1: Scandals and Spotlight.

Chapter 1

The studio lights danced across Mia Martinez's flawless features, illuminating her captivating presence. Mia Martinez, a singer, model, and a devoted mother, embodies the essence of a stunning international model.

At 34, she radiated youthful vitality, exuding confidence. Her petite yet athletic frame stands at 5'8”, with measurements that rival the industry's highest standards.

Her captivating presence, both on and off stage, has cemented her status as an international superstar, admired and adored by fans worldwide.

Her raven hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, framing her heart-shaped face and striking hazel eyes.

"Alright, let's get this shoot done! The release date is closing in!" Mia's best friend and personal assistant, Susan Miller, directed the crew with precision.

As Mia greeted Susan, their warm smiles reflected a deep-seated friendship. Susan's exceptional organizational skills have been instrumental in Mia's comeback.

Mia's gaze drifted to the ring light mirror, and she felt a surge of pride. Despite her recently crashed marriage, she had bounced back after a year's break, prioritizing her music and daughter's emotional needs. But now she was back and ready to take on the world. And here she was on the set of the photo session for her newest musical album.

The camera clicked, capturing Mia's elegance and sensuality. Her olive-toned complexion glowed with a radiant sheen, accentuating her toned physique. A delicate tattoo of a musical note adorned her left ankle, symbolizing her passion.

Mia exudes confidence and sophistication, moving with the grace of a seasoned catwalk veteran. Her fashion sense is impeccable, often opting for elegant, high-end designs that accentuate her toned physique. Whether dressed up or down, she commands attention, her charisma and beauty mesmerizing all who lay eyes on her.

Mia's physical features were outstanding. Her heart-shaped face is framed by luscious, dark brown hair that cascades down her back in soft, effortless waves. Her hair's subtle layers accentuate her striking features, drawing attention to her bright, expressive hazel eyes. These eyes sparkle like polished gemstones, shining with warmth and intelligence.

Mia's flawless olive-toned complexion glows with a radiant, sun-kissed sheen, a testament to her Latin American heritage. Her full lips, painted with a subtle smile, curve invitingly, framing perfectly aligned teeth.

A small, delicate tattoo of a musical note adorns her left ankle, symbolizing her passion for music. A subtle nose ring adds an edgy touch to her otherwise polished appearance.

Mia's multifaceted personality shines brighter than her dazzling physical appearance. Her strength, resilience, and captivating beauty make her a true icon in the entertainment industry, which is why her fans adored her. Susan too.

As the shoot progressed, Susan's phone rang. Her facial expression gradually changed from clueless to excitement as she listened attentively to the person at the other end of the phone, interjecting where necessary. As soon as the call ended, she shrieked happily, drawing the attention of everyone present in the studio, including Mia.

"Mia, guess what?!" Susan exclaimed, barely containing her enthusiasm.

Mia rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Spit it out, Suzy! You know I'm terrible at guessing."

Susan spilled the news: Mia was headlining the Super World Football Championship opening ceremony. The most coveted event of the century. The studio erupted in cheers and applause.

Mia had been trying for years to get the role but failed. Even after she got married to a famous jazz singer, Lucas Smith she tried to use his influence but still didn't get it. Now she was finally fulfilling her dreams. Without him.

Tears of joy welled up in Mia's eyes. She was happy that things were finally looking up for her after all she'd been through.

"Thanks, Suzy. I wouldn't have done this without you."

Turning to her crew member in the room she spoke. “...and thanks to all of you. You've all worked really hard to get me here. Thank you. This one's for us. Cheers!”

The large studio erupted in loud, happy cheers for more time, and Mia couldn't help the joy that radiated through her.

As they wrapped up the shoot, Susan's troubled expression caught Mia's attention.

"What's wrong, Suzy?" Mia asked, concern etched on her face.

Susan hesitated, but Mia snatched her phone, revealing a sex tape of Lucas, her estranged husband, and a popular I*******m model.

Mia's composure remained intact. "It's okay, Suzy. He doesn't bother me anymore. I'm glad I got him to stay away from Sofia."

With newfound determination, Mia accompanied Susan to pick up Sofia from school. The little girl's bright smile lit up the afternoon as she saw her mom.

"Mummy!" Sofia sprinted towards her as soon as she arrived at the school premises. Her little legs moved quickly, and Mia couldn't help but laugh. She scooped her up in a tight hug, twirling her around in circles as she giggled uncontrollably.

“Hi, Angel”. She greeted, kissing her face.

"Seems mummy missed me, hmm...what should I do about that?" Sofia teased, breaking free from the hug and striking a pose. Mia chuckled, ruffling her smooth brown hair, and pulled her back in for more kisses.

