NEW PROJECT

AUBREE'S POV

It's been weeks since Gav and I broke up. The news about our breakup went too fast. The good thing was Gav was cool about it. And like what we have agreed before, we will tell them that I was the one who initiates the breakup. My modeling career is a good reason to make the separation more believable.

Gav was very genuine with his words. After our breakup, he never missed sending me flowers and giving me his time and attention. I never thought that he could be a sweet person, and not to mention his effort for the past weeks. He doesn’t seem like Mr. Korea I knew way back in high school, the happy-go-lucky and very popular with girls.

I couldn't help but smile every time I think about his efforts and the sweet things he has done for me. Courting me helps us in our situation. People believe that we are still together, though now we don’t want to label our relationship.

As they say, action speaks louder than words. No one asked about our breakup anymore. And the person who was happier about Gav’s courting was none other than his mom.

His mom always tells me how much she likes me for her son. I can’t believe that there are still people like her who were not looking at the status and will not easily judge you. How I wish Seb’s mom were like her.

Being with Gav, everything is perfect. Sometimes I’m asking myself, why not giving him a chance? Instead of hoping for someone who's already committed.

***

I have been so busy this past month because of too many projects. Until now, I still can't believe that I will be in this kind of industry. What I mean is, being in front of the camera and spotlight. Before, I am always in the back of the camera, thinking, planning, and executing campaigns and projects. I never expected that I could also use my face to succeed.

I thought that what I need to succeed was my skills, but I was wrong, or maybe modeling was one of my hidden skills.

In just a matter of 3 months, I made a name in the modeling world. Thanks to my very dedicated manager, Mr. Gavin Inarez. Until now, I can’t imagine how he managed me while he was also managing their companies. Yes, companies, because he is handling all their business. Still, he can find time to work with me well and make my name known in this industry.

"Spacing out again, my top model?" Gav said in a teasing mode.

I just rolled my eyes. "Can you please stop that? You are flattering me too much." I said teasingly.

He grins. "So what brings you here? You know, for a very busy person, you have plenty of time to spare.” I said.

He gave me a severe look then he gave me the folder he was holding for a while now.

"What's this?" I frowned while receiving the folder.

"The Castillo traveling agency wants you to be their model for their new campaign." He said.

My eyes widen. "C-Castillo? Meaning-"

Gavin cut me off and already confirmed my question. "Yes. It was Sam’s company. So will you accept it or not?" He asked me earnestly.

I sighed. "Do I have a choice?"

"Of course. You always have a say on this. I won't force you to do things you don’t like. I’m afraid that it will be a reason for you to reject me.” He said.

I wanted to laugh at what he said, but I can't. I felt guilty.

I bit my lips. "Sorry," I whispered.

I saw him smile. "No worries. I won't give you up."

I can’t help but smile at what he just said. It feels so good to hear that from someone.

***

I'm here at Castillo Building. We have a meeting with Castillo’s marketing team regarding the campaign that they will be having.

Gav won't be able to go with me because of his busy schedule. He has many meetings he needs to attend. I don’t have any problem with that. I am well aware of how busy he was. I was more surprised whenever he accompanied me to my meetings than him being absent.

I immediately saw Sam, and she’s nice and beautiful. Seb is lucky to have her. Again my heartache with that thought.

The meeting went well, and because I used to work in an advertising company, I can’t help but give opinions and suggestions on their plan. I was glad that their account executive was not offended by my actions. The reason might be my influence in the advertising industry, and the client likes all my suggestions. They were the ones who got the benefits from all my ideas.

Everyone in the team left already, and it was Sam who was still in the conference room and me. She wants me to stay because she wants to ask something from me. And I think I already know what she wanted to ask.

“Aubree, I don’t want you to think that I am meddling with your life. I want to know why you and Gavin broke up?” She said shyly.

I am not surprised by her question, and I’m pretty used to it.

"Is it because of me?" She asked.

"No," I told her.

I don’t know why I suddenly got nervous with her silence. We are both waiting for anyone to speak.

She sighed aloud. She then closed her eyes. “Is it because of Seb?”

I was surprised by her question.

“You knew about Seb and me?” I asked, a bit shocked.

She nodded. "Y-yes. He told me everything about you."

I wanted to ask her what did Seb told her about me, but I stop myself from asking.

"Aren't you curious about what he said about you and if he still has feelings for you?” She seriously asked.

‘I want to. I want to.’ That is what I want to tell her.

"No. It doesn't matter anymore." I said instead.

I saw her smile. It seems like she likes my answer. Who wouldn't? I know that she loves Seb.

"Then why you two broke up?" She asked me again.

I was about to answer her when someone enters the conference room. My eyes widen, and I suddenly got nervous when I saw who that person was.

No.

Not now.

"Sam." She went and kissed Sam.

She looked in my direction and raised her brow. I got so nervous, and I can’t think of anything; that is why I chose to lower my head.

"So it's true you chose her for your new campaign.” She said while smiling at Sam.

Sam smiled at her. “Yes, Auntie. She’s perfect for the campaign. And she did great with the creative team earlier."

"Really?" She said in a sarcastic tone.

She then faced me.

I swallowed hard. "I heard that you and Gavin Inarez are together." She said with a tone of accusation.

"Y-yes. But we already b-broke up." I said, a bit trembling.

I saw her wicked smile. "Why? He's a big fish. Is it because of my son again? Gavin is richer than my son. If I were you, I would never break up with him.”

I feel embarrassed with what she said to me. I wanted to defend myself, but no words seem to come out of my mouth.

"Auntie, stop insulting her!" Sam softly said but in a warning tone.

I can see that she feel sorry for me, and that made me feel more embarrassed.

"Oh, sorry, Sam. I can't help it. I want to warn her. I don’t want her to cause trouble. I always like you for my son.” She said.

My heart was crushed and even more devastated by what I heard from Seb's mommy. Her words for Sam were words I always wanted to hear from her.

"Auntie, she will never do that. Can you wait for me in the office?" Sam asked of her.

"Okay. I will wait for you there.” She said, then she looks at me again before she left.

When she left, Sam immediately asked forgiveness for what Seb’s mom did. My tears couldn't hold it anymore.

"You want to know the reason why I broke up with Gavin? Because I need to succeed to be able to be with the one I love. I need to proved myself to gain the approval of the people around me. I need to prove to them that my love for him is sincere, and I am not with him because of money.”

“I am so tired of people belittling me. I don’t want it anymore. I will be on top, and I will be with the man I love.” I said with full of conviction, and then I left.

I no longer think of how Sam will interpret the things I said. Whether Gav is still the one she thinks I love or Seb. I don't care anymore. Just at that moment, I knew I had exploded. That whatever I restrain, I can no longer deny.