NOVEL NEXT Chapter 105: Contract
[Alice's POV]
The morning breeze hit softly against her face as Alice stood by the roadside, her suitcase by her feet.
She had just left the GlobalCompetition committee. No words. No goodbye. Just silence.
It still felt strange — how years of work could end in a few minutes.
She sighed and adjusted her bag. A few minutes later, her friend Clara pulled up in a small black car.
"Get in," Clara said quietly.
Alice did, and they drove off without saying a word. The radio played softly in the background until Clara finally broke the silence.
"So," Clara said, glancing at her. "You really did it. You actually sent that video."
Alice looked out the window. "Yeah."
Clara exhaled, shaking her head. "I can't believe you, Alice. You knew what would happen. Why risk your entire career like that?"
Alice smiled faintly. "I don't know… maybe I just wanted to do the right thing. Or maybe…"
She paused.
"Maybe what?" Clara asked.
Alice chuckled under her breath. "Maybe I just liked him."
Clara turned sharply toward her. "Liked him? Alice, he's much younger than you!"
Alice laughed quietly. "I know. It's not like that. It's not love or anything crazy. It's just—"
She looked down at her hands. "There's something about him. The way he talks, the way he carries himself. He doesn't act like a kid. It's like he knows exactly who he is. I don't know why, but I was drawn to that."
Clara rolled her eyes. "Drawn to him, huh? Sounds like someone's catching feelings."
Alice smirked. "Maybe. Or maybe not."
They both laughed a little before the silence returned — softer this time.
"So," Clara asked, "what now? You're out. No job, no plan. What are you going to do?"
Alice leaned back, thinking. "Honestly? I don't know. Maybe I'll rest for a while. I've worked for so long… maybe I've reached what I'd call success. I just want peace for now."
Clara shook her head. "Yeah, right. I know you, Alice. You'll get bored in two days. You can't just stay still."
Alice smiled lightly. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I'll start something new. I don't know what yet, but I'll figure it out."
Clara nodded, smiling. "That's the Alice I know."
Alice looked out the window as they drove past tall buildings, her reflection faint against the glass.
Somewhere deep inside, she felt calm — maybe for the first time in years.
[Urich's POV]
Urich sat alone in the living room, staring blankly at the TV that wasn't even on. His elbows rested on his knees, fingers interlocked.
He'd been quiet since morning. Too quiet.
His wife, Marcia, walked in with two cups of tea. She handed one to him and sat beside him. "You've been sitting there for hours. What's going on?"
He forced a smile. "Nothing. I'm fine."
She frowned. "No, you're not. I can tell. You've been like this since yesterday. Talk to me."
Urich sighed. "I don't know. I guess I'm just… not used to staying at home. I keep thinking too much when I sit still."
Marcia smiled softly. "Then don't sit still. Find something to do. Go for a walk. Or take that little project you've been postponing."
He nodded slowly. "Maybe I should. I just… hate feeling useless."
Marcia leaned closer. "You're not useless. You just need time to breathe. Maybe this is life telling you to slow down for a bit."
Before Urich could reply, small footsteps echoed from the hallway. Their daughter ran in, clutching a small stuffed bear.
"Daddy!" she shouted, jumping into his lap.
Urich laughed for the first time that day, hugging her tightly. "Hey, princess."
The little girl giggled and kissed his cheek. "You look sad. Did you miss me?"
He smiled. "Of course I did. You're my favorite person."
Marcia stood by the doorway, arms crossed but smiling. "Oh, so I'm not your favorite anymore?"
Urich chuckled. "You both are. Equal favorites."
The girl laughed again and ran back toward her toys.
Marcia looked at her husband. "See? She misses your smile. We all do."
He nodded quietly. "Yeah… I guess I've been too deep in my head lately."
She touched his shoulder gently. "Whatever's bothering you, don't let it eat you up. Handle it when the time is right."
Urich's eyes darkened slightly, thoughtful. "Oh, I will," he said calmly. "When the time's right, I'll handle everything."
****
Dayo waved his family goodbye as he walked out of the home to enter his car to the studio.
Upon arriving at the studio Wayne and Valery were already waiting for him.
"So Valery have you drafted the contract as planned? "
Valery nodded as she handed Dayo a contract paper.
JD RECORD LABEL – ARTIST AGREEMENT
This Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into on this ___ day of , 20, between JD Record Label, represented by its Founder and Chief Producer, Dayo Johnson (hereinafter referred to as "the Label"), and **_____________________** (hereinafter referred to as "the Artist").
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1. Purpose of Agreement
This Agreement outlines the professional relationship between the Label and the Artist for the purpose of producing, promoting, and distributing the Artist's musical works under JD Record Label.
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2. Term of Contract
The Artist agrees to remain under JD Record Label for a minimum period of two (2) years from the date of signing, unless otherwise released by the Label.
Should the Artist wish to terminate this contract, a written notice of at least one (1) month must be given prior to departure.
The Label reserves the right to deny or accept early termination based on project status, pending releases, or mutual agreement.
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3. Rights and Ownership
All songs, compositions, and recordings produced under JD Record Label are the intellectual property of the Label, unless otherwise negotiated in writing.
The Artist shall retain performance and appearance rights, but must obtain written permission from the Label before performing, licensing, or reproducing any JD-produced song outside official JD events or partnerships.
The Label reserves exclusive rights to distribute, publish, and monetize all works created during the term of this Agreement.
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4. Creative Support
The Label, through Dayo Johnson, will provide full production and creative support for the Artist's musical works.
In cases where the Artist is unable to create or complete a song, the Label (via Dayo Johnson) shall have the right to compose, write, or assign a song for the Artist to perform.
The Artist agrees to perform assigned songs in good faith and in line with the Label's creative direction.
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5. Financial Terms
Revenue from sales, streaming, licensing, and performances will be shared as follows unless otherwise stated in a specific project agreement:
Artist: 40%
Label (JD Record Label): 60%
Production costs, marketing expenses, and collaborations arranged by the Label shall be deducted prior to revenue sharing.
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6. Obligations of the Artist
The Artist agrees to promote their music in good faith and participate in events, promotions, or interviews organized by JD Record Label.
The Artist shall not sign or collaborate with another record label or management group without prior written consent from JD Record Label.
The Artist must uphold a professional image consistent with the Label's reputation.
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7. Obligations of the Label
The Label shall provide production, recording space, marketing, and promotion for the Artist's works.
The Label shall offer reasonable creative freedom while maintaining final approval over production quality and release strategy.
The Label shall act in the best interest of the Artist, offering guidance and career development opportunities.
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8. Termination by the Label
The Label reserves the right to terminate this contract in cases of:
Breach of agreement.
Misconduct, defamation, or action harmful to JD Record Label's image.
Failure to meet creative or contractual obligations after repeated notice.
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9. Confidentiality
Both parties agree to keep all production, contract, and label-related information confidential. Breach of confidentiality may result in legal or financial action.
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10. Amendment
This Agreement may only be amended in writing, with the consent of both parties.
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11. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws applicable within the jurisdiction of JD Record Label's primary operating region.
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Signed and Agreed:
_________________________
(Artist Signature)
Date: _____________________
_________________________
Dayo Johnson
Founder / CEO – JD Record Label
Date: _____________________
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