Marry Me, Mr. Sanders!

GYM

SAM

When I woke up in the morning, my neck was sore. It was already a bit late, and I actually slept deeply for once. Unlike recent nights, where sleep rarely came easily. Sometimes, I even take sleeping pills just to fall asleep. I went straight to my room to shower. I'm headed to the gym — there's one downstairs in the hotel, and it's where I usually go when I don't have any scheduled shoots. The staff and guests are used to seeing me around the hotel now. Sometimes, people ask to take pictures of me, and occasionally, others secretly take videos of me. I just sometimes get surprised when they go viral. I let it be, knowing it's still good publicity. My social media followers increased even though I rarely upload anything.

I spent an hour at the gym before feeling hungry. All I had for breakfast was bread and milk. I headed to the hotel restaurant. As soon as I walked in, people were staring. It was the first time I'd been there to eat. The place was big and spacious, offering a variety of cuisines. I decided to go for Japanese food since it had been a while since I'd had it. While I was eating, my phone suddenly rang.

"Hello, Cindy!"

"Your appointment with the tattoo artist is at 2 pm. Don't forget," she reminded me.

"Yes, don't worry; I haven't forgotten," I replied with a smile, taking another bite of the sushi I ordered.

"Where are you now?" she asked. She talks to me like an older sister or even like a mom sometimes. I've been fine with it since I started modeling — she's been my assistant ever since Lance recommended her. I needed a female PA, after all.

"I just finished at the gym, eating quickly before preparing."

"Alright, pick me up here at the apartment. Bye!" She hung up before I could say anything else.

After I ate and took a quick rest, I took a bath. I put on a backless top paired with ripped jeans — just a casual teenage look. We arrived at the tattoo artist's shop at exactly 2 p.m.

"Cindy, you didn't tell me you were bringing a celebrity," said Ella, the tattoo artist, astonished. "And not just anyone but Samantha Portman!" She added, eyes lit with excitement because I was her client.

She showed me pictures of her work, which were impressive. She's a talented tattoo artist who's been doing this for five years. Although I wasn't her first celebrity client, she said she was flattered to be working with the "supermodel of the Philippines." After finalizing the design, she got to work. It took about an hour and a half, and I was thrilled with the outcome — it covered the scar on my back.

"Wow, finally, I can't see the scar on your back anymore. Such a waste of your flawless skin," she remarked, sounding regretful. I have no other scars on my body, thanks to my mom's care while she was alive. But this is my choice.

Ella gave me some aftercare advice and provided an ointment that I'll probably apply once Cindy is with me. I could feel the sting on my back; initially, I only felt it when the needle hit, but now it was back, so Cindy helped me apply the ointment. Ella said I should take a painkiller, and by tomorrow it wouldn't hurt as much.

I stayed in the penthouse for two days, not in the mood to go out. I hadn't heard anything about Knoxx either. I just prayed we wouldn't run into each other and hoped that the investigation at the company would be over soon so we could go our separate ways. So far, I have been receiving some updates and given them instructions as needed.

I was in the kitchen eating dinner when Lance video-called to check on me. He was in Batangas dealing with his own matters; he has his own life when we're not together.

"How's married life?" he asked.

I didn't respond.

"Is everything alright?" he asked worriedly. "I warned you, Nathe. From the start, I was against that decision, but you're really stubborn," he continued.

"I'm fine, okay?" I replied without any emotion, knowing he didn't believe me.

"Spare me. Enough with your lies," he said, angry. "What am I going to hear next? That you're dead? Is that it?" He raised his voice, and I just sighed.

"I'm fine. I've just been busy these past few days," I reassured him.

"Oh, are you falling for him?" he added, which left me speechless. "You can't answer that, but I think you're falling into your own plan, Samantha Nathalia Portman." I couldn't respond immediately because I didn't know what to say. Yes, Knoxx was starting to have a place in my life. In love? I wasn't sure about that yet. Even though we'd only faced each other a few times and often argued, I couldn't deny being drawn to his charisma. He wasn't just handsome — he was like a god, with very masculine features. Suddenly, memories of our encounters flashed through my mind.

"He's not here. It's been almost two weeks since I last saw him, so don't worry," I said calmly.

"Make sure, Nathe."

"You're forgetting who I am, Lance. You're so judgmental," I laughed to lighten the tension, trying not to reveal anything. I diverted our conversation to my company plans. He's also conducting his own investigation.

"Oh, by the way, I might accept the offer in Dubai. Want to come?" I asked him.

"No need. Cindy is with you anyway. Just keep me posted if you go through with it."

"Sure thing."

"Take care there. Call me if there's any problem. And don't hide anything from me. Remember, I can still track your phone," he reminded me.

"Yes, sir," I replied with a smile.