" What you promised was power Mr. Sterling"
His gaze shifted .
There was something dangerous in his eyes.
" Power comes at a cost"
He walked closer to me. Close enough for me to feel the warmth emanating from his body.
" We already had a wedding date"
His hands found their way to my slender waist . Even as he stared at me.
My heartbeat stumbled.
My breath hitched.
" I want the SBN contract"
He paused.
His lips curved into a sly smile.
" Negotiating even now"
" I won't beg for it"
He wasn't fazed.
He didn't lift his head.
" Done"
He pulled me close planting a kiss on my lips. Our tongues intertwined together in a passionate kiss. I felt my breath being sucked away. This wasn't like any kiss , I could clearly feel how much he had been holding back.
Our clothes slipped away quietly giving us space to explore our bodies. His hand cupped my breast while his lips found the other .
His hand slipped between my thighs, steadying himself between me.
Just as he tried to enter, a sharp shriek escaped from my lips.
" I'm your first"
" That's not important"
" Goodnight, Eliza"
And just like that, he walked away leaving the heat, the tension… and me.
He just rejected me .
Rrrrrg
The caller said Nia
" This better be important Nia "
My voice was calm yet firm.
I was suppressing my anger.
" Demian and I love each other"
" You really think your love story matters to me?"
" Don't play mind games Eliza. Why did you do that to Demian?"
" I don't have time for this Nia"
" Then why try to interfere in my life like this. Eliza, if anything happens to Demian I'll never forgive you"
" If that's all, bye Nia "
I hung up.
I lay down staring at the spot Elijah had just occupied.
***
At the airport, Julie and i checked in and as we were about to sit , the hostess walked up to us
" Please follow me, your seat is this way"
We followed her to the first-class session. I turned to look at Julie, wondering why she had upgraded our tickets from business class to first class.
Just when I thought I'd confront her. My eyes met his. Elijah Sterling was holding his glass half full. He looked like someone who belonged to a story not yet written, the kind of man you notice before you even realize why.
" Good morning madam," Lucius greeted. " Hope you love the upgrade?"
So this was his doing? The man who would barely say more than a word to me at a time.
Lucius added " A private suite close to the location has been booked for you as well"
" See how he's taking care of you" Julie whispered to me, nudging my shoulders.
That didn't escape his gaze, which fell heavily on Julie.
After settling in at the private suite. I got to work immediately. Met with some old associates for collaboration deals.
I thanked Elijah for everything then left with Julie to the hotel the company prepared. The next day was the day. We left early for the studio the next morning, Julie was by my side as I got ready for the photo shoot. The theme was Wild rose, gentle and intoxicating. I knew following the theme fiery yet pleasant was the look the brand would require for the photoshoot. The makeup artist was applying my makeup when Nia walked in.
" Eliza, I didn't know they still hire outdated models" Nia said in her high pitched voice .
" If she's here, it only means she's relevant" Julie snapped at her.
" Well,she could have climbed beds, who knows?" Nia added.
Did she really climb to get to this point?"
I heard she hasn't accepted any jobs in the last one and half year.
Must be a home wrecker.
The whispers around grew louder.
Crack
My palm struck Nia's cheek.
" How dare you?" Nia shouted between breath.
" If you behave like an animal you'll be treated like one" I replied calmly.
Holding her cheek Nia stormed to her seat.
" Please, sit so that the artist can finish," Julie said, trying to calm me down.
I sat down and after giving my apologies to the artist we continued. I didn't want the narrative that I had a bad temper to spread around. That would affect future collaboration.
The assistant to the photographer walked in immediately to announce that they'll be changing a small detail of the photoshoot. Two male models will be joining us pairing both with Nia and me.
Anderson Davis and Angelo Young both famous international models. Nia initially elected to be paired with the younger model Anderson. The assistant gave me a look to get my opinion, I nodded giving my approval. The moment the assistant left Julie brought her search results to me.
I'd heard of Anderson two years ago and I knew he was a pervert who spent more time cleaning his image than actually working. The search results only showed he was still the same pervert I knew years ago.
" Nia was definitely getting what she deserves," Julie said, hiding her smile.
Nia and Anderson were the first to be called to the studio. While Angelo and I waited for our turn. The shoot was initially supposed to last just 15 minutes but spanned to an hour.
The photographer and his crew taking their position.
"Let's take a few shots from this side and see first"
" No need, I know my job sir" Nia said confidently.
" Okay. Position everyone"
Nia turned facing the other side. She then placed her right hand on Anderson's chest and the other hand on her chest pushing her chest forward . She brought out her tongue making her look like a seductress princess.
The photographer took the shots anyway, furrowing his brow.
"Miss Nia ,master Anderson the theme is wild rose , gentle and intoxicating " he gave them a smile " Do you understand now?"
" Yes ,yes " Nia responded.
Even after explaining to them both the second and third shots were worse off. In every picture Nia and Anderson looked like public escort rather than models. He was so upset that he gave up correcting them.
At the end of the shoot he was too embarrassed to even look at them both. He knew Anderson's reputation but never had he seen a model who didn't know her work like Nia.
Nia shamelessly walked to him.
" Director,how did I do?"
The director was so upset that his assistant gave her a thumbs up in his place.
It was mine and Angelo's turn. For a fact Angelo wasn't expecting much from me. His impression of me was a newbie model who obviously slept her way to the top. The gossip Nia started found its way to the male dressing room. And i was just the type of person he despised in the industry.
The photographer who was also directing and shooting the commercial walked to us.
"The commercial will be a 30 minutes commercial. We can do a few take first before shooting"
" No need" Angelo said confidently.
He turned to get my opinion and I nodded, agreeing with Anderson.
I could see the annoyance on the directors face.
" I won't pause for anything after we start shooting" he snarled at us.
We nodded our head in unison.
" Take one ,two action"
Angelo's movement was subtle and poised, his expression fixed on the lady before him. When he embraced me. I closed my eyes briefly, breathing in as though the air itself carried something irresistible. I opened them again slowly, my eyes shone with longing yet fulfilled at the same time. I smile faintly , not dramatic, not forced just enough to suggest i was lost in something beautiful.
Angelo lifts me up as his lips mutters " you're beautiful" even as my smile broadens.
The people in front of the photographer and director weren't simply modeling or shooting a commercial anymore. They were telling the story a visual expression of love in flavors, a presence both vibrant and soothing, leaving behind an impression that lingered long after the scene faded.
" Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful"
" Thank you " Anderson and I bowed in appreciation.
" Where have you been Eliza ? Forget that can we take a few shot of you and Mr. Anderson?"
I could already sense why the photographer had this request
" If my partner agrees then I'll agree to it"
By now Angelo was already mesmerized by this beauty that he wanted to push limits with her already, " I don't mind"
" Take ten minutes to get ready"
For the opening pose, I tilt toward him slightly, eyes half-closed as if I've caught the fragrance in the air. A slow inhale. A faint smile follows , not dramatic, just enough to suggest delight. One hand rests lightly on his shoulder while his gaze stays calm but intrigued, like he's aware of the effect without needing to announce it.
Then comes motion. I circle him slowly, fabric shifting, hair catching light, the "wild" element. But every movement ends gently: a soft laugh, a relaxed glance back at him, fingertips grazing his arm. Pleasant, never aggressive.
In a closer shot, he leans in just enough that it seems the scent connects us. My express
ion turns dreamy, mesmerized, but confident. His expression stays warm, steady, subtly admiring. The message becomes clear: the fragrance isn't loud; it draws people naturally.
"Cut! "