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LII : Doodles & Distractions
Last Updated:
2025-03-30 03:06:37
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Aaric tensed for a moment, then slowly turned, the corner of his lips still curled upward. A faint red mark was beginning to form on his cheek, but what irritated me the most was his smile—the victorious one, as if he knew I would react like this."Wow," he said in a lazy tone that made me want to slap him again. "You know, I didn’t take you for the violent type.""I didn’t take you for the type who doesn’t know when to shut up," I shot back, grabbing my notes and hurriedly packing up my things.He didn’t stop me—of course, he wouldn’t. That wasn’t his style. Aaric Bernardi never tried to hold people back; he preferred to make them come back on their own. And I knew he thought I would do the same.As I turned to leave, he spoke again. "Don’t take it too seriously, De Cruz," he said. "But if you need a partner to practice for the seminar, I can help. You know where to find me."I paused for a moment at the doorway, glancing back. "Thanks," I said flatly. "But I’d rather practice with a
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I looked up. Aaric was staring at me, one eyebrow slightly raised, curious. "Why that face?" he continued. "Like someone just told you that you won the lottery, but you're not sure if you actually want the money." I opened my mouth to respond, but then closed it again. Honestly, I had no idea how to explain this feeling. So, I just put my phone back on the table, faced my laptop screen, and tried to act like that email hadn't just turned my entire life upside down. Aaric wasn't buying it. "Come on, De Cruz. I can see that expression from across the room," he said, leaning in closer. "What is it? A bad grade? A call from the FBI?" I sighed, finally giving in. "If I told you I just got offered a modeling contract from one of the biggest fashion houses in the world, would you laugh or be shocked?" Aaric was silent for a few seconds. Then, the corner of his mouth lifted. "Honestly? Not shocked." I frowned. "Why?" He shrugged like the answer was obvious. "You know why." I didn't
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The photoshoot studio is vast and bright, with large lights hanging from the ceiling, casting almost too-perfect a glow. The air is thick with the scent of hairspray and expensive perfume, mingling with the photographer’s voice directing the model across the room. People are moving back and forth, carrying clothes on hangers, makeup tools, and pricey cameras that make me feel like a deer caught in headlights.I’m sitting in front of a giant mirror, its round lights surrounding it, my hands gripping the chair’s arms while a makeup artist brushes my face. Next to me, Elle is recording a video on her phone, her face beaming with enthusiasm she can’t hide.“Okay, I have to capture this moment,” she says, pointing the camera at my face. “Maya De Cruz, the designer girl who suddenly became a model. What’s it like being the center of attention?”I snort, trying to look relaxed even though my fingers are still clutching the chair. “Honestly, I’d rather be behind the scenes.”Joy, sitting on a
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