Chapter 53: No Room for a Second Male Lead
I sat in silence while the makeup artists worked around me, their brushes sweeping gently across my skin. The scent of powder and foundation lingered in the air, while gentle music played in the background.
They styled my hair into loose curls, pulling them back at the crown and pinning them with pearl-studded clips. A few strands fell around my face, giving me a soft, romantic look; elegant yet carefree. The curls added a playful touch, like a young woman ready to enjoy the best summer of her life.
"I don’t think we need any accessories," Jeanne said as she studied me through the mirror. "Her hair and makeup are already beautiful." She tilted her head, then asked, "What do you think, Helcia? Do you want to add anything?"
Jeanne was right.
My curls already added a sweet touch to my face, and if they added earrings or too many hair accessories, it would look excessive.
My neck also looked long and graceful, so I didn’t need a necklace to cover it. Besides, I’d be holding the eyeshadow palette, so it was better not to wear anything that would take attention away from it.
"I think I look good just like this." I smiled at Jeanne, not too wide because I didn’t want to crack my makeup. "The eyeshadow palette is the star of the photoshoot, so I don’t need anything shiny on me."
Once Jeanne made her decision, she asked me to try on a few dresses. In the end, she chose a yellow sleeveless one with ribbon-like straps. It was sweet and elegant at once, and I couldn’t help but want to twirl around just to watch the skirt float in the air.
"Helcia, maybe just a small necklace," Jeanne said at last. She placed a silver chain around my neck, with a tiny citrine pendant. It was simple, but it completed the look perfectly, while still letting my neck stand out.
Jeanne stepped back to admire her work, her eyes lighting up with satisfaction. "Perfect," she said softly, almost to herself. "You look like you stepped out of a painting."
I looked at the mirror again, hardly recognizing the woman staring back. The soft curls, the warm glow on my skin, the yellow dress that made me shine brighter, it all felt almost unreal.
Back when I was in my own body, yellow had never been my color. Maybe it was because my undertone, skin tone, hair, and eyes were different from Helcia’s.
My sharper features always suited bold colors and darker, more dramatic clothes. But Helcia’s face was gentler, softer, and that made youthful styles and light, airy dresses look perfect on her.
Jeanne came closer and adjusted the straps of my dress. "There," she said with a warm smile. "Now you’re ready for the photoshoot."
When I walked out of the makeup room, the studio was already buzzing with energy. Staff members moved quickly, adjusting the lights, while the photographer snapped a few test shots to check the angles and colors.
The prop team worked carefully, making sure the backdrop looked perfect. It wasn’t anything complicated, just a yellow background decorated with tall potted plants, arranged to resemble trees swaying by the beach.
"Helcia, you look wonderful!" I turned toward the voice and saw Margareth, who, oddly enough, seemed much friendlier than she had before. "Ms. Roselle will be so pleased when she sees the results of this shoot."
It was obvious that Marissa’s presence had changed the way she saw me. Now she treated me as someone important, choosing her words carefully and forcing a polite smile.
To be honest, it was a little annoying. When I was just starting out, I had to work endlessly to earn even the smallest bit of respect. But still, I wasn’t going to complain. Sometimes, it was nice to enjoy the sweetness of a cake without having to bake it yourself.
"This is Zayne. He’ll be the one guiding you through the photoshoot," Margareth said as she introduced the photographer.
I blinked at him. Honestly, he looked more like a model than a photographer. He was tall with sharp features, the kind of man people would turn their heads for. But still ... in my eyes, my husband was far more handsome.
[Random Quest!]
[Quest: Make the photographer obsessed with you!]
[Reward: $10,000]
[Time Limit: 24 hours.]
What the hell kind of quest was that?!
Why on earth would Penny want another man to be obsessed with me? Was she trying to add a second male lead into my life?!
I hated love triangles! I even always skipped movies or dramas that had a second male lead in them.
[Host, you’re misunderstanding.]
[Being obsessed doesn’t always mean romance. It can also mean being a muse. Photographers always have that one model who inspires them, someone who makes them excited and creative. Penny just wants Zayne to feel that way about you.]
Oh ... well, that did sound a little better.
’Then you should’ve named the quest something like "Become Zayne’s Muse,"’ I grumbled in my head.
[That doesn’t sound fun.]
I narrowed my eyes slightly. Honestly, the thought of juggling two men at once didn’t sound fun at all.
"Hello, Ms. Orszebet." Zayne greeted me with a warm smile as he held out his hand.
I met his gaze and returned the gesture, giving his hand a firm shake. "Please, just call me Helcia," I said with a polite smile. "I’m looking forward to working with you today."
Zayne’s smile widened, the kind that could easily charm a room. "Helcia, then. It’s a pleasure." He released my hand, then motioned toward the set. "Shall we get started? The lighting is ready, and I want to capture you while the energy is still fresh."
I followed him toward the backdrop, my dress swaying softly with each step. The tall potted plants framed the yellow background perfectly, giving the whole scene a warm, summer-like vibe.
One of the staff members carefully handed me the eyeshadow palette, while the stylist leaned in to give me a few quick pointers.
"Alright," Zayne said at last, lifting the camera into position. "Just relax. Think about something that makes you happy, and let that feeling show on your face."