LOVE ME PLEASE

CAN I STAY WITH YOU?

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Hello butterfly gang :)

Welcome back to a new chapter.

I'm not going to waste your time because this chapter is quite exciting.

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THEA'S POV:

For the first time in three years, I woke up with a purpose for myself—an intention to be a better version of myself. Prior to this, my only reason to get up and allow my limbs to work was for Rose. No doubt, I enjoyed every ounce of my motherhood, even if a few were exhausting, depressing, and worthy enough to end my life, yet I lived it to the fullest.

I was sitting in a constructed building's parking lot. Specifically, I was inside a beautiful vanity where two people were working on my hair and makeup. My heart was shuddering as Carol was blowing on my freshly painted nails.

"We have fifteen minutes left!" some guy yelled from outside, banging on the vanity's door.

"I KNOW!" The mid-aged woman yelled at him who was twisting my strands into curls. She was frowning, more like she was annoyed, and why wouldn't anyone?

We were working in the freaking morning. The digital clock said 4:30 am. I huffed, mentally praying, and blessing these poor souls.

"Thea, can you stay still? I need to put these lashes on," the makeup artist begged. I nodded and closed my eyes. She was a college student working as a part-time artist. She told me her entire story while she did my foundation and eye shadows.

I was back in this old world after so long that being here felt nostalgic. I was having these flashbacks from the time I was modeling for shows and big brands. I was so fucking confident and beautiful back then.

"All right, it's done!" I opened my eyes to see the makeup artist, hairstylist, and Carol doing group high-fives.

"Look at you!" Carol gasped, giving me those adorable proud eyes. "You look wonderful, my MOMDEL." She kissed my head.

I smiled, watching my reflection in the mirror. The loose curls fell all over my shoulders while my face was enhanced. No dark circles were visible. They turned me into The Classic Summer Model, Ms. Thea Marino.

"Thank you, guys. I look great! " That was all I could say.

"We'll call you when the setup is done." They said and walked out leaving Carol and me alone.

"How do you feel?" Carol muttered, kneeling in front of my chair. Her eyes glistened with tears. She'd cry any minute if I hugged her.

"I don't know. I'm nervous. I don't think I can do this. " I whispered, eating the watermelon pieces she packed for me.

"Momdel, you can do anything. You did your best when you impressed Anthony and Lexi." I forced a smile.

Anthony was the photographer and Lexi was the owner of a clothing brand for whom I was going to pose in a couple of minutes.

Carol was right. I impressed them with just one coffee meet. I met them the very next day Emric gave me bullshit and made a deal. Prove yourself and we'll sell the Lake House. He is such an evil person. He made me fall into this trap and now, here I was. I sacrificed my cuddles with Rose for a photoshoot because Emric threatened me with a deal.

I wish I could see him just once so I could slap him and pull his hair while yelling at him for putting me in this 'Prove yourself thing' and not even showing up for supporting me.

"He is not coming, Thea." Carol rubbed my back. I moved my eyes from the door to back Carol.

I told her about the kiss, the time we spent before the kiss, and how my brain starts to act weird when I'm with him. She said she knew something was there between us that was untold to everyone else. She said Emric feels more than he shows whereas I feel all of it and don't show anything. Honestly, she didn't make sense to me because of how I'd know what I felt. It was unknown to me too.