Manager Smith had been looking at me, taping at his foot as he pointed his eyeglasses at me.
“So?”
I looked at him innocently, “What?”
He breathed, “Ellaina! Go prepare for that party!”
I averted my eyes to the ground, not listening to him, “I have a shoot.”
It's a good thing I can get along well with Manager Smith because this is the nicest he can be and he can only be like that around me.
“You don’t have a shoot scheduled. I rescheduled it.” He said, “And I covered up the rumors about yesterday. The least you can do is pay me back by attending that party.”
He said, grabbing a fitted backless dress from my closet, “And Ellaina? Rock that party.”
Give it to Manager Smith for being both her mom and her best friend. He’s too serious for his job but also protective as her best friend.
Staring at him for a long time, I sighed, “Alright. I’ll show up but just for you.”
His serious face instantly turned into a grin as he brightened up, “You can flirt with him.”
I stuck my tongue out, “Don’t wanna.”
“C’mon. This will be good for the media.”
Media. Tsk. Media again.
As soon as Manager Smith left, I went to change my clothes and put on the dress, wearing my makeup and red lipstick. I sprayed my Chanel perfume on and did my hair curly before leaving to use my car.
The ride to the Diners was just half an hour away due to the traffic but as soon as I got there, I could see high-profile celebrities with their dates.
There was a man waiting at the entrance and greeting the guests and my feet froze at the spot, wanting to leave at that moment.
Was this even a good idea?
I instantly turned around and was about to leave when the man acknowledge me, “Ms. Ramirez. This way please.”
I bit my lip and mustered courage as I saw eyes on me everywhere.
I mean I am used to the stares I get due to fascination, but I don’t even want to go to this party despite having many in my career.
The man guided me to a secret room where I was asked to wait and minutes later, a fully dressed up Ajax came.
I paused, can’t help but take in his appearance.
He looked rather..dashing…I admit.
It was the first time I felt like my breath was hitching and my heart beating quickening but I shook my thoughts away to hide it.
“Hello, you came.” He said, his grin spread on his face. He looked at me up and down and gulped.
He looked like he was in a trance until I snapped my fingers at him, “Sorry, you were saying? I just can’t help it cause you look beautiful, Ellaina.”
Tsk. His words are sugarcoated. Well, I already know that.
I nodded, “Yes because you invited me.”
He chuckled, “And you go? Alone?”
“Yes. Is there a problem? Should I just leave-“
I instantly stood up but he quickly and softly my arm, “No, Stay. Please.”
I stared at the panic in his eyes, he must have really believed I’ll leave, “Alright.”
He then offered his hand, “My date is beautiful tonight.”
I stopped, “Date? You didn’t inform me.”
“Did I? I put it in your invitation. You must have missed it.” He said and guided me outside where soft music was playing in the background and clapping from everyone.
“Let’s give it up for Ajax Gideon Sillas!”
He was introduced to the stage and I decided to stay in the crowd.
“Everyone, thank you for coming.” He said, interlocking my eyes, “Especially to my favorite special someone.”
Everybody stared at me and I widened my eyes to him. I don’t want to stand out now.
He then continued his speech and then went back to me.
“How did I do? Was I good there?”
“No,” I said.
“Oh please…” We ate and when we finished, the loud song from the DJ played and everyone was dancing on the dancefloor.
He then left me to chat with others.
I sighed, now that I’m left alone, I have no one to talk to. Everyone was familiar and some other models I’ve worked with were here. Aside from the random smiles and occasional smiles they offer, I am not close to them.
I separate my personal life from my work. It’s like Manager Smith is the only friend I have.
I went to the bathroom to hear some other celebrities' gossip.
“Ajax really brought her. It should have been me.”
“No, you delusional! Ellaina is the top model, of course, we don’t have a chance with the Ajax.” Her friend added.
“She’s not even that pretty. For sure, she has a sugar daddy or some powerful elite behind her.”
“Oh goodness, didn’t she marry the rich Mr. Wilson just to recover her bankrupt family? After using him, she’s dumping him and going to some other successful man now.”
I gritted my teeth.
This is the reason why I don’t make friends with the other celebs.
