The Power of Beauty

I lay for a long time on the hammock tied between the two coconut trees. I swayed the hammock with my feet while savoring the breeze and listening to the waves crashing on the shore. I lowered my hand slightly, dragging my fingers through the sand to draw my name. "Ma'am Myrthle, we're about to start in five minutes." The voice pulled me out of my reverie. I sighed and stood up, removing the robe draped over me and walking confidently toward the set in my maroon two-piece swimsuit that perfectly accentuated my figure. "Tell them I'm ready," I instructed, and the assistant nodded. We were shooting on the beach to match our summer theme, and this was the most renowned beach in Arberia. Yes, we're here in the province because they chose it for its stunning scenery. The sea was a brilliant blue, thanks to the clear water, and the coconut trees were lush. There were traditional huts scattered around, unlike the stone structures commonly found elsewhere. The province's vastness explains why many tourists, including us, flock here. As I passed a group of men, I noticed their admiring looks. I’m used to it; several have tried to court me, but I haven’t encouraged any of them because I focus on my career and what my parents might say. I want them to be proud of me, and I do this for my fans as well. I signaled Tina to get me some water before we began. I reached for the lotion on the nearby table and applied it to my arms and legs. After Tina handed me the water and I took a sip, I smiled at her. "Ms. Carranza, let's start," my photographer said. I gave a nod, and we began. I pushed aside all my earlier thoughts to focus on the shoot. After this, we'll head back to Manila. We spent several hours shooting, with multiple takes needed due to some blurry shots. I was showered with praise once we finished. Immediately, my makeup artist approached and seated me near the other models who were being touched up. Tina also came over with a towel to dry my damp arms, back, and hair. "Miss Myrthle, you look absolutely stunning," the makeup artist said. I just laughed and shook my head at her compliment. "How many times have you said that, Jace?" I said with a playful glare, which made her laugh even more. "Don’t call me that; it’s so gross. My name is Jacy, not Jace," she replied, rolling her eyes and mimicking someone combing their hair. I just shrugged with a smirk on my lips. After a few hours, we were given a break and went to our respective rooms. I was busy combing my hair with my right hand after taking a shower. I reached for my cellphone on the bedside table and started checking my emails and text messages from my mother. I was about to reply when Tina interrupted me. "Ma'am Myrthle, someone is looking for you," she said with a furrowed brow. I wondered who it could be. I hadn’t even noticed that Tina had knocked and entered my room without my permission. Well, she’s familiar enough that I didn’t mind too much. I was too tired to talk and planned to rest since we landed early. We were staying at an exclusive resort near the beach where we had done the shoot earlier. Each of us had our own room, so I felt more secure sleeping here. "Who is it?" I asked Tina, noticing the concern on her face. "S-sir," she started, but my attention was diverted by a loud bang at the door. What the heck? Please, no. "Hey, get out of your room, Myrthle!" I looked at the door in shock at what was happening outside. I started to panic and signaled Tina. "Tell him to wait," I said, and Tina nodded with concern. I heard silence from the other side, so I stepped out in my spaghetti strap and long pajamas. I combed my hair again before slowly opening the door. I cracked the door open and peeked outside. Tina was gone, and all I saw was Bailey, his gaze dark as he clenched his fists. You can do this, Myrthle. You just need to push him away like before. But I couldn’t help it; I was so irritated and just wanted to disappear from his sight. He was pissing me off so much! "What are you doing here, Bailey?" I asked. I had already rejected and pushed him away several times due to his clinginess, despite us never having a relationship. I really didn’t like him. Yes, he’s handsome and has a muscular body, but that’s not enough for me to like him. Maybe I’m just too loyal to my career to trade it for a relationship. Holding the doorknob, I pushed the door slightly, fearing what he might do. I was scared, damn it! "Myrthle, who is the boy you’re with this time?" What? Seriously? Does he think I have someone here? Don’t tell me he’s following me again. Disgusting. "Bailey, stop pestering me. I’m not with any boys," I glared at him and attempted to close the door, but he shoved it open, causing me to fall onto the floor. I winced in pain and glared at him as if we were in a standoff. "You’re such a liar, Myrthle. That’s why you can’t answer me—because you like someone else," he shouted. I could see his anger from the veins popping on his neck and the redness on his face. He used to be nice before I met him, and I thought we might still be friends, but I was fooling myself because he would never be satisfied. He took a step forward, fully entering my room, his eyes fixed on me. "Bailey, I told you I’m not ready for a relationship—" Before I could finish, he threw a vase near the TV at the floor beside me. I watched as it shattered and its pieces scattered, causing me to stop and tears started to flow. I backed up slowly until I was at the foot of my bed. I hugged my knees to my chest, sobbing quietly. "I don’t care, Myrthle. I just want you to answer me. Why are you being difficult?" he said, pulling on my arms. It hurt so much. I’d surely get in trouble if there were any marks or bruises on my body. "Bailey, you’re obsessed," I struggled to break free from his grip. We had only met once at a friend’s event. They introduced Bailey to me, and I was polite, but I didn’t know he would read so much into my actions. That wasn’t my intention; I just wanted to be friendly. I also told him I wasn’t ready for a serious relationship when he confessed his feelings, but he insisted, and I couldn’t stop him. He’s too clingy, even showing up at my shoots. I found him creepy and obsessed. When I got home, I noticed someone following me, so I went to the guard village to see who it was. After seeing the CCTV footage, I started avoiding him. He always gave male co-stars bad looks, and I ignored him, knowing his feelings would eventually fade, but I never expected it to come to this—him hurting me. "Yes, I am, and I can’t stand anyone trying to take you away from me, Myrthle," he said, shocking me further. His grip tightened in his rage. "Bailey, I’m not yours!" I screamed in his face. I will never be. He swore a few curses. He had no right to do this. Friendship is all I can offer him, not what he wanted. I tried to push him away, kicking his feet to make him move. "That’s nonsense," he said, then forcefully kissed me. His aggression made me taste my own blood from where he bit my lower lip. I punched his chest and pushed him, but he was too strong for me. His arms wrapped around my waist, pinning me against him. "Bailey, please," I cried, pushing my hands against his chest to keep us apart. "Shut up!" he shouted, pulling my hair so I looked up at him as he kissed me even harder. I couldn’t move and just cried, hoping someone would come to help me. Just as his kiss was about to reach my neck, the door to my room burst open. Thank God! Several guards rushed in, aiming their guns at Bailey. He raised his hands and was quickly handcuffed. He shot me a furious glance before shouting as the police escorted him away. "Ma’am, are you okay? I heard sir shouting and something breaking, so I called the guards," Tina explained, breathless and anxious. I stared at the scene in shock, unable to say a word until one of the arriving officers spoke. "Ms. Carranza, we’ll make sure that man doesn’t bother you again," one of the officers assured me. "You better make sure of it," I finally mustered the strength to say, fueled by my anger. My tears had dried up after the incident. I’m too focused on my career, and it would be a disgrace to my career—and surely to my parents—if I prioritized such matters. "Ma’am Myrthle, you should get some rest. Don’t worry, there are guards stationed outside to ensure your safety," Tina said with a smile before turning to leave. I nodded and followed her advice, going to bed. I still need to attend my friend's birthday tomorrow. They’re expecting me to be there anyway.