Chapter 2 2

"You look really stunning, Madam Brazeal," Shane praised me with a smile.

"Really? How I wish others saw me that way, too. I'm not that confident when it comes to my beauty. I'm sick, Shane. You know that."

"Madam, you're still beautiful regardless! Look at me, I don't have any illness but you still look more beautiful than me! Your illness is not a hindrance, madam," Shane's remark made me laugh. I stood from my seat and looked into the mirror. I smiled at my reflection, I look beautiful indeed. I just need to have more faith in myself.

I'm wearing an above-the-knee floral truffles dress paired with strap heels from today's sponsor brand. Its sleeves reach my elbow, which I find cute. We're set for an interview today. Other models wore short and sexy dresses just as I expected, that's why I personally chose this cute one to separate myself.

"Let's go, ma'am. They told me the CEO of this company wants to talk to you after the interview," Shane leaned closer to my ear then looked left and right. "From what I heard, he's single! And he's just thirty! Right up your alley!" she whispered excitedly. I chuckled then shook my head. "Even if I did like him, I'm sure he won't like me back, Shane."

She rolled her eyes at me, "Oh well, we'll see about that," she smirked before opening the door to exit the studio. I just shook my head once again. Her confidence in me baffles me at times. Me catching a CEO's attention? As if.

We met other supermodels who were just outside the studio. A few of them greeted me and smiled. I'm aware that some of them don't like me, a model friend told me. I just moved closer to Shane and continued walking. I didn't want to do small talks with them. A woman's voice suddenly called my name from the crowd.

"Brazeal! Nice to see you again!" I turned around to see Clouie Felipe. She's the model friend I was talking about and my only best friend in the modeling industry. If it weren't for her, I'd be clueless of the bashing that's been happening behind my back.

I hugged Clouie and gave her a big smile. It was a relief to see her today. "Nice to see you too, Clouie. I missed you!"

"Look at Hannah, she's so two-faced! She keeps on smiling our way but stabs us when we're not looking. Don't she dare talk bad about you or else I'll kill her," Clouie said annoyed and I just laughed.

I looked at the back to see Hannah. She rolled her eyes at me because Clouie's not looking. Her sister, Andrea, gave me a smug look as if she was mocking my presence. It's unbelievabl that they're supermodels with their childish behaviors.

"Brazeal Inayica Viglianco, Clouie Felipe, Hannah Leigh, Andrea Leigh, and Amber Soledad! We'll start the interview now!" Director John shouted. We sat in our designated seats, good thing Clouie's next to me.

The theme song of "Tonight with Georgina Rodriguez" started playing and she introduced herself. The camera panned to each of us. We sported a kind smile and waved like the supermodels that we are. When it was my turn to get asked by Ms. Georgina Rodriguez I saw Andrea give me an annoyed look. I just ignored her and focused on the question.

"So Brazeal, you're the top model of the Philippines now! How does it feel to have back-to-back projects and, on top of that, a huge net worth? I'm thrilled to know!" Ms. Georgina asked with genuine excitement.

"I honestly feel ecstatic about it, Ms. Georgina. But above all, I feel grateful to everyone who loves and supports me. I wouldn't achieve my success without them, They motivate me to be better and do better in my career, and I also hope I motivate them to do better in their lives," I answered with a smile.

"What an answer, Brazeal! I won't be surprised if the next time I interview you, you're already a Miss Universe candidate!" Clouie and I chuckled at Ms. Georgina's remark before she moved to the next model.

We watched Hannah and Andrea get interviewed. Clouie kept on whispering to me that the sisters are all talk and too proud. Thank God the cameras weren't facing our way, Clouie's so talkative! Only Amber was quiet among the five of us. She likes to be quiet most of the time so it wasn't really a surprise.

The five of us went straight to the CEO's office after the interview. So the CEO wanted to talk to all of us. I thought Shane was only pertaining to me when she mentioned it earlier. I shook my head. I'm such an embarrassment!

The staff informed us that we were called so the CEO can choose who'll model for AceLand, the company's newly built island. Only one among us will be chosen which felt nerve wracking for some reason. I do hope Clouie gets chosen, though. She deserves this big break more than anyone else! She's been working real hard these past months.

When we entered the office, I was in awe at its interior design. It looks huge and sleek! The chandeliers looked absolutely mesmerizing. As I moved my gaze down, I saw a man in suit standing at the far end of the room. His back was facing us so I couldn't see his face, but from his posture and aura I could tell that he looks heavenly fine.

"Mr. Lenegham, the supermodels are here. Here are there profiles," the woman, who I guess is his secretary, said as she handed him a folder. The man named Mr. Lenegham turned around and I swear I almost dropped my jaw. He looks strikingly handsome! He's so tall. I'm probably just up until his shoulder. Those pair of blue eyes are matched with a set of thick brows. He also has jet black hair and a sharp, pointed nose.

I slightly averted my gaze when his eyes met mine. God I hope he didn't catch me staring, I don't want to make a bad first impression! I focused on the view outside the floor to ceiling window instead. The cityscape from this angle is fascinating. Mr. Lenegham's lucky to see this view everyday. I wish I have this kind of view in my condominium unit too.

I noticed Mr. Lenegham take a quick look at all of us before giving a nod. He sat on his swivel chair and I can't help but stare at him. He looks perfect even when sitting down, it's unbelievable. He called us one by one and made us turn around. I was the last one he called and he looked at me longer than he did with the others. It was probably because of my condition. He probably thinks I look weird. Mr. Lenegham asked me a few questions then stared a bit more. I'm not quite sure what those stares meant, but they surely weren't predatory, he's must be thinking of who to choose.

"Have you chosen someone already, sir?" the secretary asked.

"Yes, I like Ms. Hannah Leigh but her features are too sharp. I'm choosing Ms. Brazeal Viglianco to be AceLand's model," Mr. Lenegham answered.

My mouth agape from what he said. Why did he choose me? These four are far more beautiful than I am! I snapped out of my trance when Mr. Lenegham spoke again, "She looks timid, simple, a bit conservative, and beautiful. She'll perfectly embody the image I want our island to have: peacefulness and serenity."

"This is not happening!"

I turned my head to Hannah who suddenly shouted. The others also turned to look at her with a surprised face. Andrea tried to calm her down.

"Sis, calm down. Your actions will damage us!" Andrea whispered to her sister.

"You chose that ugly face and not me? I am more beautiful than her! She's just too white that's why she looks pretty!" Hannah shouted.

I looked down because I was embarrassed. What she said pierced through me. I thought I was already used to criticisms about my appearance, but I guess I was wrong. It still hurts when others point it out. I've been judged since I was young for my sickness. They call me "whitewashed" for having such a pale skin color caused by albinism. If it weren't for makeup, I'd always look dead during shoots.

"You can't even compare yourself to her, Ms. Hannah. She's simple and beautiful, very natural. Not like you who had gone under the knife. Get yourself out of here before I have the security drag you out. Your attitude reeks." Mr. Lenegham angrily said.

Hannah left the room fuming mad and Andrea followed her suit. Clouie told me she'll leave first and Amber has already left without notice.

"Ms. Viglianco," Mr. Lenegham called me.

"Y-Yes, sir?"

"Come with me," he said and took me with him.