Chapter 7: Photoshoot
1178 Words
Celestine POV
Another day, another shoot,” bulong ko sa sarili ko habang tinitingnan ang reflection ko sa salamin. The morning was hectic, as usual. Today is the official photoshoot for our upcoming makeup brand. It’s a big deal for our family, and everyone is expected to bring their A-game.
“Celestine, are you ready?” tanong ni Mama habang sumilip sa kwarto ko. She was in her usual elegant ensemble, radiating poise and authority.
“Almost, Ma. Five minutes na lang,” sagot ko habang inayos ang pearl earrings ko.
Pagdating namin sa studio, puno ng tao ang paligid—stylists, makeup artists, photographers, at siyempre ang pamilya ko. The place was luxurious, as expected—marble floors, velvet couches, and crystal chandeliers. The backdrop for the shoot screamed elegance, with hues of gold and white.
“Celestine, you’ll be the main model for the first layout,” sabi ng creative director habang inaayos ang final touches sa setup.
“Got it,” sagot ko. I took a deep breath and plastered my professional smile. Let’s get this done.
Habang nasa shoot ako, naramdaman kong parang may nanonood sa akin mula sa likod ng mga camera. Nang lumingon ako, nanlamig ako.
It’s him.
Azrael Ziferano.
Wearing a sharp black suit and that signature intense gaze, he was standing casually by the entrance, his hands in his pockets, exuding confidence.
Bakit siya nandito?
“Papa invited him,” bulong ni Camille, my older sister, na biglang sumulpot sa gilid ko. “He’s part of the business deal for the launch.”
“Great,” bulong ko sa sarili ko. Ngayon pa talaga?
Azrael POV
From the moment I entered the studio, my eyes immediately found her—Celestine.
She was standing in front of the camera, looking every bit like the goddess she was. Her long blonde hair cascaded down her back in waves, her skin glowing under the studio lights. She was wearing a sleek black dress that hugged her curves perfectly.
I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
"Azrael, good to see you," bati ni Mr. Devereux habang inabot ang kamay ko.
"Likewise, Mr. Devereux. I thought I’d drop by to see how everything’s going," sagot ko, my voice calm and composed. Pero ang totoo, I just wanted to see her again.
"Perfect timing! We’re almost done with the solo shots. After this, you can meet the whole team."
Tumango lang ako. My focus was still on her.
Celestine POV
"Celestine, amazing as always!" sabi ng photographer matapos ang ilang kuha.
"Thanks," sagot ko, forcing a smile. I was doing my best to ignore the fact that Azrael was still watching me. His presence was distracting.
"Alright, let’s move to the next setup!" sigaw ng director.
Habang inaayos ang bagong setup, nilapitan ako ni Azrael.
"Ang galing mo kanina," sabi niya, his voice low and smooth.
“Thanks,” sagot ko nang hindi tumitingin sa kanya. Stay professional, Celestine.
Pero hindi siya umalis. Tumayo lang siya doon, masyadong malapit for comfort.
"Do I make you nervous?" tanong niya, a teasing smile on his lips.
"Hindi," sagot ko agad, kahit halatang kabado ako.
“Good,” sabi niya, leaning closer. “Kasi parang hindi ka makatingin sa akin nang diretso.”
Napairap ako. “I’m just focused on my work.”
Bago pa ako makasagot ulit, tinawag ako ng photographer.
"Miss Celestine, ang ganda ng chemistry mo with the camera. Pero I have a crazy idea. Since nandito si Mr. Azrael, maybe we can try a couple shot? Perfect for the brand powerful and elegant.” sabi ng photographer
The room fell silent.
Azrael POV
"Why not?" sagot ko agad bago pa makatanggi si Celestine.
Nanlaki ang mata niya, halatang nagulat. “Wait, what?!”
"It’s just for the campaign," sagot ko, hiding the smirk forming on my lips.
Before she could protest, the team was already setting up the shot.
Celestine POV
Seriously? Bakit ba siya pumayag agad?
“Relax, Celestine. It’s just for the brand,” sabi ko sa sarili ko habang inaayos ang sarili.
Pero nung tumabi siya sa akin, ramdam ko ang init ng katawan niya. He was so close, his scent—woody and masculine—was intoxicating.
“Okay, Mr. Azrael, can you place your hand on her waist? Miss Celestine, lean a little closer,” utos ng photographer.
Napalunok ako. This is so unprofessional! Pero wala akong choice.
As his hand rested on my waist, naramdaman kong mas lalong uminit ang pisngi ko.
“Relax,” bulong niya sa tenga ko.
"I am relaxed," bulong ko pabalik, kahit ramdam kong nanginginig ang kamay ko.
“Then stop blushing,” sabi niya, his voice dripping with amusement.
Oh my God, nakakainis siya!
“Perfect! That’s it! Hold that pose,” sigaw ng photographer.
Habang nasa ganitong posisyon, hindi ko maiwasang magtanong sa sarili ko: Bakit parang ang lakas ng epekto niya sa akin?
Azrael POV
I could feel her tension, and it amused me.
“Celestine, you’re overthinking,” bulong ko ulit habang nakatingin kami sa camera.
"Hindi," sagot niya, her voice shaky.
Liar.
“Perfect chemistry, you two!” sigaw ng photographer. “Okay, now, let’s try something more candid. Mr. Azrael, whisper something in her ear, and Miss Celestine, react naturally.”
Ngumiti ako. This should be fun.
Lumapit ako sa tenga niya at bumulong, “You look stunning, but you already know that, don’t you?”
Nanlaki ang mata niya, and she almost stumbled. “What—”
"Natural reaction! Love it!" sabi ng photographer, na wala namang alam sa nangyayari
Celestine POV
I swear, papatayin ko siya after this shoot.
The rest of the photoshoot went by in a blur. Every time Azrael touched me or leaned close, nararamdaman kong bumibilis ang t***k ng puso ko.
Pagkatapos ng shoot, agad akong naglakad palayo, pero hinabol niya ako.
"Celestine," tawag niya.
Tumigil ako, huminga nang malalim, at hinarap siya. “Ano na naman?”
Ngumiti siya, that teasing smirk that both annoyed and fascinated me. “Good job today. You were amazing.”
“Thanks. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have things to do,” sagot ko, turning to leave.
Pero bago pa ako makaalis, hinawakan niya ang braso ko.
"Celestine," he said softly, his voice serious this time. “Why do you keep running away from me?”
Napatingin ako sa kanya, and for a moment, hindi ako nakapagsalita.
"Bakit mo gustong malaman?" tanong ko, trying to sound composed.
"Because... you’re the only person who’s ever done it," sagot niya, his intense gaze locking with mine.
My heart skipped a beat. What is he trying to say?
Before I could respond, someone called his name, breaking the moment.
"Azrael!" It was the b***h Girl From the mall, walking towards us with a bright smile.
Siya ba ang Girlfriend ni Azrael how unlucky.
"Perfect timing," sabi ko, taking the opportunity to leave.
As I walked away, I could feel his gaze on me. I didn’t look back.
But deep inside, I knew this was far from over.
- Writer
