Breaking His Law (English)

Chapter 15 - Fiancé

“Fierce! Alright! Another pose!”

The camera kept clicking as I continued changing into different poses. I am modeling for a fashion brand, and today is my second photoshoot with them. Amore secured the contract for me with them.

Amore is one of the biggest modeling agencies in the country. It continues to expand to other countries, especially in Europe. It is difficult to get into Amore, so being part of them is a huge achievement for me, but none of it matters to my parents, especially Dad.

“You’re really beautiful, Nathalia!” Sittie, a co-model whom I met through Amore, said in admiration as we looked at the pictures of me. “You’re so sexy, too! Why not secure a contract with a swimsuit brand?”

“You think so? I’ll think about it, Sittie…”

“Don’t think about it anymore. Opportunities like that shouldn’t be wasted! I heard someone recommended you to a good swimsuit brand. If you get an offer, maybe that’s it! Don’t let it pass you by,” she suggested.

There’s nothing wrong with accepting offers like that, either. I could expand my portfolio.

After we finished the first set of the photoshoot, we traveled to the next location. It is a beach photoshoot for summer dresses that will be launched this summer.

I wore many dresses, had many shots, heard countless camera clicks, and received countless compliments from the photographer and the team. For a while, I freed my mind of all unwanted thoughts!

This is so peaceful. No city life, no schoolwork, and especially, no annoying fiancé!

While we were in the middle of the photoshoot, a group of men passed by the shore, where we were currently doing the photoshoot. We weren’t far from the hotel of one of the beautiful and expensive beach resorts outside Manila.

I heard from those who came to greet them that some of Amore’s investors were there as well for a meeting. I don’t know if it’s just a coincidence that my photoshoot schedule matches theirs. It just so happened that they would catch us here on the shore at this time.

I heard that Mr. Morteo is an investor of Amore, and according to what I heard, he wanted to unwind while he was outside Manila, which was why his stay here was extended longer than their meeting.

“Mr. Morteo!” the team leader greeted them. “Good timing! We’re in the middle of Miss Nathalia’s shoot.”

We greeted them, and they greeted us, too. Among those who were there, only Mr. Morteo was looking at me. He couldn’t take his eyes off me. I am wearing a long, flowing white dress that touches the sand.

“Very beautiful, right?” one of them said as he showed them what was happening during the photoshoot, their shots of me, as well as the first set of photos we had earlier where the outfits I wore were a little more daring.

“Of course, it’s Miss Nathalia Sandoval. What do we expect?” Mr. Morteo commented proudly. Even his companions agreed. “You are very gorgeous, Miss Nathalia... you look stunning in every dress.”

I smiled and accepted the handshake and compliments. “Thank you, Mr. Morteo. It’s because of how Amore values its talents.”

He responded with a laugh while our team could only clear their throats and look down a little. They knew that if I got fed up with that man, I would really answer him back!

He’s been hitting on me for over a year now. The last time, he offered me an opportunity to enter showbiz. A big role on the big screen, since he is a well-known personality in show business, and he can easily give me an opportunity there if I want it. I turned it down because I know very well what the price would be.

“Come on, Miss Nathalia. Don’t be so humble! No matter what agency you’re with, you’ll be... magnificent!” He smiled widely, his eyes sparkling as he looked at me like I’m some heaven-sent angel.

I just smiled and didn’t continue the conversation. I simply thanked him. Thankfully, the photographer sensed it and said that we needed to return to the photoshoot.

As soon as Mr. Morteo left, the others started whispering among themselves. I just looked away and returned to my earlier position to continue the shoot.

I know some of them don’t like me. I know some of them hate me. Probably like how Isles hates me. I just keep getting tired of being the nice girl all these years when none of them ever treated me nicely.

“Are you okay, Nathalia? You look tired. Take a break for now,” the photographer said when he noticed that I was no longer in my right mind. Thankfully, we had already finished almost everything. Only a few shots were missing.

I nodded. “Okay. I’m sorry if some of the shots weren’t good. Should we just redo some of them? It’s fine with me if you want to redo them.”

“Ah, no! It’s perfectly fine! Take a break for now, then we’ll continue. It’s just the other set of dresses anyway.”

I nodded again and thanked the photographer. The others accompanied me so I could change clothes first. The sun was also about to set, and we would be heading back to Manila in a little while.

I was about to change when Miss Claurice stopped me. She gestured for the other assistants to let the two of us talk first.

“What is it, Miss Claurice?” I asked curiously.

She sighed, seeming a little disappointed. “Is Mr. Morteo still hitting on you?”

It was my turn to sigh heavily. “I’m not sure. He was in my enga—” I immediately fell silent. I almost slipped about my engagement to Isles! Dad said we shouldn’t publicize it for now. “I-I mean... I’m not sure, Miss Clau. He hasn’t approached me anymore except during photoshoots or when there’s an Amore event.”

