Game of Deception (Arison Series #1)

02

Freya Saccharine Annalize Arison

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8 YEARS AGO...

"Are you ready, Freya?" Trixie asked.

She's currently doing her own make-up. Lalaban kami as representative ng department namin, and we're currently doing the photoshoot.

"I'm always ready, Trix," I confidently answered.

Pumunta na ako sa set para simulan na ang photoshoot. It's just a simple shoot dahil university based lang naman ang pageant.

I'm currently wearing a black and gold Tantalize Wave gown that my dad bought in Italy. As a supportive father, he supports me whatever I want to do in my life; he even bought my modeling clothes abroad.

I am walking in my five-inch heels when someone bumps into me. Naramdaman ko na lang ang malamig na sahig at sakit sa bandang balakang ko dahil sa lakas ng impact ng pagbagsak ko.

"Ouch!" I shouted in pain habang hawak ang balakang ko. Inis akong tumingin sa taong bumangga sa akin.

A gleam of sunlight is covering half of his face, but I clearly see him wearing a white fitted shirt that emphasizes his muscular body and simple black pants that suit his height. Damn, he's hot as hell! Paano ako magagalit nito?

"Are you okay, miss?" He offered his hand and I gratefully accept it.

Dahan-dahan akong tumayo hanggang unti-unti kong nasisilayan ang kanyang mukha. Flawless skin, pointed nose, heart-shaped pinkish lips and deep cat eye. He smells nice too. Fvcking sh*t. A perfect man really does exist!

"Carter!"

Agad namang lumingon ang lalaking nasa harap ko. So, he is Carter and Trixie knows him. How come na hindi nababanggit sa akin ng paburito kong pinsan na may kakilala siyang ganito kagwapong lalaki?

"So you've met already?" nakangiting tanong ni Trixie nang makalapit siya sa amin. Nakapulupot din ang kamay ko sa braso ni Carter. Are they dating?

Carter's forehead wringkled. "What do you mean?"

"Carter, this is Freya, my cousin..." Trix introduced. "Couz', this is Carter, my bestfriend in U.S."

Trixie's family once migrated to the U.S, doon niya siguro nakilala si Carter. So does that mean he's a transferee? Ngayon ko lang kasi siya nakita rito sa university.

"Guys, get ready; we're going to start the photoshoot. Go to your respective assigned duties now!" the university president shouted.

Umupo muna ako sa sofa na nasa unahan dahil ako ang unang kukuhaan ng picture. Pinanood ko lang silang mag set-up ng mga gagamitin ngunit naagaw ng pansin ko si Carter. May hawak siyang camera at palipat-lipat ng pwesto. I think he's exploring every angle.

"Miss Arison..." Shan called me, the university president.

Tumayo na ako at pumunta sa harap. Sanay na ako sa camera dahil palagi akong sinasama ni Mommy sa international shoot niya, pero ano itong nararamdaman ko ngayon? Bakit napakabilis ng tibok ng puso ko?

"Is there something, Freya?"

Napakurap ako nang marinig ang boses ni Carter. Kunot-noo siyang nakatingin sa akin habang hawak ang camera niya. Siya ba ang kukuha ng pictures ko? Omygosh, lalo akong hindi makahinga.

"I'm f-fine." I pissedly close my eyes when my voice shattered.

"Let's do it again," he said.

After minutes of taking pictures, sa wakas ay nakakuha rin siya ng disenteng picture ko. Hindi kasi ako maka-focus dahil nasa harap ko siya.