Sebastian Vanderbilt casually leans against a wall in the bustling photo studio, his eyes scanning the room. "Why are you still loitering around here?" he inquires.
Patrick Anchor is visibly flustered, his eyes darting towards the dressing room, then back to Sebastian, struggling to find his words. "I was just... um, I mean, I thought that..." he stutters.
Sebastian's eyebrow arches in amusement. "Just what? Didn't you finish delivering everything?" His voice is teasing but carries an underlying firmness that demands answers.
"Your tasks for today are wrapped up, right?" Sebastian continues, his tone shifting from playful to business-like. "Did you secure the venue? Are the flyers out? And what about the supplier I mentioned? Have you reached out?"
Patrick's cheeks flush with a mix of embarrassment and urgency. The mention of his paycheck, however, seems to snap him back to reality. A calm and obedient grin spreads across his face as he quickly responds, "On it! I'm heading out to take care of it right now."
As Patrick leaves, Sebastian can't help but let out a soft chuckle. A bit of roleplay as the boss is good for the soul. But the laughter dies in his throat when movement from the dressing room catches his attention.
The dressing room door swings open, revealing a pair of sleek black shoes adorned with butterfly clasps. The shoes belong to none other than Jessica Levandov, who seems to glide out as if walking on air. Her legs, accentuated by the sheer tights, are a stark contrast to her flawless skin, and the black pleated skirt adds an undeniable zest of youth.
Her white blouse and black vest exude a quiet elegance, while her brown curls cascade over her shoulders, framing her face. A neat fringe conceals her forehead, topped with a playful black bow headpiece that adds a touch of whimsy. It is as if she has stepped out of a fairytale, a modern-day princess in monochrome.
The simplicity of the black and white theme makes a bold statement, and Jessica's downcast eyes and nervously intertwined fingers hint at the complexity of her emotions.
Despite her mental preparations, the reality of she standing there, subject to the appreciative gaze of someone else, makes her cheeks bloom with a shy rosiness. Blushing is a natural human reaction, after all.
Sebastian's eyes becomes luminous with surprise and admiration. Has he hit the jackpot this time? Initially, he has his doubts; Jessica's divine aura doesn't seem to fit the outfit. But, dressed in the final product, she looks as though it has been tailored just for her. At eighteen, Jessica exudes a pure, youthful charm, and the outfit showcases her allure with stunning perfection.
Sebastian takes a moment to appreciate the key elements in this outfit. The black vest is embroidered with a golden crown that seems to leap out, and the white blouse beneath is filled out in all the right places. Just then, perhaps due to the intensity of Sebastian's gaze, Jessica shifts slightly, causing the hem of her skirt to flutter. Sebastian takes a deep breath.
Jessica looks up at the sound, meeting his gaze. "Excuse me, please wait a moment," Sebastian says, flashing a brilliant smile. "I need to step out to use the restroom."
After saying that, Sebastian walks away quickly. Once he has left, Jessica lets out a silent sigh of relief. She watches his retreating figure, a mix of bashfulness and triumph twinkling in her eyes. Who is it that said she has no charm?
With a huff of mock indignation, she can't help but feel a bit of pride at the effect she's made. Yet, as she thinks about it, her face flushes with a fresh wave of shyness.
Indeed, Vicky has been right—those who appear the most serious on the outside often hide their playful side the best. Jessica's outfit is more conservative than anything she'd wear on stage, yet Sebastian has been attracted more than she has ever seen.
The little drama in the studio seems to prove a point: sometimes, the most understated changes can elicit the most significant reactions. Jessica can't suppress a tiny snort at the thought. "What a character," she whispers with a hint of playful disdain.
Nevertheless... She glances at her reflection in the makeup mirror and gives herself an approving twirl, her eyes reflecting her contentment with the outfit. It really does look great on her!
Who has designed this outfit must be very eccentric. When she initially hears the word "alluring" used to describe the design, she has her reservations. But in the end... Is his idea of 'alluring' simply a design that elicits such a reaction just by being seen? A warm smile spreads across Jessica's face.
She gradually feels comfortable in her thought, her eyes gleaming with a slight mischief as she entertains a thought about another outfit in the collection. Ten million, just waiting to be claimed.
Sebastian returns from the restroom, feeling quite relieved after the break.
Hold on. Is the newly installed lighting fixture already malfunctioning? He frowns at the dimly lit studio and mutters a curse at the shoddy workmanship.
Before he can fully process this, music begins to play through the studio speakers – Sion Lance's "Two People." The song rekindles a spark within him that he has just managed to soothe.
Then... The sound of footsteps becomes more distinct.
A silhouette gracefully walks in from the side of the curtain. The outfit features a black turtleneck that hugs the figure, implying the body curves in a modest yet fetching manner, paired with a sleek black skirt. The outfit is classy and charming under the soft lighting.
She wears delicate black tights, but this time they are paired with light gray stilettos dusted with silver sparkles that add a touch of glamour with every step. Her every step seems measured, almost as if she is stepping on the surface of Sebastian's heart.
He stands still, seemingly frozen in place, as Jessica approaches with a walk that combines confidence and charm. Reaching his side, she lightly touches his shoulder and feels his body tense. The corners of her mouth curl into a subtle smile, as if she is enjoying the moment even more. Jessica is not one that feels shy for long; and she prefers to be the one that is in charge of the tempo.
After guiding Sebastian to sit down on the chair she has prepared, she takes a step back, giving him a moment to take in her stunning style.
As he is about to relax, thinking the moment has passed, Jessica leans in close, her movements seem elegant yet seductive. She then straightens up swiftly, her hair cascading naturally, it is a vision of pure grace for admiration. Sebastian, caught off guard by her proximity, feels a dryness in his throat.
As he tries hard to regain his composure, he finds Jessica looking at him with an almost amused expression. "Mr. President, do you recall someone saying if they were truly charmed, they'd agree to a ten-million deal?" she teases, a playful challenge in her gaze.
She has never actually expected to secure such a lucrative deal. She feels most energetic and the confidence grows rapidly inside as she sees the reaction from Sebastian.
"You gentleman might wait to seek revenge with good manner, but my move is more direct," she muses silently, having never been one to shy from speaking up.
"Is that so?" Sebastian responds, his face reflecting a mix of intrigue and amusement. He contemplates briefly before suggesting, "This outfit could be even more striking with some small adjustments."
Jessica's eyes flicker with a hint of derision at his attempt to redirect the conversation. Such a obvious ploy, she thinks, but she lets it pass. After a while, Jessica exits the room, leaving Sebastian to his thoughts.
He has to admit, she has indeed charmed him. But is that all there was? He prides himself on his steadfastness, yet that evening, under the clear moonlight, it takes him three long hours to drift off to sleep.