The Secret Model's Forbidden Lover

I already have everything. Wealth, fame, and a supportive family. Others envy me, and some look up to me as their inspiration. Believe me when I say I am a humble person. Even if I am a top model in the fashion industry, I still know how to respect a waiter compared to a chief executive. We are all human beings. Never have I done anything horrible to others. Except for one thing… “Ms. Melanie Hill, is your family the main reason you want to leave the modeling industry?” “How about your future career? Your devotees? What can you say to them?” “Ms. Melanie Hill! Can we interview you for a minute?” I fixed my sunglasses, trying my best to look unbothered by their invasion of my privacy. I know it’s a paparazzi job, but it’s sickening. I would have been shoved and almost thrown away if it weren’t for my escorts guiding me toward my car. They opened the door for me, and I hurriedly drove away from that place, shrugging off the tension I had felt before. “Calm down…” I breathed out while holding tightly onto the steering wheel. I kept on shaking my head to focus my mind on the road. I have to get out of this town and find a remote city. I don’t belong here anymore. My hands are already covered by crimson. They are not the same as they were before. I’m scared, and my mind is in a haze. I knew I should do the right thing, but I couldn’t push myself. Not right now until I have calmed myself. I must disappear from the public first before thinking of what I will do next. “Why, Ms. Hill? Why do you want to leave the modeling industry?” I still remember the words my manager threw at me before leaving the company. As much as I want to answer their curiosity, I can’t. My fear is consuming me, and the moment they discover ‘it,’ their perception of me might change. I don’t want that to happen. It was a long drive when I realized I had finally reached my destination, miles away from my original hometown. I fired my assistant and my guards, giving them their last payment before vanishing from the eyes of the media. It’s better this way. I got out of the car, looking from left to right. Before moving, I paid online for the transient's house and processed everything. When the coast was clear, I took out all my baggage and hurriedly made my way inside. I bolted the doors and closed the curtains, even though it was in the middle of the day. I usually shut them down by night. But the way I live will change from now on. I wiped off the sweat on my forehead, then glanced around the house, inspecting if the place had a bug. I don’t want to risk anything after all I have pulled through. It took me a month before making it this far. Remember Melanie…. Socializing is a sin. Don’t ever go out and talk with the neighborhood here. It was then months passed by, and everything went smoothly. I am always inside my room, sketching to kill time or sewing clothes, and I would sell them online to add to my savings. I have money. I just need to be prepared when I run out of my resources. Nightfall and I decided to have a swim in my backyard pool. No one would recognize me here since I purposely turned off the lights. My only point of light is those coming from the neighbors. I took out my robe, revealing my red two-piece. I remove my hair tie, letting my drawn-out black curly hair fall on my back. I did not count before jumping into the pool. After a minute of staying underwater, I rushed to the surface, breathing heavily while caressing my hair down to my waist. “I have never seen you here before.” I screamed in surprise when someone spoke. My heart was pounding loudly when I glanced up, only to see someone chilling on the balcony next to my house. It’s a man. A light is turned on, making it easy for me to distinguish his mysterious features. Half of his face is dominated by darkness, but I could tell even from this position that he is a one of a hell fine man. Strong jawline, satanic natural thickened brows, magisterial growl, and forcing stares. I smiled, hiding the anxiety that was already building up. “Well, I rarely go out.” “Hmm…” he hummed, drinking the wine in his shot glass. “Are you new here?” he mumbled. I nodded, moving closer to the edge of the pool. I had to get out of there before he could recognize me. It’s not that I am assuming, but it’s better to be careful than sorry later. “Yeah….” I timidly said, exposing my legs when I got out of the pool. I could feel the intensity of his stare following my every move when I quickly took the robe and then wrapped it around me. “What’s your name?” I stop in my tracks, contemplating at first before lying. “Milly…” I paused, then continued, “Anyway, it’s getting cold. I have to go back.” I gave him a warm smile before rushing my steps inside. I might look suspicious, but I had already barricaded myself inside my walls, and no one was strong enough to break them down. It’s just a little interaction, but my heart thuds loudly for two days. I inhaled sharply while stirring my coffee. It’s better to forget about him. He may look like a god, but he might be a father. Besides, I don’t intend to let anyone get close to my life. I have already cut off some of my friends before. I know it’s too much. However, I don’t want to cause anything that would ignite a conflict. I almost spill my morning coffee when someone knocks on the door. I have been living here for one month, and this is the first time someone has dared to socialize in this house. However, the big question is, who could it be? I swallowed the lump forming in my throat, then slowly placed my coffee maker on the table. I clutch my robe tightly, making me feel like it’s protecting me from the invader. I know I can just ignore it and pretend that someone’s not home, but I forgot to turn off the television, and the volume is at its maximum volume. The person outside probably heard it already, and I was careless on that part. There’s no point in running away. I can just end the conversation immediately. “Wait a sec!” I yelled back, crossing the distance between the door and me. Then my whole world stopped spinning, and my heart was stuck in my throat when I saw who my ‘visitor’ was once I opened the door. “Hey…can I come in?” It was the man who I saw two days ago. “W-what are you doing here?” even if I tried not to tremble, my lips didn’t understand the assignment. He let himself in before I could even say anything. He closed the door behind him, and my heart thud wildly when he locked it. “I know who you are.” My eyes slowly widened, and the following words pierced right through my heart. “And I know your silent lies, Milly, or should I say… Melanie?”