𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐓

Chapter One: Rose-Colored Lenses

Ｋｉａｒａ

I sat in my dressing room, staring at my reflection in the mirror. The bright lights framed my face, the glow enhancing every feature I'd perfected for the cameras. My hair fell in soft, black waves over my shoulders, and my makeup was flawless, of course. That's what people expect from Ryan Destiny—perfection. But if only they knew.

I adjusted the diamond bracelet on my wrist, mindlessly tracing the edges. In moments like these, when everything was supposed to be still, I felt the weight of the world pressing against me. The world only saw Ryan Destiny, the model, the actress, the singer. The girl who had it all. But sitting here, alone in this room, I was just Kiara. And only a handful of people knew her.

"You know you can't stay single forever, right?"

I didn't even bother looking up. I knew that voice too well. Imani stood in the doorway, arms crossed, her lips twisted into a teasing smile. She was always on my case about my love life—or lack of one.

"I'm not trying to stay single forever," I said, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. "But have you seen the dating scene out here? It's a mess."

Imani walked over, sinking into the plush couch across from me. "A mess? Or are you just avoiding it because you don't want to put yourself out there?"

I sighed, finally turning to face her. "Girl, I'm serious. I don't have time to entertain these immature boys running around like they know what love is. I've been there, done that, and I'm not doing it again."

Imani raised her eyebrows, clearly amused. "Oh, so you're on your grown woman vibes now? Looking for 'real love' and all that?"

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head. "It's not about vibes, Imani. It's about knowing my worth. I'm not about to settle for someone who doesn't even see me."

Imani leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But how would they see you when you're hiding away in this dressing room all the time? You're Ryan Destiny! You could have anyone you want, and you're sitting here, talking about 'real love' like it's a fairy tale."

I folded my arms, my gaze locked on hers. "That's the thing—people see Ryan Destiny, not Kiara. And I'm tired of being seen for what I do, not for who I am. I'm not going to waste time on someone who can't handle both."

Imani paused, her smile fading slightly. "Okay, but you know there's a difference between being cautious and shutting yourself off completely. You've been single for, what, a  few year now?"

I nodded. "A little over . And in that time, I've seen too many of my friends get hurt. They're out here playing games with boys who aren't serious, and I'm not about to make the same mistake."

Imani leaned back into the couch, sighing dramatically. "Kiara, not every guy out here is bad. You're just picking the wrong ones. And you're so busy guarding your heart that you're not giving anyone a chance to surprise you."

I raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. "Oh, really? So, you're telling me I should lower my standards just to 'give someone a chance'?"

"Not lower," Imani corrected. "But maybe open up a little. Not everyone is out to use you or waste your time. And you won't know until you let them in."

I sat back, considering her words. She wasn't wrong. But after everything I'd been through, after all the fake love, the lies, the men who only cared about having 'Ryan Destiny' on their arm, I wasn't about to open myself up to more disappointment.

"It's hard, Imani," I admitted quietly. "It's hard to trust that someone will see me for me. Not the fame, not the lights, but Kiara. The girl who grew up just trying to survive. The one who doesn't care about the glitz and glam."