Behind the façade - MV

4

The next day, Lando invited me and some others to his house for a movie night. After waking up, and having my shower, energy drink and a nice breakfast which consisted of two avocado sandwiches, I headed to a photoshoot with a big company.

The modeling was a mix of fashionable and sexy shots, showcasing their clothing in various settings. This was a shoot that pushed me out of  my comfort zone, filled with both excitement and nervousness. The concept of the shoot involved portraying a confident and empowered woman in a variety of bold and stylish outfits.

As I arrived on set, a mix of emotions surged within me . The unfamiliarity of the shoot's theme made me slightly apprehensive, but I were also eager to embrace the challenge. The crew, consisting entirely of women, instantly put me at ease.

After hair and makeup I slipped into the outfits, I could feel myself transforming, embodying the persona envisioned for the shoot. As the camera started clicking, I allowed myself to explore the new and daring character I were portraying.The empowering atmosphere and the camaraderie among the all-female crew created a sense of unity and support.

By the end of the shoot, I felt a mixture of accomplishment and exhilaration. The experience had not only allowed me to tap into a different side of myself but had also shown me the power of collaboration and support among the women in the studio

Once done, I returned home, showered, and changed into more comfortable clothes – sweatpants, a black top with an open back, and a black cozy cardigan. I tied my hair up into a ponytail and got ready for Lando's gathering.

Arriving at Lando's house, I found Max there, even though he wasn't initially mentioned. As I entered, I noticed Max's displeased expression, his irritation obvious even before any words were exchanged. "does she have to be here?" He said. I looked at Max with a big smile as I said "it wouldn't be a gathering without the best person" Lando just laughed and I glared at him knowing he hadn't mentioned Maxx to me.

Lando just came to me and gave me a hug. I hugged back and put my purse down and my shoes off. Lando had asked only a small group of us to join, which included Carlos, Charles, Alex, Lily, Lu and Pierre.

Lando had me help him with setting up snacks and making the seating area cozy by arranging blankets and pillows on the floor. Max didn't seem to be contributing much and instead behaved childishly, drawing attention to his discomfort with my presence.

Soon enough, Pierre, Carlos, and Charles arrived together. They all greeted me with warm hugs, and Pierre's embrace was accompanied by his hand lightly resting on my waist. He playfully asked me to save him a seat next to me on the couch, and I accepted with a smile, appreciating his easygoing nature.

Throughout the gathering, Max's annoyance and discomfort seemed to persist. The evening unfolded with laughter, conversations, and shared moments.

Pierre's POV:

As the everyone settled into their seats, I couldn't help but feel a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of my lips. I had a plan, a playful scheme to stoke the flames of jealousy and irritation that I knew simmered beneath Max's surface. With a keen sense for picking up on unspoken attractions, I had long since detected Max's hidden feelings for Maya. It wasn't hard to notice the way Max's gaze would linger just a moment too long when he looked her way, or the subtle tension in his jaw whenever I was brought up.

Now, I saw an opportunity to stir the pot, to have a little fun at Max's expense while acting as the unwitting matchmaker in this amusing game of emotions. It is not that I have any romantic feelings for Maya; I see her as a close friend and knows that she feels the same way. But the idea of playing Cupid, even if just for a little while, was too entertaining to resist.

As the movie was gonna start, Carlos claimed the seat next to Max, and I took my position on the other side of Max. Glancing over at Maya walking to the living room, I subtly nodded my head in a gesture that invited you to join me. Maya who had freshly returned from the restroom, caught my signal and moved to take the seat next to me.

From that point on, I put my plan into motion. I engaged her in lighthearted banter, playfully touching her arm and making her laugh with my witty remarks. My casual flirtations were perfectly timed, designed to create reactions from Max. My arm brushed against Maya's, my laughter was infectious, and my attention seemed almost magnetic.

Max's reactions didn't disappoint. I could practically feel the tension radiating from him as he observed the interaction. Max's jaw clenched slightly, his gaze growing sharper as he tried to focus on the movie.

Maya's POV:

As the movie came to an end, the only ones still awake were Max, Lando, Pierre, and me. Lando, looking visibly tired, stood up and stretched, not even bothering to acknowledge the sleeping figures around us. He announced that he and Lu were heading to bed and wished us a good night before leaving the room.

In the dimly lit space, Pierre shifted his attention to me and announced that he was going to head home and asked how I was gonna get home. "I actually have my own car parked outside", he nodded in understanding, mentioning that he hadn't arrived with a car as he had come with Charles and Carlos, who were now both asleep. I offered to drive him home and he was more than happy to accept.

Pierre turned his attention to him, asking how he was getting home. Max responded, his voice carrying a hint of resignation, " I think I'm gonna spend the night here" he explained that Lando had given him a ride but had now retired to bed. I couldn't help but chuckle at the turn of events, realizing the predicament Max found himself in.

With a stack of dishes in hand, I headed to the kitchen, intent on washing them before calling it a night. I gave each plate and utensil a quick cleanse before loading them into the dishwasher.

From the living room, I heard Pierre's voice again, and I turned to listen. I heard Pierre telling Max that he could come with us, an offer that seemed unexpected given the circumstances.

As I finished up in the kitchen, slipping on my shoes in preparation to leave, Pierre's words still echoed in my mind. It seemed he was determined to have Max join us for the ride home. I was about to voice my disagreement, but before I could, Pierre playfully appealed to me, using the word "please" in a way that was hard to resist.

I hesitated for a moment, glancing over at Max, who seemed just as surprised by the suggestion. Eventually, I relented and agreed, I confirmed that Max could indeed come with us.

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I think this is my longest chapter yet!! Crazy I just couldn't stop writing.