Love in the Lines of Duty (Profession Series #1)

Chapter 7

My heart skipped a beat. I had been so relieved that I hadn't seen any media coverage that I hadn't even considered the possibility of posts being deleted.

"B-but," I stammered, trying to find my words, "buti nalang talaga at na delete agad, walang minuto lang ang post at deleted agad. Iwan ko kung bakit ganon."

Coleen's eyes narrowed, and she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "You don't understand, Elise. Even if it was deleted quickly, the damage could still have been done. People might have seen it. You're lucky this time, but you can't keep taking these risks."

I looked down, feeling the weight of my actions settling heavily on my shoulders. "I know, Coleen. I'm sorry. I just... I just wanted one last night of fun before the trip to the US."

Coleen softened slightly, but her tone remained firm. "I get it, Elise. I really do. But you have to think about your career, your reputation. One wrong move and everything you've worked for could be jeopardized. Please, be more careful."

I nodded, grateful for her support despite my recklessness. "I will. I promise."

Coleen sighed and sat down next to me. "Alright. Let's get you sorted out. We need to do damage control, make sure nothing else slips through the cracks."

Coleen sat down next to me, her curiosity clearly piqued. "So, who's the guy?" she asked, her tone more inquisitive than accusatory.

I just smiled, trying to play it cool. "You don't have to know about him," I said, a hint of teasing in my voice.

Coleen raised an eyebrow but nodded, understanding

. "Walang nangyari?" she asked, her tone serious.

The question caught me off guard, and I felt my cheeks flush.

"Nothing!" I exclaimed, my blush deepening.

Coleen laughed, the tension in the room easing.

"Wala, mas mabuting nakaka segurado," she said, still chuckling.

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't help but smile at her reaction.

"Seriously, Coleen. Nothing happened. He was just... kind. He took care of me when I was too drunk to take care of myself."

Coleen's laughter softened into a warm smile. "I'm glad to hear that. You deserve someone who treats you well. But next time, maybe don't put yourself in such risky situations, okay?"

I nodded, appreciating her concern. "Okay. I'll be more careful, I promise."

We spent the next hour strategizing and making plans to ensure my reputation remained intact. Despite the scare, I felt a renewed sense of determination. With Coleen's guidance, I was ready to face whatever challenges came my way.

One week later, everything was packed and ready for our flight to the US. I would be staying there for three weeks straight for the preparations.

As I stepped into the bustling airport terminal, I was acutely aware of the flurry of activity around me. Cameras flashed, voices clamored for attention, and fans waved excitedly. It was both exhilarating and overwhelming, but I knew this was all part of the journey.

I had chosen my outfit carefully for the occasion, aiming for a blend of style and comfort suitable for a long flight and facing the public eye. A crisp white blouse draped gracefully over my shoulders, its fabric light and airy against my skin. Paired with high-waisted black trousers, tailored to perfection, they lent a sense of sophistication and professionalism.

The trousers tapered elegantly down my legs, complemented by a slender belt that cinched at the waist, emphasizing my silhouette. Comfortable yet chic black loafers adorned my feet, ensuring ease as I navigated through the airport crowds.

Around my neck, a delicate gold necklace caught the light, adding a subtle sparkle to my attire. My hair, styled in loose waves, framed my face softly, while my makeup was understated yet polished—a touch of blush to accentuate my cheeks and a nude lipstick that enhanced my natural features.

Despite the chaos and excitement swirling around me, I maintained a calm exterior, focused on the opportunity ahead. This trip to the US was a pivotal moment in my career, and I was determined to make the most of it.

"Ms. Chua, bakit hindi kayo magkasama ni Mr. Santiago?" one of the reporters shouted over the noise.

I smiled, trying to remain composed. "Nicolas is already there. His flight was yesterday. He's the main model for this project, so he needed to go ahead and start preparing."

As we finally boarded the plane, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. This was a big opportunity, and I was determined to make the most of it.

When we arrived in the USA, the sheer scale of the city took my breath away. The skyscrapers seemed to touch the sky, and the energy of the place was infectious. We were staying at a five-star hotel, and as I stepped into the luxurious lobby, I felt a thrill of anticipation for the weeks ahead.

The room was spacious and elegantly decorated, with a view of the bustling city below. The bed was inviting, and the amenities were top-notch. It was the perfect place to relax and focus on the work ahead.

Just as I was settling in, my phone rang. It was my mom. I answered, her familiar voice immediately putting me at ease.

"Hi, Mom. We just got to the hotel. It's beautiful here," I said, glancing out the window at the cityscape.

"How are you doing, Elise?" she asked, her tone filled with concern.

"I'm good, Mom. Everything's fine. The flight was smooth, and the hotel is amazing."

"That's good to hear. Are you sure you're okay? Do you need anything?"

"I'm fine, really. Just tired from the flight. I'll get some rest and then start preparing for the shoot."

"Okay Elise, Just take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will, Mom. Thanks. I'll call you again soon."

I lay down on the plush bed, letting the comfort envelop me. This was my chance to shine, to prove myself. And with the support of my mom and the opportunity ahead, I felt ready to take on whatever challenges came my way.