It hasn’t been a week since I posted the viral “Two-Timer Boyfriend Challenge”, and I’ve been getting tons of offers to promote different products and even some apps. My vlog subscribers reached half a million and it got into hundreds of thousands in my other social media accounts. The power of Seth and Ethan!

I can say that I’m currently at the peak of my influencer career and it’s more than I’ve ever dreamed of having.

There was also an agent who contacted me offering to be able to better handle my career as an influencer. And since I know that Seth knows a lot about the biz—he also has an agent—I asked him for advice and he told me to go for it. He recommended his agent to me, and now, I’ll have a meeting with her.

When I got into their office, Gayle greeted me—Seth’s agent.

“Hi Ave, I’m Gayle. I’ll be the one handling you, that is if we’ll agree on the terms and all”, she smiled at me then proceeded discussing the terms with me.

She eventually handed me the contract when I seemingly became very agreeable to what she was offering.

“Please go over it and see if the clauses are good for you”, she added.

I tried to check it intently though I have to admit I’m not quite knowledgeable with such. She continued talking about what their responsibilities will be towards my career, and so far, I love what I’m hearing.

After double checking the contract, I realized that the terms seemed okay and that it makes things easier for me, so right then and there, I decided to sign it immediately. At least, my load will be lessened when it comes to dealing with companies and it might be easier for me to book some deals.

“Oh, thank goodness you signed right away. I already have a project lined up for you”, she mentioned. “It’s for a skincare brand.”

She then checked her phone, “Glamazed, sounds familiar?”

I think my jaw just dropped. It’s one of the biggest brands here in the country! “Is that for real?”

“Yes, very much so. Actually, they already have a roster lined up of the top influencers and top local celebs for an upcoming shoot, and when you went viral, they wanted to add you right away!”

I can’t believe what I’m hearing right now. It’s that easy? I thought it will take me a while to even have this kind of opportunity.

“Was a good thing you knew Seth, so I tried to reach out to you right away”, she added. “Anyway, we’ll still talk about the fee, but once it’s settled, I’ll call you right away. I think they’re planning to have a photoshoot next week.”

I can’t help but be amazed. “Gosh, thank you so much for this!”

“No worries, just keep up with your content and I assure you, more deals will keep coming.”

We still chatted a bit and I asked for an advice on how this world works. It’s a lot for me to take in, but I’m very excited for what’s to come.

After a week, I’m currently here at the photoshoot venue. It’s in this huge warehouse with mostly white backdrop and a couple of pastel pink props around.

With this being my first time taking part in this kind of thing, I can’t help but be in awe upon seeing the things taking place backstage and with who the celebs included are.

I decided to also vlog about this experience as I owe it to my viewers—this important milestone in my career.

The influencers were on one tent, we were four, while the three celebrities had their own tents. I’m quite familiar with my fellow influencers though I haven’t interacted with them ever since, only Maureen.

“Avery! Hi!”, Maureen greeted me as we exchanged pleasantries.

“Oh, hi!”, I answered. “Good thing you’re here, I really thought I won’t know anyone here.”

“Really? Then let me introduce you to them”, she immediately clutched my arm as she guided me towards the other girls.

“So girls, this is Avery. I think you know her”, she said it as if there was an emphasis on the last statement. I’m not sure though if it was meant to be a good or bad thing since I wasn’t able to check her expression.

“This is Era, and that’s Riva”, she pointed at the girls seated, having their makeup done. They greeted me with a smile.

After some time, a staff guided me towards a makeup station. And since I still am not familiar with anyone around, I just listen to their conversations. Everyone around me seems pretty close that’s why I really can’t keep up when Maureen asks me questions.

It wasn’t long before our photoshoot started. The first ones were us, influencers. Good thing the other girls were ahead of me, so I was able to observe the things they were doing.

When it was finally my time, albeit awkward at first, I immediately got the hang of it and there wasn’t much of a negative feedback.

Once I finished my part, I took a break and went over to the refreshments table.

As I was walking, I can’t help but notice a certain conversation as I seemed to have heard my name. “…Avery?”

I got close just enough to be able to hear what they were talking about. “If I know, she only got this endorsement because of Jared”, Era said mockingly.

“Gosh, that girl got so lucky! It’s the Jared Andrada! Can you believe it?”, Riva added. “I wonder what’s the deal with her. They don’t look good together!”

I’m not the confrontational type, so I slowly made my way towards them with heavy steps, just so they can feel my presence. I can’t believe that they were talking about me behind my back. They don’t even know me!

I’d understand if it’d be some bashers online, but fellow influencers? Nah, I didn’t expect to be on the receiving end of such prejudice.

“Oh, hi! Era and…Riva, right?”, I asked as I was getting some drinks.

They both flashed a very awkward smile.

I just held my phone and dialed Ethan. Good thing he answered on the first ring. “Hey, I think I’ll be done an hour or two from now.”

I was looking at them as I was talking on the phone, “Really? You’ll fetch me? But you already brought me here earlier. You sure?” Era just looked at me with a smirk, while Riva has a confused look on her face.

“Okay, I’ll see you later then. I’ll just text you.” I just looked at them smiling as the call ended, and immediately left right after.

I know I shouldn’t be trying to step on anyone’s toes since I’m not yet established in this industry, but I can’t help but rub it in their faces.

Since I felt uneasy with what I heard, I tried to search for Gayle right away so that I can ask her about it.

“Gayle, can I ask you something?”, I immediately blurted out as I saw her sitting on the makeup station.

