Chapter 2 Last of The Dawnstar

A whirlwind of social media activity erupted over an unexpected subject. The frenzy began when an girl group fan casually uploaded a photo of a girl with stunning beauty and an undeniable aura. Her oval face was framed by long jet-black hair pulled into a loose, low ponytail with a few delicate wisps escaped, softening her features and brushing gently against her cheeks. Her almond-shaped eyes, reminiscent of a cat's, held a calm yet magnetic depth. Perfectly arched brows framed them, adding a touch of definition to her serene expression. Her nose was petite and delicately shaped, complementing the gentle symmetry of her face. Full lips, naturally rosy, formed a soft cupid's bow, accentuating her charm.

Her skin, smooth and luminous, contrasted beautifully with the deep black of her lace top-intricate patterns clinging to her arms like shadows dancing on porcelain. The high-waisted denim, cinched with a designer belt, added a rebellious contrast to the elegance of her top. A silk scarf, loosely knotted at her waist, fluttered slightly as she walked, an unspoken nod to her effortless styl, seemingly untouched by the world's harshness, exuding a radiance that felt almost otherworldly.

The photo taken at the same place where a famous member of a girlgroup showed up, was posted with a simple question.

"WHO IS SHE? she is so fineeee!"

Within hours, the truth was revealed: she was neither an idol nor an actress. It was Ríona Eiran Dawnstar, the only heir of the mega-group Dawnstar, a leading property developer who apparently owns half the city. The revelation sparked a storm of admiration, jealousy, and gossip. Some admired her elegance, comparing her to royalty. Others whispered about her privileged life, making up stories about her wealthy life as the only grandchild of the Dawnstar dynasty.

Yet admiration soon gave way to something more somber-pity. For beneath the glittering façade of fortune lay an undeniable truth: she might be the last of the Dawnstar. The realization struck with the weight of a tragedy long buried but never forgotten. The world still remembered the day the news broke-how the airplane carrying the Dawnstar family had plummeted from the sky, turning their legacy into wreckage scattered across the earth. Her parents, her grandfather-wiped from existence in an instant.

Ríona and her grandmother were the only survivors. A dynasty reduced to two. And no amount of wealth could shield her from the loneliness of being the last.

Oblivious to the digital storm, Ríona crouched in front of a plump tabby cat at a local cat cafe, gently scratching its chin. The cat purred contentedly as Ríona smiled, ignoring the cryptic glances from the other customers who recognized him. The faint click of cameras in the background-he was used to it by now, though it never stopped being annoying.

The spell was broken as the door to the cafe opened, and the driver approached cautiously.

"Miss Chloe is calling," he said, handing her the phone.

Ríona exhaled slowly, already predicting the storm on the other end of the line.

She stood up, pressing the phone to her ear. "Yes?" As expected, Chloe's sharp voice cut through the speaker like a blade. "Lady, where are you now?"

"Don't call me that." Ríona glanced down at the lazy cat sprawled at her feet, absentmindedly nudging it with her toe. "A cat cafe," she mused, her tone as light as a feather, earning a sharp sigh from the other end of the line.

A sharp sigh crackled through the line. "Where are you now?"

"Why?" Ríona asked, her voice the picture of innocence.

"Because it's all over the news."

Ríona chuckled, completely unbothered. "Not my fault."

"Why don't you just come home, Ríona? your class is over two hours ago,"

Ríona smiled to herself. "What if i don't want to?"

"Mr. Édienne-"

Before Chloe could finish, Ríona ended the call with a satisfied hum. She giggled, handing the phone back to her driver.

"Let's go home."

On the way to meet Rami, the driver hesitated before breaking the silence. "Miss Ríona, did you know that you're trending on social media? Everyone's talking about you, they think you're part of idol group."

"Really?" Ríona leaned back, staring out the window.

"I should be a popstar. Life would be so much more fun."

The driver chuckled, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. "You'll outshine them all, Miss. You're far more beautiful than any celebrity ever will."

Ríona grinned, his tone turning playful. "Of course. They'll be my opening act." The two laughed together, and for a moment, the weight of expectation that had accompanied her name seemed to lift.

Her phone buzzed against the nightstand, its vibration slicing through the heavy silence. She glanced at the screen, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face-then a sinking feeling settled in her chest. Of course, it had to be her.

"Mr. Ko," Ríona called out, a sudden idea sparking in her mind.

"Yes, Lady?"

"Before we head home, can you take me somewhere else?"

The old driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "Where to, Lady Ríona?"

"My friend's place," she said, a small, knowing smile curving her lips. "You know, Brielle."

Mr. Ko hesitated, his expression clouded with concern. "But Miss Chloe instructed me to take you straight home."

Ríona sighed, leaning forward slightly, her voice dipping into something almost conspiratorial. "Come on. If I go home now, who knows when I'll get another chance to go out again?" She clasped her hands together in a playful plea. "Just tell them I'm heading to the library. Please?"

She knew there would be consequences. But consequences could wait.