Her Worst Nightmare
1258 Words
Elise's POV.
"Elise, I know that you might not want to return to California but it's high time you get over your fears. And anyway, no one would be able to recognize you." Jones said.
Jones was wrong about me being afraid but he was right about my hidden identity.
I was known as the faceless model for a reason. It was a nickname I was given because I never revealed my face.
I always wore a beautiful mask that made my identity unknown. This made me different and so special from every other model.
My walk and body were perfect but my masked face attracted more attention to me.
I became the hottest and most mysterious model in Country N, and from there, my fame spread around the world. The rest is history.
Jones was also unaware of certain things about me. He didn't know one crucial detail about me which was my real name. He thought my real name was Annabel Claw.
My life was surrounded by secrets but it didn't matter as far as it was perfect.
"Annabel, you aren't saying anything. "Jones said, his voice full of concern.
"I'm sorry, I was a little distracted. " I apologized.
I stood to my feet and faced him with a smile.
"Let's go."
He nodded and walked up to the door to open it.
"Ladies first."
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When we arrived in California, I was welcomed by reporters and fans taking pictures of me and asking different questions about my personal and professional life.
"Miss Annabel, why is your face hidden behind a mask?" That was the first question thrown at me.
It was a question that had been asked repeatedly but each time I ignored it. It kept them in suspense and made them more interested in me. It was a strategy that favored my career.
"Who are you dating now?" The next question came.
The reporters tried moving closer to Jones, my manager, and most especially me but my bodyguards protected us.
Some of those reporters weren't who they portrayed themselves as. Some might just be hired assassins or people who wanted to hurt me.
There was a time when I almost got shot back in Country N. It was an envious attempt of another model to hurt me. From that time I doubled my security.
As we made it out of the airport, we didn't go to the mansion that Jones had purchased for us. We went to the fashion venue where the runway show would be held.
It was one of the biggest runways in America and I was among the models that were called for the job. In the past, I would've been so ecstatic and hysterical about it but certain things changed.
When I arrived backstage, I met with other models. I exchanged pleasantries with them and some were nice while others were too arrogant to communicate with me.
But I didn't care, I strived so hard to be where I am today. Some of them were what I would term 'Nepo babies'. Their parents had influence and were able to put them in the modeling industry.
"Hi." One of the nice models walked up to me.
"Hey," I smiled at her.
She came a little too close to me and whispered. "I'm a big fan."
"I'm glad about that. It's a pleasure meeting you." I smiled at her.
"I would like an autograph later." She was also a top model but she was quite down to earth which was amazing.
"Sure." I grinned at her.
She left my side and went to meet the other models.
"Annabel," Jones called.
I sauntered briskly to him and left with him to a separate room where I would get ready for the runway. The dress had been delivered and my makeup artist was prepared to get me runway-ready.
She was among the few people that had ever seen my real face. The trust I had for her was beyond words and she had proved to be reliable and loyal.
She carefully applied my makeup, proving that she was an expert in her craft. Since my face wasn't going to fully show, the color of lipstick was more prominent, my eyes were colored perfectly.
After applying the makeup, my hair came next. It was a simple styling that didn't take long. My makeup artist took care of that as well; she already knew how other models would look and she glammed me up for perfection.
Once that was done, I slipped into the beautiful dress and wore the heels that were perfectly my size.
"Can I come in?"Jones asked while knocking on the door.
"Yes," I replied.
"Wow, you look beautiful." Jones smiled as he walked in.
"Thank you." I flashed a smile at him and picked up my mask from the dressing table.
I wore it and had a look in the mirror again. Within these years, my body had transformed into that of a goddess. I was beautiful before but now, I am dead gorgeous.
"Let's go. The other models are approaching the runway.
I left the room and went to meet them. My look was similar to the rest of them and the only difference was my mask.
"Please do your best out there. Maintain a stern face. " The designer said, glancing at all of us as she made her way to the runway.
I heard the audience clap and one after the other, the models went to the stage.
The moment it was my turn, I went there, walking gracefully and swaying my hips from side to side.
As I reached the end of the runway; I turned to leave but then I sighted someone that made my eyes slightly widen.
Damien!
He was seated there, staring at me. The only thing that had changed about his appearance was his beard but that intimidating and dark look in his eyes was still present.
I noticed he was strangely staring at me too and I regained composure, straightened my face, and walked back to the other end of the runway.
After all the models walked on the stage, we formed a single file and had our final walk.
I couldn't help but take a glance at the man who ruined my life, the man I hated most, more than Satan himself.
__
I rushed backstage and went to my dressing room.
I placed my hands on the dressing table and looked angrily at my reflection in my mirror.
"What is that beast doing here?" I asked myself and took my hands to the ropes of the mask.
I loosened it and placed the mask on the table.
"How dare he show his face?"
The door suddenly flung open and I didn't bother turning back, thinking it was Jones but to my shock, I saw the reflection of a strange woman in the mirror.
I instantly faced her with a surprised and confused expression.
"It's you! I suspected it from the moment you looked at him!" She yelled, her voice filled with rage.
"Who are you?" I asked, my face twisted in displeasure.
She stepped closer to me and I could sense darkness all around her. I also noticed that her hands were slowly going to her back.
"How can you not recognize me, you b***h!"
Unfortunately, my bodyguards weren't around. I was all alone.
"I will ask for the last time, who are you?"
"I'm Nicola, your worst nightmare!" She snarled and suddenly hurled a pocket knife at my face.
- Writer
