The destiny of Red String

Part 21||Photoshoot

"she became  the reason for my existence and happiness"
~james Arthur ~

James' POV

I've been staring at this shirt for hours. The lipstick mark from Shanaya—a dark red shade that highlights the white fabric—is practically begging for my attention.

"Should I frame it?" I muse, rubbing my chin thoughtfully.

"Or maybe hang it in my bedroom for good vibes and a good life?" I add, moving my head side to side like I’m weighing my options.

"Or I could wash it. It is my favorite shirt from my mother. No, I can’t wash it; it’s a gift from God. Sorry, Mom." I shake my head at the thought.

"Let's get ready for the shoot."

---

AT THE STUDIO.

It’s a collaboration photoshoot for our mutual benefit and business. James  stride into the studio, towering at 6'2", looking like a Greek god who just descended from the heavens. His black tuxedo is pristine, every crease ironed out perfectly. His dark brown hair is slicked back, his face clean-shaven, revealing His defined jawline. The hooded grey eyes of his gleam with enthusiasm, and he slipped one hand into his pant pocket, exuding confidence.

The makeup artist seems distracted, struggling to concentrate on her work with him  standing there, the embodiment of perfection. He can feel the gazes of everyone in the room—each of them captivated by his  features, his  broad shoulders, and the intoxicating scent of musk lingering around him.

Then, Shanaya enters from the makeover room, and the atmosphere shifts.

She's draped in a black and grey blended Dior blazer paired with a black high neck and a grey mini skirt that accentuates her figure. Her hair, a beautiful mix of brown and black, is slicked into a perfect bun. Adorned with matching CHANEL jewelry, her makeup—siren eyes with a nude glossy lip—completes the look. In one word, she is a goddess—a beauty with brains, radiating warmth in her honey-toned skin.

The studio falls silent, all eyes on Miss Raisinghani. After a moment of awe, whispers ripple through the crowd.

Shanaya strides toward me, her professional demeanor intact.

"Hello, Mr. Arthur," she greets, her tone as smooth as her appearance.

"You look really perfect today," she adds, a small smile gracing her lips.

"Thank you, cara Mia, and you look stunning as always," james reply, returning her smile.

Before james can bask in the moment, his secretary approaches, greeting Shanaya and showering her with compliments.

"Thank you, you’re so sweet," she replies, her smile genuine.

James pov

I shoot my secretary a glare, warning him to back off. "Go ask when the shoot will start and don’t come back," I say firmly.

"Okay, boss," he nods and excuses himself, leaving me and Shanaya in the spotlight.

"Okay, let’s start the shoot. Everything is ready," the cameraman announces, redirecting everyone’s attention.

We make our way to the shoot area.

"So, Mr. Arthur and Miss Raisinghani, for the first photo, I want you both to stand facing each other. Mr. Arthur, hands in your tuxedo pants pocket, and Miss Shanaya, keep your hands down straight," the cameraman instructs.

We position ourselves, the distance between us diminishing until we’re just inches apart. I tower over her, capturing her in my protective embrace while she gazes up at me, those captivating eyes locking onto mine.