Bound by Destiny: The MikhAiah Chronicles

Chapter 3: Falling In Love (1)

Gwen's POV

It was one of those humid afternoons where the air clung to your skin, and I was rushing to the venue, my make-up kit swinging by my side. I had been hired to do make-up for one of the top dancers in the region, Sheena. Everyone knew who she was—famous for her powerful moves and fierce stage presence. Pero to be honest, I hadn't really paid attention to her career before. I was more focused on my work, staying behind the scenes where things were less complicated.

As I arrived at the dressing room, I could feel the pressure in the air. The competition was just a few hours away, and the whole place was buzzing with tension. Sa likod ng isip ko, I was already going through the usual routine—foundation, eyeshadow, contour—mga bagay na kayang-kaya ko na kahit nakapikit. I wasn't expecting anything special. Just another job, right?

But when I walked in and saw her, something shifted.

Sheena was sitting in front of the mirror, nervously tapping her fingers against her thigh. Her long hair cascaded down her back, and her dance costume shimmered under the bright vanity lights. She was stunning, pero iba yung aura niya. There was this mix of strength and vulnerability in her eyes, and in that instant, I knew this wasn't going to be just another client.

"Hi, I'm Gwen," I said, forcing a calm smile as I approached her. "Ako yung make-up artist mo today."

Sheena glanced at me through the mirror, offering a small, nervous smile. "Hi. I've heard great things about you," she said, her voice softer than I expected.

"Naku, sobra naman yata 'yun," I laughed, trying to ease the tension. "I'm sure you'll be the star on stage later. Let me just make sure you look the part."

I began unpacking my kit, setting up the usual products and tools I'd need. Pero habang ginagawa ko 'yun, I couldn't help but notice how quiet Sheena was. She was fidgeting, her fingers nervously playing with the fabric of her costume.

"Nakaka-nerbyos ba?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light as I prepped her skin for the make-up.

She let out a shaky laugh, shaking her head slightly. "A little," she admitted, her eyes meeting mine briefly in the mirror. "It's been a while since I competed like this. Parang iba yung pressure ngayon. It's not just about dancing anymore—it's about proving something."

I paused for a moment, surprised by how open she was being. Most of the people I worked with liked to keep things professional, but Sheena... she wasn't afraid to show a bit of herself, even if it was just through a few words.

"Proving something?" I repeated, gently applying foundation to her skin. "Kanino? Sa ibang tao, or sa sarili mo?"

She took a deep breath, her gaze dropping to her lap. "Maybe both," she whispered. "I feel like I have to show everyone—lalo na sa sarili ko—that I can still do this. That I'm still worth watching."

I didn't expect her to be so honest, so raw with her emotions. Nakakagulat, pero nakakagaan din. There was something about Sheena that made me want to listen, to really be there for her, even if it was just through these small moments.

"Alam mo." I began, taking my time as I blended the foundation onto her skin, "the fact that you're here already says so much. You've already done the hard part—showing up and being ready to perform. I think everyone watching later will see that."

Sheena gave me a small, grateful smile, her shoulders relaxing a little. "Thanks, Gwen. I needed to hear that."

As I continued with her make-up, there was a comfortable silence between us. I worked on her eyes next, blending shades that would make her stand out on stage. All the while, I could feel her trust building, like we were creating something beyond just a look. There was something deeper here, like we were forming a quiet connection.