FLAWLESS

CHAPTER 33

Shanelle POV

As I stared at the mirror, my excitement and nerves intertwined. Tomorrow was the big day—a live photoshoot that would showcase my modeling skills and promote five different brands. Today, however, was all about preparation. I had to make sure I looked flawless, effortlessly embodying each brand's essence. It was a whirlwind, but I was ready to take it on.

The morning began getting my makeup done on set by my trusted makeup artist, Vanessa. She skillfully worked her magic, crafting a look that perfectly complemented the first dress I would be wearing. The theme was elegance, with a touch of understated glamour. Vanessa accentuated my eyes with a smoky eyeshadow and added a hint of shimmer to my lips. As I examined myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel like a different person, ready to transform into the vision the brands wanted.

Stepping onto the set, I donned the first dress—a stunning gown adorned with intricate lace and sequins, a creation by the brand Celestial Elegance. I held their signature fragrance in my hand, its delicate scent wafting through the air. The photographer, Ryan, positioned me under the bright lights, and the photoshoot began.

With each click of the camera, I struck poses that conveyed confidence and allure. I had to make the product shine, quite literally. The camera captured my every movement, showcasing the dress and the fragrance bottle in harmony. After twenty minutes of intense posing, the dress was swapped for the next one.

The second dress, designed by Indigo Chic, embodied sophistication. It's vibrant colors and flowy silhouette brought out the playful side of the brand. My makeup transitioned as well, with bold lip color and subtle hints of shimmer on my cheeks. The shoot proceeded with the same precision and intensity, capturing the essence of Indigo Chic.

This process repeated itself for the next three brands: Essence of Nature, a sustainable skincare line; Wanderlust Adventure, an outdoor apparel brand; and Timeless Treasures, a luxury jewelry brand. Each dress, each makeup theme, and each photoshoot had its own unique energy, demanding my full attention and creativity.

As the day wore on, the pressure began to mount. Five photoshoots in a day were overwhelming, and I needed something to sustain my energy. In the solitude of the dressing room, I reached into my bag and retrieved a small pill bottle. I poured five pills into my palm and swallowed them, chasing them down with a gulp of water. These pills were like my secret weapon—a boost to keep me going when exhaustion threatened to consume me.

Dressed in my final outfit—a chic pantsuit by Empowerment Style—I sat patiently in the makeup chair for the last time. Vanessa gave me a fierce yet sophisticated look that perfectly complemented the brand's message. It was a symbol of strength and empowerment, an embodiment of the modern woman.

Finally, it was time for the last photoshoot. The energy on set was electric, and I poured every ounce of my being into the final poses. As the camera captured the essence of Empowerment Style, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and relief that the day was nearing its end.

After changing back into my casual attire, ready to leave the set and head home, I reached for my phone in my bag. Just as I was about to leave, a text notification caught my attention. It was Beatrice, who needed to talk with Kayleen and they were waiting for me to come home. I quickly texted her back, letting her know I was on my way.

Moments later, the sound of my name echoed across the set. It was Ryan, the photographer. 

"Shanelle, could you spare a few minutes? I'd like to review the photos together and see if there are any changes we can make before you leave," he called out.

"Okay," I replied, my heart sinking at the thought of the delay. 

I quickly sent a text to Beatrice, explaining that I would be a bit longer because I still had some things to discuss with Ryan. With that, I tucked my phone away, walking over to join the photographer.

As we sat down together, Ryan began to show me the photographs on his laptop. We analyzed each shot, discussing the poses, the lighting, and the overall effect. It was an enlightening process, and I realized that even in the midst of exhaustion, there was still room for improvement.

The review took longer than anticipated, but the conversation with Ryan was invaluable. By the time we finished, I knew that I had given my best, and the photos captured the essence of each brand. As I finally left the set, I felt a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction but there was a nagging feeling at the pit of my stomach when I thought about what could Beatrice and Kayleen wanted to talk about that seemed so urgent.