Tattooed in Moonlight

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

The first thing I saw when I woke wasn't the chandelier overhead, or the ridiculous canopy bed that looked like it belonged in a period drama.

It was my phone.

And the avalanche of notifications that came with it.

Headlines. Clips. Photos of me on the red carpet at last night's launch, laughing at reporters, smirking like I owned the spotlight.

"Kaira Javierres Slays at Hotel Launch"

"From Superstar to Business Icon: Kaira Takes the Stage"

"Sharp, Sassy, and In Control—Kaira Shines as the Face of the Javierres Empire"

I blinked blearily at the screen. "Well... damn."

Before I could process, the phone buzzed again. Marcella.

I answered, and her face filled the screen, practically glowing. "You did it!" she squealed. "Kaira, do you realize what just happened? You're trending—and not for a scandal this time! People are calling you witty, sharp, classy. The brands are already sniffing around again, wanting to test the waters. I knew this marriage would work out!"

I groaned, dragging a pillow over my face. "Marcella, it's eight in the morning. Too early for capitalism."

"No, it's never too early!" she said, clapping like a caffeinated seal. "Do you know how good this is? Your career's back, but better. You're not just an actress anymore—you're a businesswoman, a power figure. This is exactly what you needed!"

I peeked at her from under the pillow. "Correction: this is exactly what you needed. You're practically glowing more than the Eiffel Tower."

Her grin widened. "Don't sass me. You love it."

Before I could argue, another notification lit up. Incoming video call. Lila.

"Oh, perfect," I muttered. "The peanut gallery." I swiped to accept, and just like that, my best friend's face popped up, hair in a messy bun, mug of coffee in hand, smirk firmly in place.

"Well, well, well," Lila drawled. "Look at you, trending for being brilliant instead of scandalous. I'm impressed. And mildly disappointed. Where's the chaos?"

"Good morning to you too," I said, rolling my eyes.

Marcella cut in, waving like she was hosting a talk show. "Lila! Isn't she amazing? Our Kaira, all grown up, handling reporters like a queen!"

Lila sipped her coffee. "Uh-huh. Sure. But let's not ignore the elephant in the room. Or should I say... the dragon."

My jaw dropped. "Lila!"

She grinned wickedly. "Oh, come on. You've got Travis Javierres eating out of the palm of your hand, don't think I didn't notice. Did he compliment you last night?"

I froze.

Lila gasped, slamming her mug down. "He did, didn't he! What did he say? 'Good job'? 'Correct'? Or did he level up to, like, a full sentence?"

Marcella clapped her hands, delighted. "Wait, he actually said something nice?"

I buried my face in my hands. "Why do I even talk to you people?"

"Because we're the only ones who tell you the truth," Lila shot back. "Now spill."

I groaned, peeking at them. "Fine. He said... I was perfect."

Both women screamed. Loud.

I winced, holding the phone away from my ear. "God, it's too early for this."