365 Days with the Celebrity

Chapter 27 - Going Undercover

Beth, Camila and Rita arrived at the entrance of the penthouse with much anticipation after receiving the long-awaited invite.

Their excitement was momentarily burst when they had a rude check on their bags and their phones confiscated by the bodyguards.

Vinny curtly tossed the confidentiality papers to them without a greet before they could enter in.

"Sign or leave immediately," she warned, raking her eyes up and down at those earthlings who seemed without a care at whose territory they were stepping into.

"What's wrong with this lady?" Camila mouthed to the others who expressed similar sentiments about Vinny's cold and indifferent attitude in whispers and were additionally incensed by the ridiculous clauses of confidentiality. But they were given no choice. As soon as they handed up the signed papers, they were finally free to enter the forbidden place that even the media had no access to.

The penthouse was even better than they envisioned as their eyes enamoured to every luxurious detail from top to bottom, marvelling at the panoramic view of the sea. It was like entering into the pinnacle of Olympus as it was their first time entering into the world of the rich and famous.

Camila had brought a bag containing her makeup box and costume props.

"Are you ready?" she asked Leon, who greeted them and was fresh out of the shower in his casual wear.

"This better be good," he said and led her into his room, with Andy following them inside, excited to see the entire process.

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"Are you sure about this?" Leon looked befuddled and worried, feeling the uncomfortable weight of the disguise on his skin while Andy chuckled on and off during the whole process.

"Just a few more finishing touches," said Camila, patting on some powder on his face.

Utilising what she learned at film school on special effects makeup, she skilfully fitted the wig of dark dreadlocks over his head, blended the fake beard to his skin and slid a pair of large-rimmed, non-prescription eyeglasses on. His eyebrows were coloured with dark mascara. It may not be for a film, but giving Leon Waltz a makeover was a milestone to boosting her dream to become a celebrity makeup artist, despite that she was now bound by the confidentiality agreement not to reveal anything about his private life outside the house. Ryan was not called for this purpose. Although he was a terrific stylist, he lacked the special effects skills that Camila was trained in.

"Done!" Camila proudly proclaimed.

Leon stared in disbelief at his reflection at the totally new look.

"Cool!" Andy exclaimed.

"Camila, are you serious?" Leon was uncomfortable at what he saw.

"You're supposed to be in a disguise," she reminded.

Still shy to come out of his room, Camila dragged him out to show to everyone waiting downstairs.

"Everyone, meet the new Leon Waltz!" announced Andy.

"NO WAY!!" Ariel giggled behind the palm on her mouth. Leon's devilishly blonde handsome looks had vanished beneath the new facade. The whole room roared with laughter. Even Vinny could not hide her chuckle.

Leon seethed at Camila, but it only added to her smirk.

"You did a great job, Camil," Beth praised.

"Trust us, Leon, you're totally unrecognisable and that's the point," Rita assured.

"I think the paps can still see through this," he worried as he remembered the failed disguise by Ryan.

"Don't worry, it looks really realistic and different," added Vinny, much to the ladies' surprise as she had not breathed out a word nor talked to the ladies since they first entered the house.