Ozoa Series #1: Written in The Stars

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

The studio lights flooded the small dressing room, radiating soft glows across the walls, warming the space but feeling anything but comforting. I sat on the vanity stool, gaze fixed on my reflection as Edison swirled a foundation brush across my cheeks. His fingers moved deftly, brushing away my stray strands of hair to blend the edges. His lips quirked, a half-smile pulling on his face as he studied my expression.

“Aba, girl, parang hindi ka excited,” he teased, his gaze flicking between the brush strokes and my face, watching for any reaction. “Big night kagabi, di ba?”

Sinulyapan ko ang sarili ko sa salamin—isang perpektong mukha, makinis na balat, matapang na labi, walang kahit isang pahiwatig ng basag na pakiramdam na nagtatago sa kaloob-looban. Pinilit kong ngumiti, maliit, bahagya pa, at nagkibit-balikat, umaasang maitatago ng kaswal na kilos ang ayaw kong ipakita.

“Nah,” I muttered, fingers tightening on the edge of the stool. “Nothing special.”

Edison’s eyebrow arched, and he paused, the brush lingering by my cheek. His eyes narrowed, dark brown with flecks of gold catching the light. I knew that look—Edison’s way of dissecting every emotion, every word I didn’t say.

“Hmm, ano ‘to, Venus?” He set the brush down, tilting his head, his hands resting on his hips. He was wearing a loose white button-down with sleeves rolled to his elbows, exposing his tattooed forearms. His ripped jeans were frayed at the knees, a stark contrast to the pristine white sneakers he always made sure were spotless. “Akala ko pa naman super special birthday surprise ‘yun for Isaiah. Anong nangyari?”

Naninikip ang dibdib ko, at tumingin ako sa ibaba, pilit na pinipigilan ang ekspresyon ko. I ran my fingers through the fabric of my dress, feeling the texture, hoping it would ground me. I was in a pale cream slip dress, simple yet elegant, with thin straps that rested on my shoulders. It hugged my frame just right, a classic choice for the shoot, though today, it felt more like armor than a fashion statement.

“Wala naman,” I murmured, trying to sound offhand, unaffected. My gaze drifted to the vanity, skimming over the scattered makeup, the bright lipstick tubes, and foundation bottles. The vivid colors seemed to mock the muted ache that sat heavy in my chest.

Lumambot ang expression ng kanyang mukha, at umusod siya ng kaonti, crouching beside me to meet my gaze directly.

“Venus,” he said softly, his hand gently brushing my shoulder. “C’mon, tell me. Hindi kita kayang nakikita nang ganito.”

I swallowed, the words clawing at my throat, refusing to come out. I could still see Isaiah’s cold expression, the indifference in his eyes when I handed him the cake. The way he smiled at that woman, a smile I’d never seen him direct at me. My fingers clenched tighter around the edge of the stool, the knuckles turning white.

“He… may ibang kasama si Isaiah kagabi,” mahinang bulong ko, halos hindi marinig ang boses ko. Pinilit kong salubungin ang tingin ni Edison, ngunit mas lalong kumirot ang dibdib ko sa nakita kong awa sa kanyang mga mata.

Nanlaki saglit ang mga mata ni Edison bago pumorma ang mga labi niya sa manipis na linya. “Oh, girl…” His hand reached for mine, squeezing gently, his warmth steady against my cold fingers. “Grabe naman ‘yan.”