Jealousy and backstabbing.
They would pull down anyone they hate and get jealous of.
They would hate the successful one and makeup stories. I’m not even surprised that half of my rumors are from them.
And backstabbing is okay for me, but having to hear how my hard work was criticized like that.
I instantly flushed the toilet and got out to surprise them. And the look on their faces priceless.
They cleared their throat, “Oh hey, didn’t know you were there Ellaina.”
I fake smiled at them and put my lipstick on as I stared at the mirror.
“I think you need a lot of hard work and maybe stop backstabbing someone for you to become successful.” I said, showing my shiny keychain, “Right ladies?”
They trembled, “R-right.”
I instantly returned to the room and grabbed my bag. Since I finished showing up, I’ll leave now. What else do I have to stay here?
I could see Alexis returning to me, “Are you leaving already?”
“Yes. I’m finished.”
He pouted, “But... I invited you to cheer you up and make up for the damage I caused, but you look like you’re not enjoying it.”
I rolled my eyes, “Yes, I’m not enjoying it. I have a shoot early tomorrow.”
He nodded, “I understand. I apologize if I ever did anything bad to you. Enjoy your night, stay safe.”
I nodded, feeling a bit off how he didn’t even ask me to stay.
“Oh, Ellaina? I forgot to tell you. We’ll be seeing each other more soon.”
I gasped. No. This man. Really, he must have planned something behind my back. I have to ask my manager about this.
“Okay, nice! You are doing great, sweetie. You are on fire today!” said my photographer, Liam, as I posed for him. I added more emotion and perfected my poses all these years. Of course, I would do great. Plus I have to make it up for the past few hectic days. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my job, and I’m taking it seriously. We were shooting on one of the famous beaches in the province that we rented. I’m in my fifth bikini now, and I lay on the sand, showing my signature fierce look. “Okay, take a rest,” said Manager Smith as he offered a water bottle to me, “Ellaina dear, I want to tell you something. You see, this is a sponsored magazine cover. You will have a partner in the car shoot.” I nodded, “Who?” Manager Smith wasn’t able to finish as a loud roaring of an engine came from the sea, and I turned to see a man jetskiing. The man stopped and hopped into the sand. I froze when I saw his face. Ajax. Him again. He removed his sunglasses and asked me, “Hi Ellaina,
Ajax held out his hand for me, “Then, now that you agreed, let me have your number.”I paused, “Huh? You can ask for that from my manager.”Ajax glanced at Manager Smith and chuckled, “Yes, I know. But it would be rude of me to just ask him. I want to personally ask you so you’ll be informed.”Wow, rude? He’s only thought of being considerate now when he just got in her life like a tornado? I just shrugged, “Alright.”I then typed in his phone number, and he had a lopsided grin on his face.“Then I’ll call you later.” He winked, waving goodbye.I could feel someone looking at me and I looked at Manager Smith who was smirking at me now.I raised my eyebrows, and he came closer to me.“I can see that smile. Have you seen your photos together? You look cute.” I blinked. Give it to Manager Smith for being the most random manager. He’s now shipping me with anyone.“I gotta go now. I’ll go home now.” He nodded and I went to grab my belongings, and my model shoot bag before walking to the
Good morning. What a great day today is. I woke up with the sun rising, and I couldn't help but think of you. P.S. You remind me of the daisy flowers blooming in a sunrise. Your sun I blinked, seeing the message notification on my phone as early as the morning. I reread it, knowing damn well who it was without seeing the number. Who else would dare to text me something as cliche as this? No one. No one but Ajax. I do not know him well enough, but based on his approaches to me, he would say this. I do not know him well enough, but based on his approaches to me, he would say this. I didn't bother to reply. I prepared for my day, took a shower, and prepared my favorite avocado bread toast and my morning milkshake. Have to stay healthy to maintain my body after all. What does a girl have to do to keep her job and not become jobless? I grabbed my earphones and listened to my favorite playlist with my workout pairs, water bottle, and a bag filled with a change of clothes.
