CHAPTER 3

In the other side of the city, Mia sat in front of the vanity mirror. Her long legs crossed and her hands resting on her lap. She watches as her makeup artist delicately applies foundation to her flawless skin, all while chatting away about the latest fashion trends and runway shows.

It is all part of her job as a model, to sit still and let others work on her appearance. But today, her mind is elsewhere.

Days ago, she had received a phone call from her friend's personal assistant, informing her that Julian is dead. It became a blow that shocked her to her core as she had known Julian.

He was like a brother to her as well, and she couldn't imagine the pain that carmilla was going through 

Mia let out a heavy sigh, causing the makeup artist to pause her work.

“ Is something wrong, mia”? She asked, her tone professional.

Mia shook her head, not wanting to burden anyone with her problems.

“ Let's just finish this makeup”. Mia ordered.

The makeup artist nods as she continues her work. Just then, the door to the dressing room burst open, and in came her manager, Kate. Her heels clicking against the floor.

“ Mia, we need to talk. The photos from the last shoot were not up to par, and we can't afford anymore mistakes”. She instructed.

Mia let out a frustrated groan. She knows that the shoot is important for her career, and she wanted to do her best, but she just couldn't find the motivation this moment.

“ I'm sorry Kate. I'll try harder, I promise”.

Kate expression softened as she notices the bags under Mia's eyes.

“ Is everything okay? You look exhausted”.

“ Don't tell me it's because of Julian, I already promised you to pull some strings for your travel. Why are you still disturbed about that”.

“ I'm just a little bit tired, that's all”. Mia responded.

Kate didn't buy it. She places her hands on Mia's shoulder and said

“ Look I know what loosing a friend means, but that doesn't mean you're going to ruin what in front of you now”.

“ We have a right schedule, and I need you to get these photos done. Can you do that for me?.

Mia nods, grateful for Kate's understanding. She took a deep breath and tried to push all her emotions aside. The rest of the photoshoot went by in a blur. Mia poses and smiles, transforming into different characters with click of the camera.

As the shoot came to an end, Kate pulled her aside.

“ I have some news for you”. Kate said smiling.

“ You can go visit your friend that stole your mind away from work. But make sure you return early, maybe after a month”.

“ A month!”. Mia replied with her voice raised 

“ A month is all I need”.

******

Carmilla stood at the edge of the gravesite, her hands clasped tightly together as she watches her brother's casket being lowered into the ground. The sun beat down on her, but she barely felts it. 

Her mind was being consumed by grief. As she scans the crowd of mourners, she notices her mom in the midst of her friends being consoled. 

Her eyes then landed on a group of people who stood out from the rest.

“ Who are these people?’. She questions but to herself and she stares at them from head to toe.

They were dressed in expensive designer clothes, with their faces stoic and composed.

Her father who notices her glaring at Harrington's, approaches her to were she is standing.

“ They are the Harrington's. They are also family”. He said, as if he could read her mind.

Carmilla in confusion faces her dad with her brows lifted.

“ Family?, Dad….. are they other family members that I don't know off?”. She asked lowering her voice.

He chuckles.

“ Come let me introduce you to them”. He replied.

He then guides her to where the Harrington's were standing. Carmilla felt uneasy approaching them, but the closer she got , she realizes that she had known them.

“ This is my eldest daughter, carmilla”.

“ Carmilla meet the Harrington's. They are very influential in the country. They are also part of this family”. He said, with a smile.

Carmilla stood wondering why her father kept saying the word family. With a smile on her face she faces the family.

“ It my pleasure to meet you, Harrington's. Like my dad has said, I'm carmilla by name”.

The Harrington's, especially Mr. Arthur and Mrs. Margaret wore a surprise on their faces. They weren't expecting her to be a beautiful young lady.

“ It nice to meet you too carmilla. I know we haven't met, but with time we will get to know each other as family”. Mrs.Margaret replied.

“ our condolences to the Hunt family. We are sorry about your loss”. Mr.Arthur added, with his right hand placed on Mr.Hunt shoulder.

“ Thank you Arthur. And to your family for coming to mourn with us”.

Mr.Hunt replied.

“ My wife is not able to meet you right now, although she is in the mansion with her friends being consoled”. He added.

“ She should be given space. It a very difficult situation for her, I didn't know she could control herself this Way”. Mrs.Margaret responded, as if she she was expecting something dramatic to take place.

As the family kept discussing, carmilla felt the urge to excuse herself. Luckily for her the Harrington's were already taking their leave.

“ Thank you for giving us the chance to hold the reception at our place. We will wait for you and your family's presence. See you then”. 

Mr. Arthur said as he exchanges a handshake with Mr. Hunt. Carmilla watching how they drove away, approaches her dad.

“ Pa, why will the Harrington's want to hold Julian's burial reception at their place. From what I know, it should be the family doing this rite”. She questions her dad.

Still waiting for her father's response, Mr. Hunt looks at her desperate face waiting for answers. He knows better than anyone that she deserves to know what is going on in her family.

“ Like I said before, they are the Harrington's. The family your brother was supposed to marry into”.