Elara pulled her oversized sunglasses down over her eyes as she walked along the busy sidewalk near her old apartment. It was one of those rare afternoons where she had a few hours completely to herself. No Kai. No cameras. No luxury car waiting at the curb. Just her, a coffee in hand, and the simple pleasure of walking like a normal person.
The city buzzed around her - people rushing to work, street vendors calling out, the distant honk of cars. She smiled faintly. These small moments grounded her. They reminded her where she came from but fame had a way of following.
A group of girls walking in the opposite direction recognized her. One of them sneered loudly enough for Elara to hear.
"Kai Lennox's little slut. Bet she's only with him for the money."
Another laughed. "She's not even
