Chapter 3. Damage

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…” His brows were arched, as if knowing that I was just kidding. He’s wrong, I am not.

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.