THE BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN

CHAPTER 43

Carmilla's And Mia's Apartment

The morning sunlight gently poured on the apartment building where Carmilla and Mia stays, it cast a warm, golden glow across the tranquil room where Mia slumbered peacefully. The serene atmosphere of the early hours was suddenly disrupted by the shrill, insistent ringing of her phone, which vibrated persistently on the drawer beside the bed.

Mia gradually stirred from her slumber, her brow creasing in mild annoyance as she struggled to shake off the remnants of her dreams and acknowledge the unwelcome interruption. The harsh sound of the phone pierced through her haze, slowly coaxing her back to reality.

With a soft sigh of exasperation, Mia reluctantly emerged from the warmth of her comforter, stretching out her arm to retrieve her phone. Her fingers instinctively searched for the device, and after a brief moment, she managed to locate it. She then carefully swiped the screen open, wincing slightly as the bright display momentarily dazzled her. As her eyes adjusted, she saw that the call was from her manager.

“Hello?” Mia's voice was husky with sleep as she answered the call.

“Good morning, Mia! I hope I didn't wake you,” her manager chimed in, her cheerful tone radiating through the phone despite the early hour.

Mia rubbed the remnants of sleep from her eyes, her voice still laced with a hint of drowsiness.

“You did, but that's okay. What's this sudden call about?”

“I have some fantastic news to share with you, Mia,” her manager announced, her enthusiasm evident in her tone.

“I've just confirmed an appointment for you at Hartman Studios for the photoshoot we previously discussed. And the best part is that it's scheduled for today, in just a little over an hour”.

Mia's heart skipped a beat as the news sank in, her initial grogginess quickly giving way to a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.

"Today? Now?” she repeated, her voice tinged with a hint of surprise. “That's quite short notice, Don't you think?”

“Yes, Mia! I'll be arriving at your apartment to pick you up in thirty minutes,” Lexi said, her enthusiasm and energy evident even over the phone.

“Please make sure to get ready promptly, and take a few moments to mentally prepare yourself for the shoot. A positive outcome would be fantastic, and I know you'll do wonderfully.”

Mia nodded, despite Lexi not being able to see her.

“Okay, I'll do my best,” she replied, her mind now racing with anticipation and a hint of nervousness. The photoshoot represented a valuable opportunity, but the tight time frame for getting ready felt daunting. Lexi's sense of urgency was palpable, and Mia couldn't help but feel her anxiety escalate in response.

“Fantastic! I'm not coming from the agency, so I won't be able to bring new options for you. Since you have many outfits, try to bring a few options, Mia. I think you will be given options over there but Incase none suit your test, you should have a cover. You're going to dazzle them!”

Lexi's voice radiated confidence and enthusiasm, even as she wrapped up the call.

With a cheerful,

“See you soon!” she hung up, leaving Mia staring wide-eyed at the wall, her mind reeling with the sudden turn of events.

The reality of the situation sank in, Mia took a deep breath, feeling the familiar flutter of nerves in her chest. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, and the cold touch of the floor sent a jolt through her, effectively shaking off the remnants of her sleepy haze.

As Mia stood up, her gaze drifted tenderly to the bed beside her, where Carmilla slept serenely, oblivious to the morning's unfolding events. A soft, affectionate smile spread across Mia's face as she took in the peaceful scene, her eyes lingering on Carmilla's tranquil features.

Mia's eyes lingered on Carmilla for a moment, savoring the tranquility of the scene before her. Then, with a quiet resolve, she turned away, her focus shifting to the task at hand. She had a photoshoot to prepare for, and she was determined to make a lasting impression on her career as a model.

With renewed energy and a steadfast resolve, Mia embarked on her preparations for the photoshoot, her imagination abuzz with vivid visions of the day's potential. As she moved through her morning routine with renewed purpose, she felt a sense of possibility that seems to grow with every moment passing.

Carmilla who was asleep woke up and stirred, her voice laced with a gentle concern.

“Mia, what's going on?” She shifted slightly, her dark curls cascading over the pillow as she squinted at the morning light filtering into the room.

Mia's tone conveyed a mix of emotions as she replied,

“I just received a call from my manager. She's arranged a photoshoot for today, and I need to be ready in thirty minutes”. Carmilla's gaze locked onto Mia's, her expression softening, knowing that her friend hate anything unplanned before hand. It sometimes makes her feel like she is in a critical state.

Carmilla's eyes fluttered open, and she sat up, her eyes in gentle perplexity. "A photoshoot, today?" she repeated, her voice tinged with a hint of incredulity. She pushed the covers aside and rubbed her face, still shaking off the remnants of sleep.

"Aren't you usually meticulous about planning and preparation?" Carmilla asked, her tone laced with a subtle amusement. "Or does your manager have a habit of springing these last-minute surprises on you?" Her gaze locked onto Mia's, filled with a deep understanding.

“ I don't know. I feel like it only you that understands me in this world. My manager is trying, actually I signed up for this , so I shouldn't push the stress to anyone”

“so! I need to hurry but I haven't figure out what to wear,” Mia said, determination beginning to overshadow the initial shock.

Carmilla sat up straight, her eyes sparkling with encouragement.

“Mia, you're not one to falter under pressure,” she said, her voice laced with a gentle teasing tone.

“You've handled numerous high-profile events with poise and professionalism. This photoshoot should be a breeze for someone of your caliber”.

Carmilla's expression softened, her gaze filled with affection and support. "Remember, you've always taken pride in your ability to remain composed under stress. Trust yourself, Mia. You've got this.”

Mia's eyes widened as she mentally begins making list of what she would need.

“I still need to select a few outfits...and, goodness, I haven't even had my morning coffee yet,”she exclaimed, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation.

“Not to mention my matcha – it's essential fuel for my day”.

“Right! You can get that on your way out. Start with the clothes, if you want I can help you arrange that while you handle the makeup aspect”, Carmilla grinned, now fully awake and stretching her arms above her head.