"Stop, mummy, stop! You're ruining my hair!" Sofia protested, her eyes sparkling with mirth. Mia grinned, releasing her from the bear hug.

“Hi, Aunt Susan. You're working with Mom today again?”. Sofia asked as soon as Susan crouched down to greet her too.

“Yes. Baby”. Susan replied.

“But you promised to take the day off. I want to go see a movie. I asked Dad but he wouldn't take me…”

As they drove away, Sofia mentioned Lucas's surprise visit to her school. Mia's alarm turned to anger.

“You saw your dad? Where?” Mia asked and Sofia nodded as she explained further.

"I'm getting a restraining order against him," Mia declared, her eyes blazing.

Susan's concern was palpable. "Wait, Mia. Think this through."

Mia's resolve hardened. She knew what this was about. "For Sofia, I'll go to hell and back if required."

As she dropped Sofia off with Susan, Mia's thoughts turned to confrontation. She approached the house she'd dreaded for three years, her heart racing.

The door loomed before her, a symbol of past turmoil. Mia steeled herself, her hand reaching for the doorbell.

"Lucas, we need to talk."

The door swung open, revealing Lucas's smug smile. He looked all sweaty and had a stick of cigarette dancing carelessly as he puffed.

"Mia, darling. What brings you here?" He slurred.

Mia's eyes narrowed, her voice icy. "You know exactly why I'm here, Lucas." She squinted her nose slightly as he puffed at the cigar. Lucas reeked of alcohol and something else she was more than familiar with in the past. He was still doing drugs. She thought to herself.

Pushing past him, she walked into the house despite his protests, to meet a most disturbing scene. There was a young, blonde-haired woman lying naked on his couch. The table was littered with whitish substances and loads of empty alcohol bottles.

The young woman seemed unbothered that someone else had walked in. She continued sniffing the whitish substance from the table.

Lucas hurried to her side, kissing her on the forehead. “Darling, could you give us the room for a bit?” He pleaded. The lady took one glance at Mia, barely registering her before she nodded and walked out of the room, dragging the multicolored bed sheets wrapped around her slender figure with her.

Mia sighed in disgust, “Lucas, you're still doing this? I thought you said you were clean now?” Mia half yelled.

Lucas chuckled carelessly, “Come on, Mia. I was just bored. Besides, we used to do this together.” He laughed mockingly as he stretched a half-lit cigarette towards Mia.

“Here”.

Mia angrily swatted at his hand, causing the cigarette to fall out of his grip. Lucas laughed loudly, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Alright. Okay. I'm sorry. I know you're clean now”.

He got up and picked up the fallen cigarette which was already burning into the plush brown rug carpet. Mia couldn't bear to remain in there for a second so she went straight to the point.

“Why were you at Sofia’s school today? I thought we agreed that you'd stay away from me and my daughter?”.

“Hey. Relax! She's my daughter too.” Lucas fired back but Mia was having none of it.

“Not if you've lost every right to be her father. You're not.” She spat.

That seemed to turn his attention from the lit cigarette dangling between his fingers to Mia. “We both know how that happened. And you also know we had a deal. I decided to keep my mouth shut about your drug problem, help you get full custody of our daughter, and in turn,, you'll pay. I've kept my own end of the deal. The question here is, why haven't you?” Lucas spoke in hushed tones. His voice, low and dangerous, sent chills down Mia's spine.

She shivered slightly at his words. Knowing what he meant and what he was capable of, she decided not to let it show.

“Lucas, I've only missed out on our agreement last month. And you know why. My mum needed the money…” Mia began explaining, trying her best to sound calm but Lucas rudely cut her off.

“I couldn't care less about your mother. She never liked me anyways. I just want my money, otherwise I'll open my mouth. And then we'll see if your mother can help you keep Sofia”. He finished, his tone cold and dangerous as he resumed puffing at his cigarette.

Mia stood there confused wondering what she'd seen in this man in the first instance to make her fall in love and marry him. She was in this mess because of her poor taste in men.

Deciding it was no use arguing with him, she rummaged through her bag, pulling out a brown envelope, she dropped it on the table.

Lucas picked up the envelope, smiling cheekily as he checked the contents. “See. I knew you had my money. You're just toying with me”. He said, laughing mockingly.

“Remember, I've got hard evidence. Lots of them could ruin you and take Sofia from you, so I advise you to cooperate nicely like the good girl you are. Never play this kind of game with me again. Ever! Understood?” He asked, his tone growing serious.

Mia nodded feeling her fear creep into her veins as she hurried out towards the door, reaching for the handle when his voice stopped her again. “I'll see you next month.”

She turned around, staring at him with disgust and anger coursed through her veins as she walked out slamming the door shut behind her, locking out the sound of his mocking laughter.