And a tall foreigner-looking man, about 6’2 inch walked toward us. Ajax was taller, but the loud man approached us. He had brown hair and brown eyes and his tanned skin was glowing. He had a fit and muscular body, almost the same stature as Ajax. "Ajax! Man, Why are you here? It’s the first time I've seen you working out in here!” He chuckled. Ajax’s mood suddenly changed and his face formed into a scowl, "You know, Phoenix; you need to shut your mouth sometimes.” "That’s harsh. You were not answering our calls when we invited you to hang out. You didn’t even tell us you were going here in the Philippines, man.” “Right Eion?” The man called Phoenix asked and another man appeared with an expressionless face. He had raven hair and dark green eyes and was taller than the man named Phoenix. The man named Eion nodded. Another one appeared and greeted Ajax, “Ajax, you’re here? You didn’t tell us, man!” The three men suddenly swarmed in, blaming Ajax for ghosting them and I stood b
“You don’t have to do that,” I said. “And since I promised to be your tour guide, then just…wait for me by your car.” He scowled at that, “You don’t want to appear in public with me?” I just crossed my arms in front of me, “People assume things. I am sure that you know how it works in the entertainment industry.” “Alright. I’ll Keep that in mind.” He said, feeling sorry. “I didn’t mean to ruin your career. I know how much you're worked hard for it…But let me at least take you out for lunch.” He offered and as much as I wanted to refuse, he was giving me a sad look, his eyes were puppy eyes and his lips were pouting. I rolled my eyes, “Fine.” I ended up saying yes to him as his smile grew larger. “Just one lunch out okay? I can’t risk getting seen by the public with a male ever again.” He nodded, “Yes, I won’t ask again.” Ajax the offered to carry my gym bag and guided me to the parking lot where his gray sub, a latest edition was parked. A few men in suits were in the
Leah glanced at me and she nodded excitedly, happy that she get to have a conversation with him, “Uhm…yes..” Ajax’s jaw clenched at that, “I know you are not close with her so don’t push yourself. I’m warning you.” I blinked at that, my eyes instanlty snapping to Ajax who was dead serious. Leah on the other hand seemed too shocked to even react. It took her a few seconds to process it before clearing her throat, “Uhm..excuse me?” Ajax raised his eyebrows, “Yes?” She gulped, “You’re rude. I am just trying to-” “You’re wasting every second I get to have a date with Ellaina.” Ajax said firmly, his tone saying he does not really want to tolerate Leah any further. “Don’t bother finishing your sentence. Leave.” And watching Ajax defend me like that made my heart skip a beat. No, wait a minute…no….just no, Ellaina. You are just getting yourself in trouble. Leah, who was too stunned to reply now, glanced at me as if asking for my help. I shrugged, “You heard him. Leave us alone.”
I wasn’t even finished saying that as he was quick to maneuver the car. He was humming a tune happily. “No, no, I won’t let you change your mind! Let’s go now!” He exclaimed and I chuckled at his enthusiasm. Silence soon followed but I could feel his stares at me. “So? Where are you taking me?” He asked after a while of driving in silence. I just shrugged, “Just somewhere.” He nodded, “I see you like keeping it a secret. That makes me more excited.” I raised my eyebrows, suddenly having an idea in my head. Oh no, Ellaina, your mischievousness is kicking in… “Just turn right in that alley.” I pointed and he did as I ordered him to. I could see that we finally lost the media and we were going to the place I was familiar with... This was where we used to live when we were still not having enough. This is where
As we walked, I looked around. I’m not lying but I’ve been here last year since my schedule was packed. It’s nice to see that the town has improved a lot. Well, other than the few unsafe spots…of course crimes are still happening but it's not that prevalent compared to the past. I spotted a street food stall selling chicken intestines, chicken feet, takoyaki, fried banana, egg waffles, and balut which is a duck egg. There was also some refreshing juice like coconut, pandan, mango, and avocado. I gulped, suddenly craving all of the food. “You want to eat there? Let’s go.” Ajax grabbed my hand as he guided me there. It was a bit packed as there was a lot of buying and I managed to squeeze in. It’s thanks to my height that I was able to insert myself into the crowd. “Miss? Can I buy some chicken feet and…” my voice seemed to drown