Beauty Under the Lens

CHAPTER 14

Amanda's POV

"What did you two talk about?" Astrid inquired.

I shrugged. "Nothing out of the ordinary. She just continuously persuaded me until I gave in."

"You agreed?" Elara said. "Does aunt know? She won't be happy about this."

I faced the two of them. "That's why I need your help with this. Zyna and I agreed to practice in the school garden. Can you cover for me?"

Astrid and Elara stared at me. Elara even blinked. I kept exchanging glances with the two of them because they were not saying anything.

"Uh... guys?" I called out to them. "Are you guys, okay?"

"Wow," Elara finally responded. "I mean, this is new. You never ask us favors. It's always you do everything for everyone who asks you."

I couldn't deny that the mere thought of becoming a makeup artist brought joy to my heart. I've always wanted to do this. I can finally be useful to someone. My abilities are starting to be noticed. Maybe this is the first step towards my future career.

"You must really want to do this, then," Astrid concluded, nodding at me. "We'll do it, Callie. We've got your back. We'll cover for you."

I smiled gratefully at them. "Thank you."

I was busy browsing makeup inspirations that I could recreate for Zyna when mama suddenly entered my room. I sat up from lying down and quickly turned off my cellphone.

"Callie," mama called out to me before sitting on my bed. "How was your day?"

I was almost surprised by the question because she rarely asks me that.

"Uh... it was okay. Just like any normal day. Studying and passing my subjects as usual," I played with my bed sheet to keep myself occupied.

"That's good. Just continue what you're doing. Make me and your papa proud."

I flashed a big smile at mama as she started running her fingers through my hair. Her touch was soothing.

"We're allies, right? Callie?" I looked at mama, whose eyes were filled with tenderness, as if I were Aria, whom she held close to her heart. "You would always choose and follow mama in everything."

I nodded immediately. Adrenaline rushed through my veins. I didn't care if I seemed like someone starved for attention and was only receiving it now. I was just eager to bring out this side of mama more.

"And when I make decisions, it's for the best. And you won't do anything that will disappoint me," mama continues.

"Yes mama," I finally managed to answer verbally.

"Even when it comes to the matters of heart?" mama looked like she wanted to make sure.

Was she talking about love? I don't even have one. So, I have nothing to replace her with. At this point, mama holds every importance above everything in my life.

"Even the matters of heart, mama," I confirm.

"Then I am at peace now. I know that between you and Aria, you are more practical, less sentimental. You would surely not do anything reckless."

Did mama just place me above Aria for the first time? Or was it unintentional that it sounded like mama was dragging Aria below me.

"I always worry about your sister's future, Amanda Callie," mama straightened up in her seat. "I worry that in months or years' time, she will go to a man who is undeserving of her. Who would give her the bare minimum."

I understand the point of this conversation. Mama wants to make sure that I'm being put in my place. And suddenly, all the joy which I've built up inside me has collapsed.

"So, I have to help you," I got straight to the point. "Make Aria and Asher closer to each other."

Mama smiled at me. "You're intelligent, Callie. You knew exactly what I'm getting at. He is who your sister needs. Asher deserves Aria. And Aria deserves a man like him. I'm counting on you, my daughter," mama caressed my cheeks.

I held mama's hand that was placed on my cheek. "Anything for you and Aria, mama."

I sat on our sofa here in the living room. I want a change of scenery. I'm always in my room. I don't notice other parts of the house anymore. It's as if the living room has become just a display. There's nothing new on my newsfeed. Just posts from classmates and schoolmates. My f*******: feed is filled with posts about Aria and me. Sometimes there are "fan wars" happening. Many are on Aria's side, but there are also those defending me against my bashers. I would get direct messages from a few of them, saying that I should not be affected by what Aria's supporters are saying. That people are just judgmental. I don't see this every day because I'm not that active on social media. I feel that if I use social media, I'll only become more dissatisfied with my life. And I don't want to burden myself with those thoughts and feelings.

