Chasing The Wild (Del Galiego Series #2 || ON-HOLD)

PROLOGUE

THE BRIGHT LIGHTS blinded me for a moment as I walked onto the runway, but the excitement running through me kept me focused. My heart was beating fast. A feeling I always had no matter how many times I did this before. This moment was different, though. It was the result of years of hard work, determination, and dreams. As one of the first models from the Philippines to join The Society Management, I carried not just my dreams but the hopes of many people back home.

The fabric of the beautiful lingerie I wore felt like a second skin. I held my head high, shoulders back, letting confidence guide each step I took down the catwalk.

I could hear the audience clapping, a sound that mixed with the beating of my heart. I focused on the sound of my heels clicking on the floor, each step showing how far I had come.

I successfully made this far, yet sacrificing something.

I walked to the end of the runway, I saw the faces in the crowd watching me, their cameras ready. I stopped, took a deep breath, and posed, trying to show be fierce and confident. I stretched out my right arm, letting my fingers reach as if I was trying to touch something just out of reach. I tilted my head a little to the side, letting my long hair fall over my shoulder.

I went to the backstage area, everything was busy and chaotic. A team of skilled makeup artists, hairstylists, and designers rushed to make sure I looked my best.

"You did great, Celia-sweetie!" said Dan, my gay manager, as he gave me a big hug.

I hugged him back tightly, feeling thankful for his constant support. After a moment, we let go, and I gave him a smile.

"Thanks, Dan," I said.

He handed me a schedule, "Now, here's your schedule for later. We've got some editorial work lined up."

I looked at the paper and saw the names Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle. Today was going to be busy with photoshoots for some of the most famous fashion magazines. I was used to it by now.

I took a deep breath, "Wow, it's going to be a busy day na naman," I said with a smile, handing the schedule back to Dan.

He nodded, "But you've got this, Celia. You've been working for this moment for the past five years. You're ready! ano ka ba!"

I took a break to eat a healthy meal, savoring each bite while thinking about how far I had come.

After my meal, Dan and I headed to the Vogue studio for the first photoshoot of the day. The only thing I was wearing was a design made of leaves, each one carefully placed to show off the shape of my body.

My makeup artist and hairstylist worked around me, making final changes. They had styled my hair into waves and added small leaves to match the theme.

"Are you ready, Celia?" the photographer asked in a calm tone.

I nodded and smiled. "Yes, I'm ready."

I stepped onto the set, the photographer gave me a supportive nod, which made me feel comfortable. I stood in front of the camera with my bare feet on the cool floor and struck the first pose.

I turned my shoulders a little and let one arm rest across my body to show off the curve of my waist. The leaves felt cool on my skin,

The camera clicked, capturing me. I moved smoothly from one pose to another. I tilted my head back a little, letting my hair fall over my shoulders, feeling the gentle pull of the leaves woven into it.

I stretched out one leg, using the leaves to show its length and line, which was part of the artistic vision we were creating.

The last clicks of the camera echoed in the studio, marking the end of the session.