SANTA MONICA'S BACHELOR SERIES 2: HUNTER VELASCO

Fifteen years ago, in a moment frozen by time... "Eyes on the camera," commanded the company photographer. 1....2.... 3.. ," He counted. "SMILE," and a blinding flash illuminated the room, causing Ysabel to squint against the sudden brightness. "One more, it's a bad shot Mr. Aguilera," she announced, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Let me see," Hernan's authoritative voice cut through the tension, prompting him to rise swiftly and inspect the captured photo. His jaw clenched in anger as he studied the image. With determined steps, he seized the camera from the photographer and closed the distance to the trembling young girl. SLAP!!! The sound reverberated through the room as Hernan's hand met Ysabel's cheek with force, the impact nearly deafening her. "Idiot!! When I say smile at the camera, you smile. Look what you did?" he berated her before thrusting the camera towards her face. He was a man of cruelty and perfectionism, especially in matters of business. The family was in the midst of capturing a portrait for the Annual calendar giveaways celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Aguilera Lumber Company, the largest and most renowned lumber company in the entire region. "Stop it, Hernan, your daughter is hurt," his wife pleaded, her voice laced with concern. "NO-----Stop it, Matilda, if you don't want to be involved," he retorted sharply, silencing her with a stern warning. "Now, fix your face." His gaze shifted to Ysabel, a mix of command and disdain in his eyes. The makeup artist swiftly intervened, camouflaging Ysabel's flushed cheeks with makeup and tidying her slightly disheveled hair. Ysabel could sense pity in the artist's eyes, mirroring the helplessness she felt in the presence of her mother. "It's done," the artist declared softly. As they readjusted their positions, Ysabel composed herself, her facade masking the turmoil within. At the photographer's prompt, she summoned a smile and met the camera's lens with a steady gaze.... and with the count of three, another bright flash captured the facade of a happy family. They appeared as a picture-perfect family in the photograph, a facade of bliss and unity. But beneath the veneer of smiles, the hidden emotion of Ysabel was unmistakable... a profound GRIEF.