Chapter One

SEPTEMBER (PRESENT)

LA. CALIFORNIA 

"We love Raven!” 

“We love Raven!!”

“We love Raven!!!”

The chants and cheers of fans zoomed in and out of her ears as she gracefully slid from her limo. Their hushed tone sweeping through the bleachers as members of the press take their places on the carpet. 

Keeping her head down, she sidled closer to her manager, Simeon—along sides were her two most trusted bodyguards. The police had roped off the area with barricades—silently thanking them, she took a mental note to do it personally.

The exotic beauty loved her fans, but the thought of her stalker still on the loose left her on alert. Raven could no longer distinguish between an overly excited fan and a crazed, obsessed devotee. 

For this reason, the loud praises and appreciating gazes from the crowd did not have the same effect as it always did. Instead of feeling flattered, it made her skin crawl.

The man or woman, she suddenly thought, could be in the crowd at that moment. It was terrifying. The idea that he was always watching. Waiting. Planning. The idea that he was invisible in a way.

Still—despite the inner war Raven fought, she lifted her head high. When the red carpet came into view. She vowed not to let the stalker—man or woman, take control of her mind in her comfort zone. The place she shone and thrived on.

Striding in beauty—like the night of cloudless climes and all that’s best of dark and bright meet in her aspect and her eyes. The rank of most popular and highest paid model dazzled her. Rising to fame was arduous but her determination motivated her.

She had it all— beauty. Fame. Wealth.

Modeling was never her plan A, not close to plan D. 

She enjoyed writing, but fate had other plans for her. Sucked in the world of fame, she lost a part of her self—a part she couldn't seem to recall.

Swiveling over at Simeon, a flash of  the moments and his efforts trying to recruit her crossed the tip of her mind—convincing her to work in his agency was a miracle—that was the word he used. 

She didn’t believe in miracles—at least not anymore. She gave in to him after the tragic death of her father. 

Striding to the step and repeat wall , a fan chanted her name—it was much louder than others, the voice stood out.  It gave chills to her body, the feeling of her stalker close by. 

Taking a quick glance at her side—eyes searching through the crowd.  Her sharp blue eyes trailed the voice to no one in particular.

The cameras flashed through her eyes—twitching in an instant—her heart racing, she maintained a faint smile. Reporters pleaded for her attention.  

Fame delighted her, It was a drug—an escape from reality. Being the typical-reserved high school nerd, fame changed her without her prior knowledge. 

Stepping up to get interviewed. The dark eyes of the famous host and reporter-Miguel Kowalski held her burning gaze.

"You look stunning Raven.” The sparkly burgundy high end gown hugged her body on all the right places—her smooth skin glowing in its full glory. The diamond necklace gave a finishing touch, with her raven colored hair flowing behind.

Who are you wearing?” Miguel enthused —his eyes focused on her.

“Carol Xzi. Shout out to Carol.” Her words came out briefly.

“A model and an actress—you never cease to amaze us. Your very first featured movie. I imagine you’re excited?!”

“Yeah.”

Miguel couldn't read past her eyes, she was a mystery to him. Extremely beautiful , yet difficult—her blank expression pondered some wisdom for his next question.

"Can you tell me a little about your character?" 

Taking a quick pause, she adjusted her dress and voiced out blankly. “The premiere starts soon. Wait to find out.”

Miguel was dismayed, breaking the huge wall around her wasn’t going to be easy. 

“Leaving me in suspense I see. Looking forward to watching you,” his words came out reluctantly.

“Delighted.”  Raven was rather moody that night. Attempting to leave, Miguel’s cracky voice paused her stride.

"Congratulations on your engagement.” Flashing a smile, she showed off her diamond ring.

Sighting her co stars, she reluctantly conversed with them. Soon after, they gathered for a group picture. 

*

The theater was huge, it was stereotyped for launching hit movies. The cold air illuminated her skin—giving her goosebumps. 

Gawking around the theater made her oblivious to Simeon's deep stare, he hadn't taken his eyes off her-from the moment he saw her that evening. Her lips formed into a smile as she held his gaze.

"You keep starring.”  

Pursing her lips, she lifted her chin.

"You're gorgeous," he said

“Get over it Simeon,” she whispered seductively—leisurely walking ahead.

After the introduction of the movie. Raven retired on her seat, the scratchy chair irritated the back of her thighs. 

She groaned in frustration—her beeping phone added to the moment of irritation. Powering off her phone was a click away, but her eyes beat her to it. It widened in horror after reading the content displayed on the screen.

FAMOUS ACTOR/ BILLIONAIRE SPOTTED ON CAMERA WITH ANOTHER....

Reading further was pointless—the content was clear to the model. She could feel the pitiful gazes around her, even celebrities liked scandals and gossip. Next thing Raven could think of was to run.

Without a glimpse at Simeon-she darted out of the theater immediately.

Suddenly, she tripped on her long dress—landing violently on the red carpet. Reporters gathered to take pictures. The neglected air consumed her body—face reddening in terror.

She felt humiliated. 

Raven's brain session streamed in some ideas on what the headlines were going to be that evening. Taking a mental note to sue them all, she scrambled to her feet. 

In a swift, Raven darted into her limo.

*****

Thanks for choosing my book darlings. Don’t forget to comment. Xoxo.