Her beautiful face, etched with the subtle lines of exhaustion and a hint of lingering sadness, gradually calmed as sleep began to overtake her. The tension that had been coiled tight within her muscles slowly dissipated, replaced by a sense of profound peace.
As her eyelids fluttered closed, a fleeting image flashed through her mind—a hazy memory of a young boy with bright, inquisitive eyes and a mischievous grin. The image vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving behind a lingering sense of longing and a renewed determination to find him.
Shayera drifted off into a deep, dreamless sleep, the Sleeping Goddess finally surrendering to the embrace of slumber. The penthouse remained silent, save for the gentle hum of the city below and the soft rhythm of her breathing.
The morning light filtered through the windows of the expansive kitchen, illuminating the polished marble countertops and gleaming stainless steel appliances. Shayera descended the grand staircase, her silk pajamas clinging softly to her frame. The remnants of breakfast – a scattering of crumbs and a few stray toys – hinted at the chaotic energy of the morning.
Standing at the kitchen island, meticulously wiping down the counter, was Catharsis. Her silver hair was pulled back in a neat bun, and her kind, weathered face held an expression of quiet efficiency. Catharsis had been Shayera's children's caretaker since they were infants, and she had proven to be an indispensable part of their lives—and Shayera's. The other babysitters simply couldn't handle Aella and Zephyr's boundless energy and penchant for mischief.
"Kids at school?"
Shayera yawned, stretching languidly as she approached Catharsis. The thought of returning to bed was incredibly tempting.
Catharsis looked up, her eyes twinkling with a familiar warmth.
"Indeed, darling," she replied, her voice a soothing balm against the lingering exhaustion.
"They were quite insistent on attending today. Apparently, there's a 'painting with glitter' activity planned."
She chuckled softly, shaking her head.
"Aella declared it was of utmost importance that she participate. Zephyr just wanted to make sure he could outglitter his sister."
Shayera couldn't help but smile at the image of her twins engaged in a glitterfueled competition.
"Of course they did," she murmured, leaning against the kitchen island.
"Those two are always scheming."
She would be shocked if they behaved themselves.
Shayera went back to her room and her phone ring before she even put her head back down. She saw the caller it was one of friends Grace Queens she is a famous supermodel.
Grace Queens was a name synonymous with beauty, grace, and undeniable talent. A supermodel since her late teens, she had graced the covers of countless magazines and walked the runways of every major fashion house. But it was her transition into acting five years ago that truly catapulted her to superstardom. And it was all thanks to Shayera Lafayette.
Before Shayera's intervention, Grace had been struggling to break into the acting world, facing constant rejection and typecasting. Shayera, operating under the enigmatic alias "Lucidi" – a name whispered with reverence and speculation within the film industry – saw something special in Grace—a raw vulnerability and untapped potential that she believed could be molded into something extraordinary.
Shayera cast Grace as the lead in her debut film, "The Hidden Rose Water," a mysterious and atmospheric thriller that defied easy categorization.
The film was a gamble, a passion project funded entirely by Shayera's own considerable wealth. It was shrouded in secrecy, with Lucidi refusing to reveal their identity or share any details about the production. But the gamble paid off spectacularly. "The Hidden Rose Water" was a critical and commercial success, captivating audiences with its haunting visuals, compelling storyline, and Grace's mesmerizing performance.
Overnight, Grace Queens became a household name. The film launched her into the stratosphere of Hollywood fame, earning her numerous accolades and opening doors to a string of highprofile roles. And every member of the cast – from the supporting actors to the cinematographer – experienced a similar surge in recognition. They were all forever linked to "The Hidden Rose Water," a film now considered a cult classic and a pivotal moment in their careers.
Now, five years later, those who had appeared in "The Hidden Rose Water" were all Alist celebrities. The supporting actors were now leading men and women in blockbuster films, the cinematographer was sought after by every major director, and Grace Queens reigned supreme as one of the most soughtafter actresses in the world. They all owed their success to Lucidi, the mysterious producer who had taken a chance on them and given them their big break.
The identity of Lucidi remained a closely guarded secret, fueling endless speculation and fascination within the entertainment industry. Some whispered that it was a reclusive billionaire, others a legendary director returning to the spotlight. Few could have imagined that the mastermind behind it all was Shayera Lafayette—the enigmatic fashion mogul who preferred to remain hidden in the shadows while her creations captivated the world.
Shayera groaned inwardly at the sound of Grace's voice. Despite her exhaustion, she knew arguing was futile. Grace Queens was notoriously persistent, and the prospect of paparazzi swarming her penthouse was not something she wanted to contend with.
"Grace?" she mumbled, reluctantly pulling herself out of bed.
"Ahh Sister Shayera! Can you do a shoot shoot with me?" Grace exclaimed, her voice brimming with playful energy.
"No busy," Shayera said, attempting to convey her weariness through tone alone, before closing her eyes again in a futile effort to recapture the fleeting comfort of sleep.
"Tsk tsk busy sleeping!? I am at your penthouse unless you want the paparazzi to catch me here you better come out! Oooh I miss my godchildren!" Grace declared, her words laced with playful urgency.
Shayera sighed, conceding defeat.
Grace's enthusiasm was infectious, but Shayera desperately needed her space. She held out a hand, gently stopping Grace's advance.
"Grace, please," she said softly, a hint of exasperation in her voice.
"I just woke up. A hug is lovely, but let's not make a scene."
Grace pouted dramatically, her eyes wide with mock offense.
"A scene? Darling, I'm practically a professional at avoiding scenes! Besides," she added with a mischievous grin.
"I brought presents for the godchildren!"
She gestured towards a large shopping bag overflowing with brightly colored packages. Aella and Zephyr would undoubtedly be thrilled. Shayera couldn't resist a small smile at the thought of their excitement.
"Alright," she conceded, relenting slightly.
"But let's keep it lowkey, okay?"
"Forget it anyway look at this small company it asked if I can do a photo shoot with them but I refuse and told them you would I told them you see a new comer in the entertainment industry," Grace said.
Shayera was speechless she dropped her green apple and grabbed Grace ear.
"You…you…!"