Mama, Papa, and Aria had already left to go to Asher's house. I didn't join the family dinner because mama didn't tell me to. And I'm also embarrassed to go there because what would I do? I would only feel left out. I heard the doorbell ring. I checked my phone to see the time. It hasn't been an hour since mama and the others went to Asher's, they're back so early. I didn't get up from my seat because the maids took care of it.

"Oh! Please come in, sir!" greeted Ate Jena. "Ma'am Amanda, you have a visitor."

I stood up from the sofa to go to the door. I almost lost my breath when I saw who was in front of me.

"Asher," I widened my eyes. "Why are you here?"

Ate Jena went back to her work. I stepped out of the door to talk to him. I quietly closed our front door. I faced Asher.

"Asher, what are you doing here? How about your dinner with my family?" I grabbed his hand and we went to the patio.

"You weren't there," he replied.

"That's because I'm not supposed to be there. I'm not an important part of that dinner."

"I'm not an important part either."

I almost laughed. He is the main part of this. He's my sister's groom-to-be, yet he's saying it doesn't matter.

"Are you joking? You're the one marrying my sister! How did you even go unnoticed?" I looked into his eyes.

"I stole one of our cars," he said casually.

"So, you drove here," I emphasized. "You're not even 18, Asher. That's illegal."

"I have a student license and I know how to drive," he reasoned.

"Even so! You don't have a licensed driver with you. I thought you were so keen on following the rules, yet here you are!"

I don't even know why I'm lashing out like this at him. And I don't know what his reason is for being here. But I'm slightly flattered that he chose to be here than anywhere else. Maybe he needs something from me. Or maybe he's bored there, and I just happen to be the most accessible person to keep him busy.

"So...." I hesitated. "Why are you here?"

He shrugged. "Maybe I just wanted to see you."

Luckily, the lights were off on the patio, so he didn't see the sudden blush on my cheeks.

"See me?" I repeated.

"Yes," he said. "I need to see you, Amanda Callie."

I shook my head in disbelief. "Why?"

"I don't want to be there without you," he furrowed his brow at his answer. "I feel like I have to explain this to you."

I remained silent, signaling him to continue explaining to clarify things.

"We're not engaged, Aria and I," he started. "Stop getting the wrong ideas, Amanda Callie."

My head couldn't comprehend what he was saying right now. Everything was getting mixed up in my head. Mama and Asher seemed to be playing in a seesaw pattern. Mama and everyone around me would say they're engaged, then Asher would deny it. I'm not getting the whole picture.

"How?" and why is he explaining this to me?

"Sandy Lim," that name sounded familiar to me. Where have I heard that before? "Does it ring a bell to you?"

I furrowed my brow. I tried to remember who Sandy Lim was.

"She's an actress under your company. A project that was supposed to be hers was transferred to Kate Roxas."

I suddenly recalled the conversation mama had weeks ago about papa giving the project to Sandy instead of Kate. Mama must have manipulated things for Sandy to lose the project.

"And Sandy Lim is exposing the Velardes online. She even spoke to the press about your company mistreating her. It's creating a scandal for the Velardes."

So, the engagement of Asher and Aria is a cover-up for this issue. They know that people will pay more attention to this kind of news.

"What do you expect me to do with this information?"

He stared at me intently. "I want you to stop pushing me to your sister when I'm not even interested. Everyone's doing enough of that already and it's suffocating me."

Even though I know the true nature of their engagement, the conversation with mama earlier still lingered in my mind. If Asher doesn't love her now, it doesn't mean we should completely erase the possibility. They haven't spent much time together yet. It can still be helped.

"Okay," was my restrained response. But deep down, I already had a plan. I won't explicitly push them together. I have to be subtle.

My sister deserves him. If she's not with him, then she won't be with anyone else. I think Asher will make my sister happy. It seems like Aria likes him too.