Beautifully Ruined

CHAPTER 2

Eve’s POV

The sunlight touched my eyes in an excruciating way. I gasped in annoyance at whoever caused it. I woke up like that. My eyes stung a bit and felt heavy because of the puffiness. I must have fallen asleep from crying last night. Now, I didn’t know I had a visitor.

“Get up now, Evita Avaya. I cooked for you,” a strict voice said.

I immediately sat up in shock. My head felt like it was shaken, so I closed my eyes.

“Did you drink?” she asked, her voice calm yet strict.

I shook my head. “No, Mom,” I muttered huskily.

I heard a thud from what Mommy was doing. She was fixing my room. I smiled at the sight. Somehow, Mommy’s presence comforted me a little, although she was probably here because she needed something from me.

“Are you here to greet me with a belated happy birthday?” I asked hopefully.

She stopped what she was doing for a moment before nodding.

“Belated,” she said. It even sounded forced.

“I also came here to visit you and discuss something. Good thing I came because…” She picked up my clothes. “Look at your room!”

I pouted and sighed. She’s here to discuss something. I wonder what it is. I stood up and got myself ready. It was already ten-thirty when I woke up.

“I just came from the airport and decided to go straight here,” Mommy said as she arranged the food she cooked in front of me.

I started eating. I nodded for her to continue.

“Your Tito Rue and I had a meeting with a foreign investor. He is willing to invest in your Tito Rue’s company…” She poured juice into a glass before sitting in front of me.

“What about it?” I asked.

She smiled at me.

“I didn’t know your name had already reached U.S. media. Now, Mr. Croseli will invest immediately if you agree to be a model for his company’s newest campaign.”

My chewing slowed down.

“I told him you’re my daughter and that I can easily convince you. So…” she trailed off.

She silently ate her cereal. Her words echoed in my head—I can easily convince you. She sounded so confident about it. Maybe because she knew I would do everything to please her.

“It’s only for a month. And if you end up liking it and sign a contract, you’ll be accepted immediately!” Mom exclaimed excitedly.

“You know, everyone wants that campaign. There were Filipino celebrities who applied, but it’s you that the president wants.”

I stayed quiet, just nodding. I don’t like being a model. She told me before to take Finance or Business Ad and that she might pass some of her properties to me.

Mommy held my hand and gently caressed it. I even dropped my spoon.

“So, anak… take the opportunity,” she said with a smile. “You’re pretty, and you have a life there. A future.”

“But I’m on my last year, Mom…” I would just waste my three years of studying if I skip this year.

“Honey, I don’t think you have a future with your course.”

“But you’re the one who asked me to take that,” I insisted.

I pulled my hand away and continued eating. I heard her sigh.

“That was before. If you become a model and get big projects, you won’t need my properties. You can build your own,” she said before massaging her head.

That made me feel even worse. Why does it sound like if I succeed, she won’t give me anything anymore? That once I can stand on my own, I won’t get anything from her?

“Do it, anak, hmm?” She leaned closer to me and smiled sweetly. “You’ll benefit from it too. If you become famous, you’ll have more opportunities.”

“I’ll think about it, My,” I said.

She sighed again and took out her phone. After a moment, she placed it on the table.

“Your sister said you like this man,” she said casually.

My eyes dropped to her phone. Tyron’s picture was on the screen. He was sitting with a group of model girls.

“This man clearly likes models. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t pay attention to you—you’re not his type,” she said, sounding concerned.

I remembered how Tyron stood me up yesterday.

“I saw the clothes you bought. I know what’s going on in your head.”

“I just want to change my style, Mom,” I replied without enthusiasm.

She clasped her hands. “Exactly! It’s because you want to fit his type. Model. Change yourself. Maybe he’ll finally notice you. I know this will work because I did that before. Look at me now! I married your Tito Rue, a well-known businessman.”

My mother always talks about that. I just nod and respond when needed. Somehow, using Tyron’s name to convince me was starting to work.

“It’s only right that you get a Del Rico too. Your sister Evangeline already got one,” she added, placing the short clothes she bought for me. “You should too.”

“Are you staying here all day?” I asked while looking at what she brought.

She shook her head. “No, I’m going home right away. There’s a family party later on your Tito Rue’s side. Do you want to come?”

