and choose an outfit. I heard him let out a quiet laugh as I went on my way.

—

The girls, Marshall's brother, Nate, & his family, and I were sat in a secluded suite inside the Little Creasers Arena as we watched Ed Sheeran perform live. Marshall had decided to stay home and get more rest because he was so tired from working. I didn't argue because honestly, he could use the sleep; It seems like all he does is work on his craft. Which is great, but sometimes he forgets to focus on himself too.

Hallie and I were by the balcony, dancing lightly as we listened to the music. Ed then paused the show, giving a small speech to show his appreciation and love for everyone showing up tonight, supporting him. He then briefly mentioned how he couldn't believe he was actually playing in Detroit, the same city his favorite childhood rapper, Eminem, is from. I couldn't help but smirk a little bit at that because people really do look up to my man, and he's actually one of the greatest rappers of all time. It made me giddy inside. He then said he was going to cover his song in honor of that.

I simply thought nothing of it. We're in Detroit. This is Marshall's stomping grounds, the city that he put on the map. Of course people were going to sing his songs when touring here. Just then, the lights got dim, the music getting low. The vibes were set perfectly as Ed began strumming on his guitar. Him and his band began to play the beat of "Lose Yourself", causing the crowd to go wild. I bobbed my head lightly, feeling the beat.

When the intro to the song was over and the first rap verse began, Marshall appeared. He magically came out of the floor somehow, rapping his own lyrics. My mouth was hanging wide open as I stared at him in the flesh. That old man was supposed to be at home sleep! How the hell is he here performing with Ed Sheeran? I was in complete shock along with the rest of the fans as I watched.

"Sadé, close your mouth before a fly gets in there." Hailie joked.

I did as instructed, slowly turning to her because I couldn't believe it. All she did was laugh at my genuine disbelief.

"Girl-... Did you know this was happening?" I asked her.

She appeared unfazed, unbothered by it all.

"No. But usually when he invites us out to concerts in Detroit, it's because he's performing." She explained.

Then "Stan" started playing. I screamed like a fan girl over my own man as I watched him perform. I couldn't help it. His music is good and I was surprised. That, and he looked fine as hell. So yeah, I fangirled over my own boyfriend.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Afterwards, we all were escorted backstage where Marshall and Ed were once the concert was over. I got the chance to meet Ed Sheeran, and he was the kindest celebrity I had ever met. Like the fan girl I was about meeting my favorite singer, I had asked for a selfie. He kindly agreed, taking pictures with me. He even signed the back of my phone case. We all conversed for a little bit before heading home. This was definitely a night to remember.

— Back Home, Later That Night

It was late hours of the night when Marshall and I were snuggled up in bed, having pillow talk. We were talking lazily, not having a serious conversation.

"Oh, and I finished the album earlier by the way. So that means I'm all yours, baby." He mentioned.

"Oh my gosh, no way! I'm so excited for you. Congrats, Marmar." I cheesed, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

He had been working on that album day and night. He was a perfectionist, and needed it perfect. So I know he's glad to finally have completed the project and breathe.

"Thanks. I think they'll love it. Or at least I hope so since them motherfuckers was hatin' on my last one." He mumbled the last part.

"You know they will. They always do. It was just a few bad apples that ruined it for the bunch." I sympathized.

"Yeah, well..."

"Marshall..."

"Ight. I hear you."

"Anyways, make sure your bags are packed in the morning. I set up the video shoot for the music video like I promised you I would." Marshall told me with a lazy smile.

"Eee, I can't wait." I squealed, "I need to text my team to make sure they're prepared for hair, glam, and management."

"Don't worry about it. I told you I handled it." He gave me a peck on the lips to stop my potential overthinking.

I looked at him impressed, not thinking he'd actually get all of that done like he said he would. Especially conside4ring how high maintenance I am, needing all the works. I thanked him with a smile in return. The room quieted down as nothing more needed to be said. There was a mutual understanding. I laid my head down on his clothed chest, listening to his heartbeat. My breathing slowed down as I fell asleep to the thumps in his chest.

— The Next Day At Sade's New Home

Marshall and I had landed in Chicago a little while ago and made our way over to my new house that I'd soon call home. Marshall had it fully furnished to my liking as a welcoming gift, not just for the music video. I didn't even want to think about how much it must have cost him. I couldn't thank him enough for that because he didn't have to but he wanted to anyway, and he did.

