  FLASHBACK ...
      &quot;Adeen, you are the only person I can trust.&quot; While Akhi was holding my hand.
      &quot;Akhi, don't. You are like a brother to me. Please let us not ruin that good relationship.&quot; I headed.
      &quot;What? You are thinking I am trying to court you?&quot; He was shocked.
      &quot;Yeah! Isn't it? You always tell me how pretty I am. You protect me! You are always there when I need you. &quot;I replied.
      &quot;Crazy! Listen up! I am gay! As in G-A-Y! &quot;He finally admitted.
      &quot;What?&quot; I was shocked when he said that.
      &quot;Yes, that is true! I know you are the only person I can trust. Telling you all of this will free me from judgment, right?&quot; He is really softening.
      &quot;Of course! I was just really surprised! I just assumed that you like me as a woman. An opposite sex. I thought you wanted something from me. 

  I have to be at my best. I will finally meet Apollo's family.
      I wore a simple black dress with a red belt and I wear a red shoe also.
      I tied my hair so they could see my bare back. I want to be beautiful again in Apollo's eyes. What is it, Zaphia? You do not have to impress that Apollo! I rebuke myself.
      &quot;The crown is yours.&quot; Akhi greeted me when he saw how I looked.
      &quot;Why? Is it ugly?&quot; I frowned.
      &quot;Lunatic! You are so beautiful. For sure Pots will stare at you again.&quot; I was locked up again.
      &quot;Wait, wait Friend, does he already have a girlfriend?&quot; Once and for all I want to know.
      &quot;Well, a lot. Pots became a womanizer. He has a lot of them!&quot; He even emphasized the word 'a lot of them'.
      &quot;Womanizer? Your brother has genuine ability during our college days. He does not just go out with a woma

  &quot;I am ready.&quot; I said when I got out of the dressing room.
      &quot;Ahmm Annie, can you cover that?&quot; At the same time, Apollo pointed at my chest.
      &quot;All right sir!&quot; Annie, the wardrobe assistant let out.
      &quot;No, it is okay. I like it this way.&quot; I said to Annie who is checking my outfit.
      &quot;That is too revealing. We are in the Philippines.&quot; Apollo explained.
      &quot;Yeah, alright!&quot; I aggreed.
      He has a point.
      Filipinos were born conservative and I know that.
      Or maybe that is what the client wants.
      I still did my best in the photoshoot.
      I have to work professionally.
      Even though the truth is I was in panic thinking that Apollo is watching me as I posed.
      From time to time I catch a glimpse of him.
      He seems to be contented watching my every move.
      Maybe in the killer pose

FLASHBACK ...
      &quot;Adeen, you are the only person I can trust.&quot; While Akhi was holding my hand.
      &quot;Akhi, don't. You are like a brother to me. Please let us not ruin that good relationship.&quot; I headed.
      &quot;What? You are thinking I am trying to court you?&quot; He was shocked.
      &quot;Yeah! Isn't it? You always tell me how pretty I am. You protect me! You are always there when I need you. &quot;I replied.
      &quot;Crazy! Listen up! I am gay! As in G-A-Y! &quot;He finally admitted.
      &quot;What?&quot; I was shocked when he said that.
      &quot;Yes, that is true! I know you are the only person I can trust. Telling you all of this will free me from judgment, right?&quot; He is really softening.
      &quot;Of course! I was just really surprised! I just assumed that you like me as a woman. An opposite sex. I thought you wanted something from me. &quot;I held my mouth because I was laughing to myself.
      &quot;My goodness! Yes I really

Chapter 16 I Great Pretender