She raised a brow at me. I immediately shook my head.

It took two hours of her persuading me to agree and meet Reynaldo Croseli. She even asked about Tyron—how my pursuit of him was going. She gave me a lot of advice.

“Last but not least, if he doesn’t like you, get him drunk. Then initiate. Men like him won’t turn you down.”

I dropped myself on the bed. Mom’s visit didn’t help at all. It only gave me more things to think about—not just about Tyron, but also about whether I should accept the offer.

The next day, Mommy bombarded me with messages asking for my decision. I told her I needed more time, but she was persistent. She said her birthday was coming, and it would be a great present if I agreed.

In the end, I had no choice. I asked Dad again to meet me. Maybe if he talked to me that day, I wouldn’t go through with it. But he didn’t show up. He was busy in a live broadcast with Evangeline, receiving an award as an ambassador of a well-known brand.

Maybe because of jealousy, self-pity, my desire to please Mommy, or just to have something to distract me from Tyron—I agreed after a week.

That’s how I ended up in a much more hectic life. Different stylists surrounded me, retouching my makeup.

“Tomorrow is your rest day, okay? Then we’ll change location,” one of the assistants said.

I just nodded without smiling. This is the life of a model. In front of the camera and people, you always smile, until your face gets tired and you can’t even give a simple smile to those who deserve it.

“Miss Eve, your next outfit is ready,” my assistant said.

I nodded and pointed to a lipstick shade that caught my attention. It would match this shoot.

This is a beach photoshoot for Corsellian’s summer collection called A Sultry Siren. There were supposed to be two models, but the other one had an emergency.

We came here at seven in the morning. It’s a picturesque beach with golden sand, turquoise water, and a radiant sun. The atmosphere was full of excitement as the team prepared for the shoot.

Somewhere in Hawaii. We just arrived yesterday, and work started immediately this morning. It’s already ten, and the sun is scorching hot. That’s what they like. The photographer wants the sunlight to give life to my skin.

“Everything’s ready?” someone asked.

I was inside the dressing room with my assistant, changing outfits.

“Miss Eve,” someone knocked.

Lida looked at me, and I nodded.

“Tell them I’m coming out,” I said.

I looked at myself in the mirror. My flawless physique was highlighted by a revealing swimsuit. It hugged my curves like a second skin, with a plunging neckline and high-cut design.

At least, I was satisfied. I remembered how conscious I used to be before. Now, I’m used to it.

When I stepped in front of the camera, I heard compliments and whispers. Many men even raised their phones to take pictures. I’m used to it, but sometimes it still makes me uncomfortable, especially when they don’t hide their lustful reactions.

I pouted. Men are disgusting like that. Some even have partners, yet their eyes are glued to me. I just shook my head and focused on my work.

The shoot began by the water. The sun highlighted my skin. I ran my fingers through my hair and smiled confidently.

I leaned against a coconut tree, making my pose more alluring. I locked my gaze with the camera, making my eyes sparkle mischievously. My arms and long legs stood out against the background. I made sure each shot showed a different version of me.

I remembered what a designer once told me—to always be unapologetically confident.

So I became that.

Unapologetically confident.

I messed my slightly wet hair and added more water to it, letting it drip down my body. The photographer seemed to like it. He’s very picky and would humiliate models if he didn’t like their performance.

I didn’t want that, so I did my best.

“Another one,” the assistant shouted.

I moved fluidly, letting water drip down my body as men watched.

The shoot ended with me emerging from the water, my swimsuit clinging to my body.

“Good job,” the photographer praised.

I smiled at that. He even kissed my cheek as praise. I thanked him.

The staff rushed to me, giving me water and juice. I accepted both and went to one of the cottages.

“Tired, Miss Eve?” someone asked.

I gave a small smile and nodded.

I was really tired. Especially knowing that later there would be a birthday celebration for the photographer, and I had to attend.

After the shoot, I stayed in my hotel. I was too tired to even bathe. Mommy texted me, saying Mr. Corseli was pleased with how their stocks increased because of me.

I sighed. I didn’t even check my i********: anymore. Someone else manages it. This industry drains me.

Sometimes I think I shouldn’t have agreed.

Even after two years…

I still wasn’t happy.

And the only thing that gives me rest…

is thinking about him.