While producers, directors, executives, and all of these other people set up equipment for the music video to be filmed, I was sat in a chair getting my hair, nails, wardrobe, and makeup done. I had gotten a cute high pony, natural glam, and long red nails. They dressed me in an Aaliyah shirt that was black, ripped distressed jeans, white & red Jordans, gold hoop earrings, and a red Gucci jacket. I was accessorized in large chains similar to Marshall's, rings, and bracelets. I thought I looked cute but in a chill type of way.

—

I was in front of the camera, filming scenes, while Marshall stood, directing everything. I was in my element; It all came natural to me. Not to brag, but I am photogenic and videogenic. That's why I do what I do best so well. It's literally engrained in me.

Marshall's POV:

So as Sadé is out there doing her thang, I'm making sure everything is going smooth and kept to her standards like I told everyone to do. I'm the main director of this entire music video, the producer, all of it so my name is on the line also. And I'd be damned if anything got overlooked or screwed up.

I had hired editors to be on set so that while scenes were being filmed, they could also go through it all and edit the video in real time at the same time. I wanted to get this thing up as soon as possible. I couldn't wait to diss that little blue balls bitch boy or whatever his name was. Don't nobody get to speak on my lady and think that they could get away with it. Maybe if it was Kim, I'd let it slide; But especially not if it's Sae.

Since we were shooting this at her house as a big "Fuck you" to all her haters, the media, and the people who broke into her house and robbed her, I made sure that me and Paul only hired people we could trust. I had worked with all of these people for decades - Some since the very start of my career. They had all signed NDAs long ago, but I did make them sign another one with more explicit verbiage JUST incase. I took any and all precautions to ensure that no sensitive info is leaked, such as her address, certain parts of her home, what area she lives in, certain people she may know, etc. I had it all under control.

I was watching everyone do their jobs intensely, including my girl. And damn, I must say that her nails were long as hell. Don't get me wrong, they looked good, but goddamn... They look even better wrapped around my- Never mind. You get the point. I wiped my hand over my face, trying to get my mind out of the gutter. I need to focus and get back to work.

— The Next Morning

It was a lazy Thursday morning in Detroit, and we were back at our place. We had flown back late last night right after filming. Sae was still sleeping in while I was on my laptop, sipping a mug of warm tea and eating a bowl of cereal. The video was posted sometime around midnight after I had given the go ahead of approval.

It had came out perfectly, exactly how I wanted it to, and I know Sadé would approve of it too. I did happen to add the Slim Shady special touch though. I decided to keep that line in there of her playing around saying how she'd be a billionaire if she sold her sex tape... Well... I paid the editor to add a little snippet of one of our many sex tapes to the video, and not leak or keep it of course. It wasn't anything crazy. Just me bending her over, unzipping the back of her dress, and her looking back at the camera. PG-13 if you will. Sure it was me being cocky, but it was also me wanting to claim and assert my dominance over Sadé. She is my lady. My woman. The one I'm pleasuring every night. And all they can do is watch and stare, wishing it was them in my place. Call it territorial if you want, but it's my definition of charming.

I was separated from my thoughts by a small kiss on my cheek. Sadé had been stood behind me, arms wrapped around my neck as I was sat in the chair. She was looking at the computer screen, analyzing what was on it.

"Look, babe. It's the final cut." I showed her, pressing play.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

She watched it silently and intently. Once it was finished, she smiled big. I knew she'd love the final product as much as I did.

"It came out so good! I love it." She said in awe, "Wow, that's really me. I did that!"

"Yeah, you did. You did an amazing job. Thank you baby." I thanked her for agreeing to even do all of this for me.

"Don't worry about it." She waved absentmindedly.

"So you a lil' rapper now, huh?" I teased her, "Number 1 on trending, and all. Over 22 million views in less than 12 hours."

I was impressed.

"Duh. This Big S. Big Sadé, not the little one!" She said doing some hand movements.

She was feeling herself. She was proud, and had every right to be. She's an It Girl after all. On that note, it looks like I won another rap beef once again. Nobody ever speak on her ever again or else it's gonna be me on the mic next time. And they better hope I don't ever see them in person if they do either.