Chapter 4: Corals, Sunset, Romance II

"What brings you here?" they ask Belle when she sits down next to Jason.

"I forgot to tell you that we will have a photoshoot here in preparation for the fashion show," she says.

"And aunty Merideth allowed me to use the resort. But.... on one condition," she says while smiling playfully.

It is obvious that the lords become uneasy when she mentions my name, the word--- condition, and the playful smile that she has on her face.

But, the prince ignores them all.

"What did mom tell you?" Mon says worriedly while the others wait in anticipation.

"I told you--- she's planning something for us, so she suddenly sends us here!" Ben exclaims, rubbing his face with his palm.

"You can have your photoshoot in Bachelor's Den under one condition. The lords and the prince must take part in it! If not... then... find another place to do it!" she says mimicking me.

"What?!" the lord exclaims.

"Why am I included?" Jason asks, surprised.

"I am not sure what exactly does she want, but that's the condition. So, please.... please.... please!" she begs.

"What will they wear if ever?" Camille asks as she eats the banana Ron gives her.

"All kinds~ from formal wears to swimwears!" Belle replies.

"God no!"

"Never!"

"Ask other people!"

They react even slamming the table in disagreement. Then, Belle leans back on her chair, crosses her arm on her chest, and turns to the ladies while smiling wickedly.

"Okay. Since you don't want to do it, you leave me no choice! Ladies~"

"Don't you dare!"

"No!"

"I will kill you!"

The lords yell. Jason looks at them in confusion. Then, he shakes his head.

"Prince... are you in?" Belle asks.

"I am not a prince and NO... I am not joining!" he answers.

"Oh, come on! It's gonna be fun," Belle encourages.

"Tsk! Over my dead body!" Jason says before drinking his gin and tonic.

"Alright, ladies... please prepare for the photoshoot after your lunch! And Harry, guide these ladies to my room for hair and makeup at half-past one. See ya later! Don't be late!" she says excitedly while ignoring the lords' rants.

"This is gonna be fun!" Stephanie screams while they give each other a high five making the lords annoyed.

In Belle's room...

"Why are you here?" she asks the lords, who are crowding in her room.

"Why? Are we not allowed?" Leo asks.

"As far as we know, this is still our property," Ron says.

"And as far as I can remember, I am a client here and you refused to do this! So--- get out!" she yells.

They hesitantly go out.

"Belle~"

"Out!" she yells at Jay, who suddenly pops in. Then, he slowly closes the door.

"Sorry about that!" Belle apologizes as she fans herself to calm down. She notices the ladies exchanging a curious look.

"Out with it!" she says.

"We are just in awe at how you handle them. You seem pretty close to the lords," Letizia says.

She smiles as she puts makeup on Chealsy's face.

"I am the only child. And when I was little, I've always envied them coz of their closeness. Thankfully, our families know one another, so it gave us the chance to get along. They are like the brothers that I longed to have. They always bully me though. But, I know they will be the first to defend me or save me without hesitation," she replies.

"Aaaaaah! That's so sweet!" the ladies gush. She just smiles at their reaction.

She puts on their make up and fixes their hair. She opts for a no-makeup look since they are shooting on the beach. She just enhances their natural beauty. She curls and applies olive oil on their hair to create a soft luster.

"Try these on~," she says while handing them their casual wears.

"The concept is very easy. Friends on a holiday getaway! No sweat!" Belle explains. They excitedly change into their clothes. Then, they go out.

It's already three in the afternoon and the sky is perfect for a photo shoot. The golden sand sparkles as it's being teased by the waves.

"Where is he?!" Belle yells at her assistant.

"I don't know. I can't contact him," she says, seemingly nervous about the situation.

"Bullshit!" everyone's shocked as it's their first time seeing her lose her temper and even curses. The lords know that she is really mad.

From a distance, Jason watches as Belle rants in anger.

"Ma'am, he said that he has an emergency. His wife is rushed to the hospital due to a car accident," she informs.

Belle walks to and fro, obviously agitated. Then, she looks at the ladies.

"It's okay, Belle. We can have this tomorrow!" Sophia consoles.

"Even if we do this tomorrow, my photographer is gone! God, why now?!" she exclaims.

They understand her desperation as this is her first project. But, they can't do anything since they are not gifted photographers.

The lords cheer her up as she begins sobbing in her frustration.

"We can help you contact someone."

"I think Eddie knows one."

"Call him now!"

Then, suddenly...

"What do you wanna do?" Jason asks.

The lords look at him. Belle stands up and stares at him.

"Do you know how to take photos--- like a pro?" she asks while wiping her tears.

"Not like a pro... but just show me~"

"Nevermind~"

"Okay. I am just trying to help," he says. Then, he starts walking away.

"The sun is in the right angle to create some butterfly illusions--- too bad!" he blurts out as he walks away.

"Wait! Stop right there!" Belle shouts. Jason stops and turns around.

"What now?" he asks.

"I am sorry for doubting you~ it's just... this is my first~"

"Yeah~ now what should we do?" he says.

Belle pulls herself together and gives him instructions.

"Sophia, sit on the sand. You take her photo up here," Belle instructs. Jason follows. Then, they take few more shots.

"What is the purpose of this photo shoot?" Jason suddenly asks.

"To sell my product, my clothes--- my designs," Belle answers.

"Then, this isn't working!" he says.

"What are you talking about? It's perfect!" she justifies.

"Can you just give me a moment? Trust me," he says.

"Sophia stands near the water facing the camera. In my signal, flip your dress outward. Give me a happy smile."

"Alright, here comes the wave... and flip!"

He checks the photo.

"When you flip your dress, look at the camera. Okay, here we go. And... flip!"

"Perfect!"

They all check the photo he took and are amazed by it.

Sophia standing in the water smiling radiantly with her long wavy hair flowing free and her maxi dress looking so enchanting. The spray of water from the dress sparkles like diamonds under the sun.

"If you want to sell your items of clothing, you have to showcase its potential. Don't copy poses on Instagram or fashion magazines, focus on your product, and the one wearing it," he tells Belle, who looks stunned by his words.