Chapter 3

I knew it all made sense, but this whole thing was so humiliating. I just couldn't accept it, and my heart was twisted up with shame and confusion.

"Emily, I know you really value your reputation, and honestly, asking you to do this is way over the line. But I'm seriously out of options," Jessica said, looking at me with a helpless expression.

"Look, how about this? I'll help you cover things up, and I'll stick with you the whole time, okay?

"Trust me, my dad totally adores me. He'll definitely say yes. And if he doesn't, I'll raise hell and make such a fuss he won't have a choice," Jessica tried to reassure me.

"Emily!" Jessica called out again when I didn't respond.

Jessica was trying to make sure I could wear a hat to hide my face, and promised she'd stick with me the whole time. I wanted so badly to agree, but I just couldn't bring myself to say it.

"Emily, if you don't agree, I'm really out of options! Just think it over, okay? I'm skipping school today too. Let me know when you've made up your mind," Jessica said, pretending to get up and leave.

Seeing her about to walk away, I panicked and grabbed her hand.

"Alright, Emily, don't worry. Those photos won't ever get out. Stuff like this happens at school all the time. It's just that nobody talks about it. I'll grab you a hat, so your face will be hidden," Jessica said quickly, trying to reassure me.

"Okay, I'll do it!" I gritted my teeth and finally gave in.

"Alright, I'll go grab a few things from my room. You get ready too," Jessica said, then walked off.

Not long after, Jessica came back with a hat and took me to her place.

When I saw Julian, my face burned even hotter. Thankfully, the hat Jessica picked out covered my face so well, nobody could tell it was me.

I'd been to Jessica's house plenty of times before, but this was the first time I'd ever stepped into Julian's studio.

There were tons of paintings hanging on the walls, and the women in them were all stunning. Honestly, I felt relieved when I saw that none of them were what I'd feared. They were all painted from behind or from the side.

I had no clue what Julian had planned for me next.

Part of me was excited, but the other part was terrified.

After putting on the hat, I took a deep breath, my hands trembling so much I could barely get dressed.

"Wow, Emily, your figure is incredible! Even as a girl myself, I can't help but feel jealous. Seriously, you look amazing.

"No way, take off that hat! Let me take a few pics. Imagine how much we'll laugh about it when we're old," Jessica said, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Emily, Emily!" Jessica kept calling out to me.

There was no way I was taking off that hat. Just wearing it was already pushing my limits.

"Emily, don't worry, I won't lose track of your photos. Or maybe I can just take them with your phone so you have them yourself, please?" Jessica said, shaking my shoulder.

I didn't even have to check the mirror. I could feel my face and skin burning red, like a ripe tomato.

"Jessica, are you actually going to keep your word or not? If you're not, I'm out of here!" I said, my patience wearing thin.

"Of course I will! I'll go get my dad," Jessica said. Soon after, I heard the door open. Julian must have come in.

"Emily, just relax. Lie on your side on the couch and pretend you're asleep. Once you wake up, it'll all be done."

I nervously lay down on the couch, my hands shaking as I tightly covered my chest.

"Emily, you need to put your hands down, or it won't look right."

I took a deep breath. I've already come this far. What's one more step?

With shaky hands, I hesitantly let them fall to my sides.

"Put one hand on the couch. Yeah, just like that. And the other hand on your stomach.

"Now, move the hand on your stomach up a little more."

I was so embarrassed, I just couldn't bring myself to move my hands away.

Suddenly, a large hand took mine and gently placed it on my stomach.