Chapter 27
Tessy’s POV
I thought about Aunty Anita’s offer, weighing the advantages and disadvantages. Face modeling, huh? Everyone always said I had the face, but I never saw it. Yet, Aunty Anita’s enthusiasm was infectious. I guess I have to agree, it won’t cause me any harm anyway.
“No problem, ma’am. Tell me everything I need to know,” I said, making up my mind . After all, it’s just for a day, and I am done.
Aunty Anita’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Really? You’ll do it?”
“Yes, Aunty, anything for you,” I replied, glancing at Elizabeth, who looked so excited about it.
“Give me a minute, I will get my laptop.” She added taking her leave.
Elizabeth hugged me tightly. “Thank you, Tessy! You’re solving half of my aunt’s problems already!”
I chuckled. “Come on, we’re like family and I’m finally taking a shot at face modeling since you all keep bringing it up!”
Aunty Anita returned with her laptop, her eyes sparkling. “Come closer, girls. Let me show you a few things.”
We huddled around her, and she began showcasing the company’s vision, mission, and products.
“Okay, Aunty,” I said, intrigued.
“So, Tessy, our company, BeautyBliss, is launching a revolutionary foundation and powder line,” Aunty Anita explained. “It’s cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and suitable for all skin types. We want to empower women to feel confident, beautiful, and inclusive.”
Elizabeth nodded enthusiastically. “And you’ll be the perfect ambassador, Tessy!”
As Aunty Anita shared more details, my excitement grew. This wasn’t just about modeling; it was about spreading positivity.
“Wait, it’s going to air live?” I asked, surprised.
Aunty Anita nodded. “Yes, tomorrow. We’ll have a team of professionals handling makeup, hair, and wardrobe. You just be yourself, Tessy.”
I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation like I thought it would be in a week’s time but tomorrow, well I got this, it’s not going to be hard, I can do it!! I kept encouraging myself.
“I won’t let you down, Aunty,” I promised.
Aunty Anita smiled warmly. “I know you won’t, Tessy, you are going to do great, just believe in yourself.” I nodded.
It was time for me to leave, I hugged Elizabeth and exited her home to get a taxi to take me home.
As I settled into the taxi, I pulled out my phone and dialed Mom’s number. I was so excited to share the news with her.
“Hey, sweetie!” Mom answered, her warm voice filling the line.
“Mom, guess what?” I exclaimed, barely containing my excitement.
“What is it, Tessy?” Mom asked, curiosity piqued.
“Aunty Anita offered me a face modeling gig for her company, BeautyBliss!” I blurted.
Mom squealed on the other end. “Oh, Tessy! I’m so proud of you! You’ve always had the face, honey.”
I chuckled, feeling happy. “Thanks, Mom.”
Mom’s tone turned serious. “How’s Eddy? Have you talked to him lately?”
My mood shifted, and I hesitated. “Not now, Mom. I’m not really in the mood to talk about it.”
Mom sensed through my tone that I was no longer feeling happy.”Okay, dear. We’ll talk later. Just focus on your modeling gig, I know you will do great and make sure you call your dad, he told me you are not answering his calls.”
Well I didn’t want to pick up dad calls because he kept talking more about my life with Eddy. What I actually expected from my father was to build our relationship, I literally came to New York because of him. I wanted to be close to my father and find out why he left mom. It seems I will never get that from him because of the so-called contract marriage.
“I heard you, Mom.”
“That’s my girl, take care.”
I smiled, grateful for her understanding. “Love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, Tessy. Break a leg tomorrow!”
We ended the call, and I gazed out the window, my mind whirling with thoughts of the upcoming shoot.
Eddy’s face flickered in my mind, but I pushed it away and replaced it with Anthony, he was the one I wished to be with.
The taxi pulled up to my destination, and I stepped out, feeling a sense of determination after paying the taxi driver and heading to my apartment.
After settling in my room, I faced the mirror and said to myself, Tomorrow is about me, my face, and BeautyBlis, you got this Tessy…
I woke up with a radiant smile the next morning, still basking in the excitement of the face modeling gig.
As I rolled out of bed, I noticed a delivery package waiting for me at my doorstep when I stepped out to trash some dirt.
Anthony’s surprises never failed to brighten my day. Inside, I found a stunning new set of accessories earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
My heart fluttered. How did he always know how to make me feel special?
Elizabeth’s call interrupted me. “Hey, girl! Get dressed, Aunty Anita, and I will pick you up soon.”
“Okay no problem, I will get ready.” I ended the call.
I hummed along to my favorite tunes while getting ready. Immediately I finished getting dressed, I told myself, I got this, I can do it and I need to stop being nervous.
When Elizabeth and Aunty Anita arrived, we exchanged warm hugs and greetings.
Aunty Anita’s simple yet elegant car drove us directly to the BeautyBliss headquarters. Upon arrival, I was directed to the main room where I saw Aunty Anita’s Team. I didn’t even know she told them about me and one of them said to me,
“Wow, Tessy, you look stunning!”
“Thank you so much.” I blushed hard and tried to maintain myself.
I blushed as others echoed similar sentiments and I was already feeling like a celebrity, it felt good in a way, I won’t lie, this self was great.
Aunty Anita gave me a reassuring smile. “You’re going to crush this, Tessy.”
Elizabeth said to me when it was time for the real deal. “Break a leg, bestie!”
As the cameras rolled, the hosts introduced me: “Please welcome our beautiful model, Tessy Jones!”
I smiled confidently, showcasing BeautyBliss’s revolutionary foundation and powder.
“Hi, I’m Tessy Jones. Today, I’m excited to showcase BeautyBliss’s cruelty-free, vegan-friendly products, perfect for all skin types.”
The camera zoomed in on my face as I applied the foundation and powder. My skin glowed, and the audience gasped in awe.
Orders poured in, and the sales graph skyrocketed. BeautyBliss had hit a new high in the market.
Aunty Anita beamed with pride. “Tessy, you are so natural!”
Elizabeth hugged me tightly. “You killed it, bestie!”
As the livestream ended, I felt exhilarated. Face modeling wasn’t just about looks; it was about empowering women to feel beautiful and confident.
“Thank you, Aunty Anita and Elizabeth,” I said, my voice filled with gratitude. “This has been an incredible experience.”
Aunty Anita smiled warmly. “Welcome to the BeautyBliss family, Tessy. You’re going to change the game.”
Still in the happy mood of the successful livestream, Aunty Anita excused herself when her colleague came to whisper some words to her.
Elizabeth grasped my arm, her eyes sparkling. “Tessy, check this out!”
She showed me her phone, and my jaw dropped. I was trending online, with thousands of comments and hashtags #TessyJones #FaceOfBeautyBliss #NewYorkNextBigThing.
“You should be the face of New York!” many commented.
I blushed, feeling overwhelmed.
Aunty Anita returned, beaming. “We got our first sponsor! We need to celebrate!”
Elizabeth and I screamed in unison, jumping up and down.
As we prepared for the evening celebration, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.
At the dinner table, someone mentioned, “Can you believe we’ll be sponsored by Mr. Anthony Alberto? After many trials, truly Tessy is an angel!”
My heart skipped a beat. Anthony? My Anthony?
I let out a discreet smile, trying to compose myself.
Aunty Anita’s eyes met mine, curious. “Tessy, do you know Mr. Anthony Alberto?”
TBC..