Chapter 3

Madelyn's POV:

My itinerary was packed the next day because I was shooting in Cagayan for a short film, and they took me to see the finished product. I embraced it right away since it reminded me of that night every time I was alone. It was a nightmare for me at the time, and I didn't get out of bed for a few days because of the pain, but now I'm stronger.

Many people are watching and some are asking me to take pictures as the crew and a few extras are ready for us to begin. My casual suit is likewise mended, and I'm just getting my hair done.

"Here's the script, you read it yesterday but you still need to read and maybe you forgot something," Rocci said while fixing my foundation.

I read the script, which is about a complex connection between a woman and a guy. She must give up her happiness for the person she loves, and their connection is fraught with complications. Many ups and downs lead to exhaustion.

I inhaled deeply and stepped forward, landing on a swing. I was heartbroken since this is where he abandoned me; it's ironic that they considered filming the movie in a location where I no longer wish to visit. But I can't blame them; the scenery is breathtaking, and because there are so few people here, it's quieter and more serene.

"You guys ready?" the director asked.

I nodded.I sat and waited for the cue when hearing the cue I sighed, I thought it was work and I had to earn.

"Ino!" I said happily when I saw him. "How are you?" I added.

"Let's get straight to the point, Amanda," he said seriously.

I forced a smile and sat him on the swing. "Are you still happy?" my first question while staring into the distance.

I heard her sigh. "I don't know if I'm still happy with you or I'm just trying to be happy for the two of us?" he said softly.

I laughed heartily. "I-is that so? Can't it really be brought back? Maybe there's still a way?" little by little the tears rolled down my eyes.

I remembered how many times I begged him not to leave me. Several times I apologized for what I had done, even talking to her parents I had already done but still nothing.

"I'm so tired ... I don't know if there's any way to get it back. I love you but I can't feel anything but pity," he said softly so I looked at him.

I smiled bitterly. "You're just like them, they promised not to leave me but you're also one of the people I cried over." More and more tears streamed down my eyes as I stared at him.

"CUT!" the director suddenly shouted so I jumped in panic. "You never failed me Mad!" he shouted again in a proud voice.

I was dazed because I didn’t realize I had shed so many tears. Rocci applauded me so I couldn't believe it, I took a deep breath and sat in the chair because I didn't expect that would be the effect then.

"God, I didn't make the mistake of taking you as an actress," Rocci said in a happy voice and arranged my hair.

"Thank you," I said softly and surveyed the quiet park.

I always cry when I return to this place. This is where I've gone whenever I'm really exhausted since I arrived home. I close my eyes and take a deep breath when I don't feel like I'm doing well as an actress.

As the movie progressed into the afternoon, I slumped down in my chair, exhausted, and gripped my lips. I still have a lot to accomplish, including making arrangements with Dad's lawyer for his release from prison.

“You have a photo shoot later at Baler, bikini outfit,” Julie said and arranged my scattered hair on my face.

I waved to those calling me and approached them, they all nodded when I approached. I laughed and hugged them and sometimes talked to them.

"I've really idolized you since your first movie, Love Beyond Risk!"

"Me too! I make all your fashion outfits plus the liptint cosmetics! It's super beautiful,"

I smiled and somehow relieved my tiredness. I immediately said goodbye to them because I still had to go to Baler with Julie and the whole glam team, I immediately got in the van and tiredly smiled at Kuya Rolie.

"Are you alright hija?" he asked and handed over the water.

"It's all right, and I can still do it," I said with a smile and put on my seat belt.

I leaned against the window, taking in the view of the surrounding trees. I intend to construct a home in Manila for my family so that we can be close to my business. I own a cosmetics business that specializes on face products. Skin care, liptint, cosmetics, and other cosmetics are also offered.

I've also realized my dream of owning my own liptints firm after over seven years of hard labor. I had a hard time getting to know my own name because I was bored when I first started. I still think about him now and then, but I quickly put him out of my mind because he has a family of his own.

"We're here," Rocci said so I adjusted my seat.

I’m wearing a sweat shorts, a white sports bra, and a cropped top denim jacket. I went down and looked at the sea, many surfed and others soaked in the sun to get a tanned skin. We walked into the small restaurant and saw that the camera man was already there.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Madelyn!" The gay organizer and I immediately hugged. "It's nice that you're here, It's our pleasure that you're here!" he added in a gentle voice.

I smiled shyly. "It's also my honor to be here," I said politely.

After minutes of briefing they immediately gave me a few bikini's to wear. I wore an up shoulder green bra and a green string panty. I went out immediately and I saw Rocci's happy face as he stared at me.

"The bikini suits your whiteness, they will definitely get you an endorser of various suits," Julie said and straightened my hair right away.

"Maybe next week I'll take off modeling first because I'm going to visit Khloe," I said and smiled when I remembered my friend’s daughter.

"Sure, just tell us and don't forget your shootings," he said in a worried voice and adjusted my necklace.

They do my simple make up, the make -up is glossy so my whiteness is brighter when the sun is exposed. They all smiled and immediately supported me to the sea where everyone was already.

"Okay, you need to post all you want. The important thing is you're happy with what you're doing, we want to capture your smile." The camera man approached me and pointed me to where I would stand on the sand.

I did what he said, I did a few poses and all of that showed what I was wearing. I put on a few bikinis before the end of the shoot, they always praised me so I was ashamed to smile at them.

"Thank you," I said shyly but my smile faded when I saw Mrs. Mercado staring at me.

I noticed Carmel and Katie, Ethan's wife, with us as we exchanged glances. Katie gave me a silly grin as I stood up straight and confidently confronted them. She had lost interest in me since then since she wanted to marry Ethan. I took all of her insults in full range of motion, but now I'm going to fight her.

"Oh, Ate Mad!" Carmel in a startled voice and immediately hugged me but walked away as well. "I'm sorry ..." she added in an embarrassed voice and bit her lip.

"It's okay," I smiled formally. "It's been a long time, Mrs. Mercado," I added in a formal voice.

She smiled but I knew it was fake. "I don't know that you're here ..." she said while looking at what I was wearing. "I don't even know that you're now an artist and a model," she added, still with a streak of insult.

"You're right, Tita. I wouldn't have thought that the former seller at school would be an actress and make money. I bet you have a foreigner husband?" said Katie in an insulting voice.

I smiled at them genuinely. "I'm not ashamed of selling school snacks," I said calmly and looked at them both. "And for your information, I'm the only one to live on my own," I added and looked at them seriously.

They could not answer and trace the embarrassment on them because all my colleagues were looking at them. I took a deep breath but was stunned by Mrs. Market.

"I don't think you're also ashamed that you're a thief's daughter?" She said and smiled as if she was just talking to me normally.

I swallowed and I felt embarrassed as well. "Excuse me, if you are here to insult me and my family. Better wait for the results and I myself will present you with the papers proving that Dad did not steal the money from anyone, Excuse me." I walked over and left the three of them there because my chest tightened when I saw people who ruined my family and my life.