Chapter-9
A tense silence fell over us while my mind tried to process what I just heard. It had been months since I have heard someone call me by my full name.
I flinched when he called me that name again. I put as much distance as possible. I didn't hear him talk past the ringing in my ear. I held out my hand when he moved in my direction. I needed to think. To calm down.
I half expected him to walk towards me and force me to answer. I couldn't escape if he tried. A horrified expression passed over him as if he had read my mind. I buried my face in my hands and cornered myself against the wall. A small sound left my mouth when the impact almost knocked me down.
"Alayna," he said gently, trying to get my attention.
"Don't you remember me?" he asked. This voice. Of course, I remembered him. I had hoped I was wrong.
2 years ago:
The huge doors opened just as the clock struck 6. It was a beautiful evening and the first guests had just begun to arrive. I forwarded the guest list to one of the maids while my personal stylist did my hair.
Nathalie Sparks was a famous fashion designer/stylist and one of my mother's closest friends. She was more like a business companion. People with money stayed closer in my parent's line of business.
"You should try going blonde" she commented as her assistant helped her in doing my hair. My mom had bought a silvery satin dress that reached my ankle, with a knee slit- one of the brands she wanted me to model for.
"I paid for a photographer" she had said. Though I had told her a million times that I wasn't interested in her glamorous world, she just doesn't give up.
I resisted the urge to sigh. The hectic schedule of trying to keeping up with my studies while working on writing a new book for the winter's competition was getting to me. There was an ulterior motive behind this party... to show me off to my potential prospects in the modeling industry.
My mom had gone all out and invited some big names. Names I was sure others were vying for.
I was no fool. I had always blended in the background during these parties, but this year, I had prepared everything for the party. The urge to open up my notebook to outline a story amplified as time passed.
I didn't like all the attention I had on me. The hours seemed to blend together while I put on the mask of being the perfect daughter. Nathalie complimented me about something...my hair? I thanked graciously like I was taught to. I was barely aware of anything past the ringing of my ear and the sinking feeling of losing the chance to pursue my passion.
Finally, the most dreaded moment was about to commence. I eyed my room, wishing I could lock myself in it. I was led down to the huge living room that was decorated with lights, a couple of huge chandeliers, and a majestic red carpet to welcome the guest.
The huge double intricately designed door was open. The guests were pouring in, more than usual. I smiled and welcomed everyone, trying to put on a happy face. It was tiring me out.
And for the nth time, I couldn't help but think I wasn't meant for this glamorous lifestyle. I have been bullied by people, been called ungrateful and spoiled but little do they know about what happens behind closed doors.
I would give anything for a normal life with loving parents who didn't try to latch on to people with money and connections.
A couple more apparently "single" men approached me. They eyed me like I was fresh meat, talking among themselves if I'd be beneficial. They talked about a few terms which my mom educated me on though I doubted any of them paid attention.
The entire experience had me uncomfortable in my own skin. I had some of my "friends" glaring at me. I rubbed my temple, trying to escape this party.
"The lady of the hour seems to be in trouble," an amused voice remarked behind me. I turned back to look at the light blue-haired man.
The man had a mischievous grin on his face while I stared at him. He looked...handsome. There was no other word to describe it. He looked close to my age, unlike the other men who had approached me. His striking blue eyes scrutinized me.
"You might be right" I muttered. He seemed normal compared to the other extravagantly dressed ones. He had a faded blue button-up and casual white pants. Having most of the guest names memorized I wondered if he was someone from that list.
"I'm the photographer," he said as if reading my mind. Oh, it's Nathalie's photographer. The one she usually had to book an appointment with.
"Alayna Swelyn" I shook his hands. That was when I noticed a camera in his other hand. Many guests seemed to know him too. Maybe, Nathalie wasn't the only one who was booking appointments for this specific photographer.
"Shall we?" he held out his hands. I didn't take it. He shrugged, leading me into one of the "photography" rooms. These rooms were exact replicas of parts of the living room specially designed for taking professional photos to post on social media.
It was deserted at the moment except for the light setup crew that was blended within the room. The photographer turned on his camera and did a little setup before he gestured me to come closer.
I stood at the spot he pointed me to. He fiddled some more with his camera before looking up at me. I smiled like I had been trained to, hoping to get this over with as soon as possible. He frowned but took a picture but his frown returned.
"Is there something wrong?" I asked, some of my exasperation slipping out.
"Yes, why don't you smile?" he suggested sounding annoyed. He sighed, rubbing his hands on his face.
"Stop," I said when he paced towards me. He rolled his eyes and walked closer.
"When you're in front of my camera, better put out a real smile," he commanded, correcting my posture.
"That was a real smile" I lied stubbornly. He sighed and muttered something under his breath that sounded like a curse.
"How do smile when you look at your loved ones? Your parents, perhaps?" he asked.
"I don't smile" I replied solemnly, looking away. His hands grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at the ever-changing shades of blue in his eyes. I swallowed, my chin tingling from his touch.
"When you think of loving someone, how do you smile?" he asked. I remembered smiling at a couple at a party that was held a couple of years ago. They were chosen to attend because they had given their name for the lucky draw.
The lucky draw had been my idea- one my mom didn't like. It was the only time my dad let me do something.
"Hold that smile" he whispered, though I was pretty distracted. He let me do a couple more poses before turning off the light. A couple more people had occupied some spots.
I glanced at the photographer, contemplating if I should ask his name. He looked at me in question.
"Did the photos come out well?" I asked in curiosity. He smiled knowingly as if he read my mind. Nevertheless, I wasn't going to indulge and ask his name.
"It did" he replied. When he turned around I panicked. It had been so long that I have had any genuine interaction with anybody. I didn't want him to leave yet. I had only one way of making him stay without tipping him off.
"Would you like to take more pictures?" I blurted out so fast. My cheeks were burning.
"Name is Jin, babe" he replied, holding out his hand. My cheeks flushed even deeper upon hearing the endearment. I shook his hands, my skin bustling with awareness and nerves. His huge hands engulfed my hands.
"Alayna," I said, my voice sounding too excited. Get a grip, I chided myself.
Jin grinned mischievously. It was then I knew my life was taking a turn, for the better. For the first time in my life, I was excited. If only I knew it would get worse.