Chapter 3

HATTIE’S POINT OF VIEW

"What did you do this time? " Fannie asked me.

"I didn't do anything, Fannie. He's the one who blocked my way and I have no choice but to threaten him... I threaten him that I will run over his car." I defended myself. "Besides, I didn't do it. If I did not find a way I will hit his fucking car."

"Remember, he threatened you that you will pay him big time! " When Fannie said that, my eyes started to roll.

"Why does it matter to him that I'm being blamed for everything?" I retorted with an assertion that "He's the one to be blamed too. He's also at fault."

Fannie didn't answer so I kept quiet. I was curious to see what I looked like, so I looked in the mirror. For today's photoshoots, the person who does my makeup gives me a more dramatic look. The theme of my shoots today was dark and fierce, so I have to look like a fierce queen. My appearance ought to stand out.

My makeup artist complimented me by saying, "Now I understand why you always come out on top, Miss Hattie... you look like a goddess."

As a means of response, I simply smiled at him.

"Of course! Hattie is a divine figure. She is very beautiful!" The fact that Fannie praised me as well made my grin even bigger.

"Stop praising me, Fannie. I know I am beautiful so no need to tell me that," I told my manager while smiling, as if I am lifting my own chair.

"We know you're beautiful, Miss, but we still won't get tired of praising you even though you're facing an issue right now," my makeup artist said to make me stunned.

Does it make sense for him to open it up at this moment?

That was enough to put my makeup artist into complete silence, as Fannie cleared her throat. As soon as it was possible, he finished applying my makeup.

After he has finished styling my hair, and face he will immediately exit the dressing room. Instead, Fannie is the one who encourages him to leave.

When only Fannie and I were left alone in the dressing room, complete silence descended upon the space. I have not moved from the position where I am looking at her in the mirror.

I sighed deeply and then got to my feet. I got up and went to the closet to get the bikini I was going to wear today. I will be endorsing the new products of Victoria Secrets. I am their new face, so of course they have to pay me well for the privilege.

After I put on the Victoria Secrets bikini, I first put on a robe to hide my body. I'm back to sitting on the swivel. I relax my shoulders and reach for my phone. When I logged into my Twitter account to see if my name was still making the rounds, I discovered that, as expected, it had gained a greater following. My name became more popular online.

I gave a little shake of the head and turned to look in Fannie's direction. "Fannie, would it be possible for me to take a leave of absence for even two weeks or a month? I spoke in a soft tone and lowered my head as I stated, "I want to rest and let my issue pass."

"I'm going to have a conversation with management. I will suggest to them that you want to take on leave," she said in response.

I nodded in response. I smiled at her before I turned it off and placed my cellphone on the table in front of me.

Because I was called outside to begin the photoshoots, Fannie and I could no longer continue our conversation. As I made my way toward the studio earlier today, I was still dressed in my robe.

Fannie took off the robe I was wearing now, and then I sat down on the balls scattered on the floor. The photoshoots have started.

The photographer instructed the subject, "Miss Hattie, show your killer smile while keeping your eyes on the camera."

I carried out the instructions given to me by the photographer. A killer smile formed on my lips.

"That's it, Miss Hattie."The photographer continued to take pictures of me while he spoke.

"Be feirce while being beautiful, Miss Hatti. Imagine that you are a queen and that you commanded or you owned the attention of everyone... and that no one could ever defeat you! The photographer repeated his statement once more.

I obediently did whatever it was that he requested of me. It is important to me that we finish this project. in order to give me the opportunity to relax and go on vacation.

After the photoshoots were finished, Fannie returned my robe to me. I put it on and proceeded to walk towards the computer so I could look at my pictures.

When I realized how hot I am, the smile that was already on my face grew wider. After seeing me in the bikini that I wore during the shoots, all of the directors and producers are heaping praise on me and telling me how hot I look.

"Thank you very much for agreeing to take on this project, Miss Hattie. "We never regret on choosing you to endorse our new products," the representative from Victoria Secrets said to me.

I Just smiled broadly at her and nodded my head in response. "It's a pleasure to work on your business as well."

Following the completion of the discussion, we went our separate ways. I bid a goodbye to them and head back to the dressing room, where I make a wardrobe change. I have to changed my clothes now. I know I am hot but I feel cold.

Once I have finished changing out my clothes. I took off the dark makeup that was on my face and replaced it with lighter makeup. When I just put on a little bit of makeup on my face, I feel like I'm a completely different person. I feel like I'm innocent and an angel. But I wasn't an innocent one. My looks sometimes can be deceiving.

"Hattie, my sweet, I have some very exciting news for you!" When Fannie enters the dressing room, she gives off an excited vibe.

I cocked my head to the side and looked her straight in the eyes. I was looking forward to hear her speak again.

"The management has given their approval. I told Amanda about your plan, and she assisted me in having a conversation with the entire management team in order to secure permission for you to go on vacation first and find a solution to the problem you are facing right now." Fannie's remark brought a smile to my face.

"Thank you for never stop helping me, Fannie. I looked at her with a grin on my lips and told her, "Without you, I am nothing more than a simple girl from an orphanage."

It gave a slight shake of the head before walking in my direction. She gave me a tight hug.

"If you hadn't been there, I wouldn't be able to find work either. You're also the reason I have a job, so thank you for that. Hattie, all we are doing is helping each other out here. Since you were just beginning your career in this field, I had already made a commitment to myself that I would look after you... I will make myself available to you," she said.

I let out a gentle laugh and then gave Fannie a bear hug.

Only Fannie is a friend of mine. She is the only person who can assist me with anything and everything. She was there to clean up the mess I made whenever I was having problems, and she never left my side.

She was very important to me.

****

"I was under the impression that you traveled overseas, Miss Hattie. Is concealing that a part of your game plan?" I was questioned by the young female reporter.

My defenses are helping to keep me safe, which is a good thing. I did not provide a response to their question. I simply keep on moving in the direction of the entrance to my condominium complex.

I completely close both of my eyes. How is it that this reporter is aware that I am present? that I did not travel outside the country?

Have they asked Inigo about it?

I did nothing more than shake my head. No way! That jerk messed up my strategy.

"Miss Hattie please answer our question. We are interested in hearing your perspective...

The final thing that I was able to hear before the elevator doors closed. I keep my eyes closed as I rest my back against the wall and lean forward slightly.

"How were they able to determine that I am still around?" I inquired, feeling a touch aggravated by the situation.

Fannie also let out a heavy sigh. "I suppose that someone told them that you did not travel outside of the country."

My lungs exploded. "I am aware of who told them... it was that guy!"

"He is the only one who was aware that I am still around!" I retorted.

"Hattie, you can't just accuse him like that. It's not just him who despises you; there are others as well. There are other models out there who look up to you and feel threatened by your success in the modeling industry," said Fannie, who at this point was just as concerned. Perhaps he is trying to come up with a new justification to give to the media.

"Fannie, how is it that I have no grounds to accuse him? He is the only person I can point the finger at for what happened. He warned me that he would destroy my professional reputation, and his scheme was already in motion when he made the threat. I uttered.

"He is not going to be able to destroy my career, Fannie," I said.

"I committed to keeping that promise. If that guy is looking for trouble, I won't hesitate to give it to him. Because he desires it, I will give it to him!" I continued while squinting my eyes.

As soon as the elevator doors were opened, I dashed up to my condo unit. After going inside, I found a comfortable spot to sit down. I rest the back of my head on the couch's headboard and close my eyes as I do so. My head is spinning, and I'm exhausted.

"We will leave first thing in the morning on Saturday. For the sake of your relaxation, we will travel to Boracay."