Chapter 38

Book:EX Factor Published:2024-5-1

AUBREE’S POV
After 2 years
Sometimes in love, you really need to take a risk. Risk is not to fight for the person you love, but risk leaving him to learn to love yourself first before you love him again.
Its a big risk because when you leave you are not sure if he will wait for you or not.
Its been 2 years since I left him. No goodbyes nor assurance if I will come back to him or not.
I think that is better that way.
Seb made a promise and he kept it. But I fell for someone else and unintentionally hurt him.
I don’t want to it happened with Gavin.
If we were meant to be, so be it.
I will not be hypocrite, I still wish and hope that he is still there waiting for me.
Though I am slowly losing hope.
In my 2 years here in Paris, I received so many news about them, about Gavin and Sheena.
As per the news, Sheena left his career in Europe to stay with Gavin. They were always seen going out on a date. Seems like they don’t care about what the people will think. Or maybe that’s their way of confirming the speculation about their relationship.
And it huts.
It hurts so much.
Because I still love him.
In those two years that I am not with him, I never stop thinking of him.
Still I’m still hoping that we will still end up together.
But it seems that it is impossible now. I may not admit it to myself but I can see in his eyes that he is really happy with her. And I should be happy for him, even though it kills me every time I hear news about them.
My contract here in Paris is almost done. I am scheduled to go back to the Philippines. I will renew my contract with Inarez and most importantly I will be attending Seb and Sam’s wedding.
Finally Seb will have his happily ever after. And I’m more than happy to know that he learned to love Sam.
Sam was always there when he needed someone on his side. He was so devastated when I broke up with him. Though he understand my decision, still he can’t still accept the fact that this will be our ending.
All his life, he only sees his future with me.
And I’m glad that Sam was there when he felt lost and didn’t know what to do.
And they both deserve to be happy. I knew how much Sam loves Seb.
At least one of us was able to have their happily ever after.
***
I just landed, when our company’s secretary called me.
“Ms. Aubree?”
“Yes?”
“There will be people who will escort you out of the airport.”
“What? You don’t need to do that. I’m good” I asked a bit confused.
“We can’t allow you to go out of the airport alone Ms. Aubree.”
“What? Why?”
“There were a lot of media waiting for you outside the airport.” He explained.
“Okay. I see. Thanks.”
I was a bit confused because I didn’t know that my achievements in Paris was a big deal here in the Philippines.
When I came out, I saw two men in Inarez uniforms. They immediately met me and guided me to the car.
The media attacked me. Fortunately, the guards protected me, otherwise I would not be able to get out of the airport due to the number of reporters blocking me.
“Ms. Aubree what is your reaction in the allegedly relationship of Ms. Sheena and Mr. Gavin? You are Mr. Gavin’s ex girlfriend right?”
“Is that why you left the country? For you to move on?”
“Is it true that Mr. Gavin left you for Ms. Sheena?”
“You are done with your contract with Inarez, are you going to still renew your contract or you will transfer from other modeling agency?”
“Are you ready to face Mr. Gavin and Ms. Sheena?”
Those were just a few of the reporters’ questions as the guards guided me into the car.
So the reason why they want to see me, or to interview me is because of Gavin and Sheena’s relationship and not my modeling career in Paris.
I just shook my head.
It seems like my stay here in the Philippines will not be peaceful as I thought it would.
After what I heard in the media, it looks like I don’t want to stay here in the Philippines anymore. Because it looks like there is no reason for me to come back.
It hurts but I need to accept it, because of the decision I did 2 years ago.
I do not regret anything. Because if I didn’t do that, my relationship with Gavin might not workout either, because at that time I had a problem with myself.
Maybe, just like Seb, we are not meant for each other.
Reality really sucks.
***
When I arrived in the office, there were still media waiting for me.
Asking me the same questions.
Sometimes, I can’t tolerate to be the subject of the gossip.
I know its their job but I’m not a celebrity. I doubt if many people here in the Philippines knows me.
The guards guided me to the board room. Though I’m a bit confused but I chose to follow them. Maybe I will sign the contract here.
I was surprised when I saw all the boards were here welcoming me.
“Hi Aubree, how’s your flight?” Mrs. Inarez greeted me.
Though I feel a bit awkward but I just chose to smile at her.
“My flight went well except for the media.” I said in a respectful tone.
Mrs. Inarez rolled her eyes. “We know Aubree. They were waiting for you since morning. We assumed that there were also be a media in the airport that is why we provided you escorts to protect you. But enough of the media. We are so proud of all your achievements in Paris Aubree!”
I just smile at her as my response.
Almost all the boards who were there greeted me and telling me how proud they were of me.
And then I saw Gavin. My heart beats so fast and loud. Its been 2 years since I saw him. He became more hot now, I must commend him that he was able to maintain his looks and body despite of his busy schedule. Maybe he’s blooming because he is in love with Sheena. Though I wish that he is still in love with me. But who am I kidding right?!
He smiled. “Congrats Bree!”
I just smiled at him. “Thanks.”
It was so awkward. It seems like we don’t know each other. He treated me like a normal employee.
After all the greeting, we then proceed in contract signing. It a 2-year contract again with Inarez Agency.
“Aubree, should I consider you again in the creative team?” Mrs. Inarez happily offered.
“I’m not sure Mrs. Inarez. I got an offer again in Paris.” I told her.
But the truth is I don’t have any plans to accept that offer. I actually declined it already, but seeing the media earlier, I think I need to accept the offer. So I can avoid the media.
“I thought you already declined the offer.” Gavin said seriously.
So they already heard the news.
“Yes I did. But after seeing the media earlier, I think its best for me to just go back to Paris.”
“They are like that because of the issue, they will stop eventually.” He just said.
I just shrugged.
***
After the contract signing, I went straight to the rehearsal venue for Seb’s wedding.
Seb’s hug me immediately when he saw me.
“Don’t hug me too tight, your future wife might get angry.” I teased him.
He chuckled. “Sam will understand don’t worry. I miss you Bree.”
I smiled at him too. “I miss you too! And I’m so happy for you.”
“I know. I hope you too will find your happiness.” He said sincerely.
I just gave him q forced smile. “I hope so.”
“Are we guys complete?” The wedding coordinator said.
“Yes Dianne we’re all complete.” Sam said.
I turned in her direction and felt nervous again to see the man she’s with.
Sam went to me me while dragging Gavin.
Like Seb she hugged me. “I miss you Bree! And congrats you have achieved so much!”
I just smiled at her. I can’t react too much because of Gavin’s presence.
“Seb wanted you as his best man and I want Gav to be my maid of honor, but I don’t think that’s possible. Our parents will not allow you to change the traditional wedding. So I’m happy that you agreed to be my maid of honor while Gavin also agreed to be Seb’s best man. ”
My eyes widened when I found that out. I didn’t expect that coming. Gavin and Seb are not close, though Seb doesn’t have many friends, so I guess that’s why they came up with that idea.
“So you two will become partners.” Sam said in a teasing tone.
My eyes narrowed. This girl is planning something. I just shook my head. Typical Sam.