“That’s the thing, Nathalia. You’re new in Amore, but it seems like he hasn’t missed almost any of your appearances. This is just your second photoshoot, but he’s already clinging to you like a leech.” She sighed as she placed a hand on my shoulder. “Be careful with that man, Nat. I have a bad feeling about him!”

I thought about it, and Miss Claurice was right. I really shouldn’t approach Mr. Morteo. He is a powerful man. Our family is powerful, but if we were to cross paths with someone like this, then it surely wouldn’t be easy.

I was exhausted when we finished the entire photoshoot, so when they went to the beach bar, I didn’t join them anymore. I decided to stay by the shore for a while to relax with Sittie, and we would go upstairs right away afterward so we could rest before dinner.

Miss Claurice agreed. I went ahead of Sittie because she said she still had to change into a swimsuit. I wore a cover-up as I went to the sea.

The sunset looks beautiful with boats around. There are also a lot of tourists, but the entire beach resort is just crowded enough without being overcrowded.

While I was swimming, I didn’t realize that someone was watching me. So imagine my surprise when I came out of the water and headed toward the sand, only to find Mr. Morteo there!

I heard him clap. He was drinking his whiskey. It was just him and his assistant!

I looked away. I was really just a little more from losing my patience with him. He just wouldn’t stop bothering me.

“Gorgeous... as always. I just noticed, Miss Nathalia, your fiancé isn’t around?” he asked insultingly.

Mr. Morteo isn’t an old, old man. His age doubles mine, and even if people say that age doesn’t matter, there is no way that I would want him! It’s self-explanatory!

Besides, he has been a personality in showbiz for a long time, and everyone knows how he is when it comes to women. He uses dirty tricks.

“I’m working, Mr. Morteo. I’m the one modeling the clothes, not my fiancé,” I answered, not caring if it was obvious that I was irritated. Maybe that would be better so he could get the idea.

“Oh! If I were you, I’d find a more suitable fiancé,” he said, followed by an annoying laugh.

I didn’t answer anymore. There was a moment of silence, and when I looked at him, I saw his eyes roaming over my entire body. The cover-up I was wearing was sticking to my skin because it was wet from swimming.

“You’re young, beautiful, and have a lot of potential in this field, Miss Nathalia. Why would you settle with some... average man?”

He couldn’t tell that I was uncomfortable with what he was saying, especially with the way he kept looking at my body.

And Isles? Average? I hate that man, but such a remark is unfair to him!

“Isles is a good man, Mr. Morteo. Don’t get me wrong.”

He seemed amused by my defense. Even though I was irritated and annoyed with Isles, I don’t know why, but I didn’t like what he said. Though, he definitely isn’t nice!

It seemed like it was something funny to Mr. Morteo. After taking a drink from the alcohol he was holding, he handed it to his assistant and stepped closer.

“I didn’t know you’d settle with just a... good man. Come on, Miss Nathalia. Don’t just pick a random fish from the sea!” He looked insulted.

I couldn’t help but laugh sarcastically. “Mr. Morteo, I’m getting uncomfortable with your insults about my fiancé...”

Now, he looks really pissed. And is he jealous? Please! He may be rich, but he has nothing on Isles!

“Wasn’t it an arranged marriage?” he asked, trying to catch me. I froze slightly because no one knew that our arranged marriage was what had happened, and above all, no one should know about it.

“N-No... he’s a... he’s an old friend... from high school,” I lied.

Mr. Morteo nodded, but I knew he wasn’t convinced. “High school sweethearts, huh?”

I didn’t answer anymore. I simply lowered my head. Why was Sittie taking so long?

“Miss Nathalia, let’s not beat around the bush anymore. I’ve been eyeing you for over a year now. If I remember correctly, I came before that Privello?” There was a meaningful smirk on his lips as he said that. He moved closer, and I stepped backward toward the sea. “Don’t reject me continuously. Think about it, Miss Nathalia. I can offer a lot. Do you want big projects? How about reaching Paris? Europe?” He looked down at my body again, and it’s creeping me out. He’s like a hawk waiting for its prey. “Come on, Miss Nathalia. That Isles Privello is nowhere near as good as me...”

“Mr. Morteo, I don’t like what you’re doing.”

Instead of being offended, he seemed even more pleased.

“Oh... brave women turn me on, Miss Nathalia.” He smiled devilishly. “I don’t see your fiancé with you around. Isn’t he worried about you?”

Isles and I never dated. We aren’t close either, so we really don’t go out together for him to see us together. And how did he say that? Was he having me followed?!

Out of irritation, I glared at him. No matter what he did, they could never be equal! He’s nowhere near Isles. I assure him of that!

“Excuse me,” I said and walked away from him at the shore, but before I completely left, I spoke. “Please, don’t ever approach me like this again, Mr. Morteo. I will pretend this didn’t happen, as I’m sure Dad won’t like it. Have a safe vacation,” I said bitterly before walking away.

Sittie was confused by my sudden departure, but when she saw Mr. Morteo, she ran after me and asked if I was okay.

That scum keeps insulting Isles as my fiancé, and I don’t know why, but I don’t like it...