“Sure. What is it?”, she said as she lifted her head.

“Did I get this endorsement, because of my relationship with Ethan?”, I asked, a bit embarrassed.

She just looked at me as though I said something foreign.

“Jared Andrada? EQA Group?”, I clarified.

“Oh…him. That guy in your vlog? Not true, Ave”, she shook her head, “You’re one of the fastest rising influencers now. You managed to pave your own way.”

I still can’t believe what I’m hearing.

“Trust me, your trajectory’s good. And well, maybe he helped a bit given that it was your contents with him that garnered the most views, but still, you’re gaining more followers, and it’s your solo contents that have really been steadily growing.” She assured me.

After two hours, we managed to wrap up the photoshoot and it seemed like it was successful. went smoothly—minus what I heard earlier. On the first part, we just had to wear this white tube top, and as for our group photo, we all dressed up in champagne colored gowns.

Since I knew Ethan was waiting outside already, I immediately bid my goodbyes to everyone as soon as everything was done.

He seems to be busy fiddling his phone and didn’t even notice that I’m coming towards him, that’s why I was shocked when I opened the door of the passenger seat and saw a bouquet sitting there.

“What’s this?”, I asked him.

“For you, since this is your first big endorsement deal.” With a smile, he gave me the bouquet. “You really look pretty, Ave.”

I felt my blood rush up to my cheeks. I didn’t expect him to be like this all of a sudden. Can I already start assuming?

“So, how was it?”, he asked as I was seated and adjusting the seatbelt.

“It was really fun. I didn’t expect it to go smoothly. I really enjoyed it”, I answered with joy laced on my voice. “And how about you? How was your day?”

“Wasn’t as fun as yours. If I could’ve just accompanied you, I probably would, but I wouldn’t wanna seem like a stage boyfriend”

Boyfriend. I heard that right, didn’t I?

“…boyfriend?”, I asked, almost in a whisper.

His cheeks seemed to have turned red. I think he didn’t notice what he said, so we remained quiet there for a few minutes.

“I…”, he chuckled. “This is so awkward”, I heard him mumble.

I just looked at him, smiling, and suppressing my giggles.

“Don’t look at me like that, Ave”, he shook his head. “I wish I could’ve said this at a better time and place, but now that it’s here, I guess there’s no point in turning back.”

I can’t help but bite my lower lip, I didn’t want to give out any reaction at this point. Because I’m not so sure what to expect.

He looked at me. “Can I court you, Ave?”, then immediately turned his head and faced the front.

I just covered my face with my palms, I can’t help but smile and I wanted to hide it. I looked at him and nodded. “Yeah.”

“So, what’s next?”, he asked.

“I really don’t know, to be honest. Let’s see?”

“Okay then. Thank you, Ave.” he smiled at me. “Thank you so much.”

I was kinda tired when I got home, but at the same time, I was very inspired and happy. Whatever negative thing that happened this day immediately got shoved at the back of my mind, so I decided to add something for my vlog this day. Just a supplementary end credit with this vlog of me having my first major shoot.

“Since I just reached 500,000 followers, I’m planning to do an Ask Me Anything vlog. So if you have any questions, feel free to drop it in the comment section below!”, I said as I pointed down below. “Don’t forget to like this video and subscribe to my channel for more contents AveryDay. See you!”

After a couple of days, I noticed a number of comments pile up. And because I also shared it on instagram, I got more than I expected. Reading through it, I noticed that almost every question had the same gist—pretty much about Ethan, my dating history, my background, and studies.

Some questions really are more personal compared to others, but I asked for this, and I realized, you really can’t help the way other people think. But you can at least try to be a positive influence on them…or not.

I tried to weed out which questions I’d feel comfortable answering, and which ones—though controversial—I can still answer since it might induce a certain reaction out of people. We still need to keep the views coming!

I also asked JB for help with setting up stuff for this vlog. Also, what questions she thinks will be good for the vlog as well. She’s such a lifesaver, good thing she’s okay with me just taking her out for dinners or some snacks whenever I ask for help.

Okay. First question.

“Why did you take up interior design?”

“I feel like I’ve developed some sort of passion for it, because we have a furniture business. I was basically around it growing up.”

“Would you mind doing an instagram or facebook live?”

“I actually haven’t thought of that, but I’d consider, although I don’t know what to show you on live videos”, I chuckled. “Just leave a comment if you have any suggestions.”

“How do you balance your studies and being a content creator?”

“I try to keep a schedule. And honestly, it’s been hard with how hectic things have been lately. But content creation makes me happy, so it doesn’t even feel like work. Plus I’m earning from it.” I lowered my voice down towards the end.

I continued. “Oh, wow, these next few questions seem very personal. You really didn’t hold back.”

“Are you and Jared together?”

“Is Jared courting you?”

“I think”, I paused, “we’re very good friends.” I grinned.

I noticed that JB scoffed behind the camera, seemingly mocking me.

“How did you meet Jared Andrada?”

“Well, I just found out recently that I met him around 4 years ago while we were traveling, so I guess that’s it. ”

I still tried to think of what to add. “I swear I didn’t even recognize him, because it was just a very brief meeting back then.”

“Are you still a vir-” Okay. Foul.

My eyes widened at JB, “Hey, why’d you include this?”

“For the bloopers, Ave”, she chuckled. “Let’s just edit this.”

“You’re crazy”, I can’t help but laugh. “…but I still am though.”