When up-and-coming model Isabelle meets talented but jaded photographer Milo, sparks fly despite their age difference. Their romance becomes the talk of the New York City fashion scene, fueling rumors and speculation about their scandalous affair. A...
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She was coming to a strange realization.
She realized that many times she would bring up things about herself to Milo, purposefully diminishing her own self, because the last guy she saw would tease her about it [and now she thought, not in the best way]. And so when she brought up these things, like asking for a cup of tea before bed, or how much she loves French bulldogs, she would expect Milo to also be dismissive. But instead, Milo would take those things as facts and be so open and supportive of them, that he didn't even know how to react.
These are the thoughts that haunted her as she went about her day.
It was springtime now, and the sun was setting later, so that was good. But she still felt the darkness overtake her from time to time. And though the darkness was strong, she was stronger.
She went to work, and she went to workout classes. She cooked for herself, and when she didn't, she'd get the healthiest takeout that she could. She got back on her vitamin regimen. She read more. She tried to detach herself.
And before she knew it, it was already a month that they were apart.
And she didn't know if it was fate, the cunning mistress, or simply coincidence [was there even such a thing?] but all of a sudden it - her great independence - all came crashing down because the campaign launched.
Yes, the campaign that started it all...
She almost forgot about it. The drama of her relationship with him overshadowed anything to do with their work. She thought he would replace her, but he ended up using their test shots! From one of their first meetings, in the wedding dress as part of the campaign.
All of a sudden, she woke up to billboards of herself, wearing almost no makeup, and wearing a wedding dress and different variations of that theme in black and white. Shot by Milo.
"This is fantastic for your career," her manager - who had no idea what happened with Milo or any of them beamed over the phone, "I thought you'd be happier!"
"I am," Isabelle responded numbly. It was all she could muster. She wished this reminder of her pain didn't exist.
"Okay, Iz, just don't forget about the launch party this weekend," the manager said absentmindedly, chewing something over the phone.
Her manager sighed over the phone. "This weekend? Come on, Iz, you can't bail, it's part of your contract."
Isabelle's heart sank, and she swallowed hard. In her contract? How did she miss this part?
"Will...Milo..be there?" Isabelle asked, having a hard time having his name in her mouth again.
"Of course, he's the mastermind behind this whole thing."
"What do you mean?" Isabelle breathed out the question.
"Well, it was his idea to use the test shoots, and honestly it was great. The whole campaign has such a raw feeling to it."
Isabelle knew that he raw feel was bot because of the test shoots. The raw feel was because of how they felt about each other, even then.
Even now? Isabelle asked herself.
"Anyway, its mostly a PR event for the media, but you need to be there, Iz. So I'm thinking we'll get hair and makeup in the morning, and I'll send over an outfit for you.
"No!" Isabelle interjected, "I want to choose what I wear."
Her manager chuckled, "Okay, just run it by me first, will you?"
"Sure," Isabelle knew that this would be one of the only ways she'd be able to express herself and she would make sure she'd make herself heard.
