FLAWLESS

CHAPTER 45

(Shanelle & Vincent's song- Everyday by Ariana Grande)

~ 3 months later ~

Shanelle POV

Life has a funny way of taking unexpected turns. As I sit here, reflecting on the whirlwind of events that have unfolded in my life, it's hard to believe how much has changed in such a short span of time. Traveling, modeling, and chasing my dreams have taken on a whole new meaning. Vincent, with his enigmatic presence, crashed into my world like a silent storm, shaking up everything I thought I knew. And truth be told, I'm grateful for that unexpected collision.

Before Vincent entered the picture, my life revolved around two things: traveling and my modeling career. I was passionate about both, but I had always approached them with a certain level of detachment, keeping myself at arm's length from truly embracing the experiences that lay before me. I was lost in a robotic existence, constantly pushing myself beyond my limits to maintain an illusion of perfection, covering up the cracks within me, all for the sake of fame and the spotlight.

But Vincent changed everything. He tore down the walls I had built around myself and showed me that it was okay to make mistakes and live through them. In his presence, I felt alive, no longer confined by the rigid expectations I had imposed on myself. He brought an energy into my life that was both exhilarating and terrifying, and I found myself eagerly embracing the chaos that ensued.

But it wasn't just the external world that Vincent showed me; he also helped me confront the internal struggles I had long suppressed. He saw through my façade, peering into the depths of my soul, and he accepted me for who I truly was—a fragile and broken girl who had struggled to keep everything together. With him, I didn't need to be perfect. I didn't need to hide my flaws or bury my vulnerabilities. He saw them, embraced them, and loved me all the same.

Over the past three months, I've come to realize something profound. People who live their lives behind a carefully constructed mask, concealing their true selves from the world, tend to make the same mistakes over and over again. They lose touch with what it means to truly live, and they forget what it feels like to be human. I refuse to fall into that trap any longer.

I've made the decision to start anew. I'm no longer interested in chasing a mirage of perfection or desperately trying to maintain an illusion. I want to embrace my imperfections, learn from my mistakes, and live authentically, even if it means exposing my vulnerabilities to the world. It's time to let go of the robotic life I once knew and step into the unknown, with all its uncertainties and possibilities.

Vincent may have crashed into my life unexpectedly, but I'm grateful for the tornado he brought with him. He swept me off my feet, shook me out of my complacency, and showed me the beauty that lies in embracing the messiness of life. And now, with a fresh start on the horizon, I'm ready to embark on a new chapter—one where I can finally be true to myself and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Today was the day, the day I would make my triumphant return to the runway in the city of fashion itself, Paris. Nervous anticipation coursed through my veins, intermingling with a newfound confidence that had blossomed within me during the past few months.

I ran my fingers through my dark, luscious curls, admiring their natural bounce and volume. The hairstylist had worked wonders, enhancing my locks with delicate waves that cascaded down my shoulders. The makeup artist deftly applied a light, dewy foundation, accentuating my features with a smoky eye and a touch of rose-pink lip gloss. My reflection stared back at me, the reflection of a woman who had weathered storms and emerged stronger.