Tiffany

My mouth fell open, and my lips felt dry as our eyes locked. I was afraid to blink, fearing that he might vanish in an instant. My heart raced faster against my chest, as if it had suddenly recognized him.

I wasn’t dreaming this, right? He was really standing right in front of me now.

Unconsciously, I licked my lips, as if trying to quench their thirst with his sweet kisses. His gaze shifted to my lips, and suddenly, his expression darkened.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, realizing that we were surrounded by their entire crew and staff. Alarm surged through me. Damn. He never failed to evoke a whirlwind of emotions in me within such a short span of time.

But my forehead furrowed as I noticed the tension in his jaw. I couldn’t understand why it seemed like he was fighting an internal battle.

Soon, some of their staff members must have noticed me because their gazes turned in my direction.

“Who is she?”

That was the common question I heard from all of them. The last thing I wanted right now was for my name to be dragged into rumors and controversy. I also didn’t know how it would affect Travis’ career if that were to happen.

I needed to carry out my plan away from the prying lenses of those tricky cameras.

I forced a smile at them, finally finding my voice that seemed to have vanished the moment I saw him.

“Sorry for intruding. I didn’t mean to disturb. I just happened to pass by. I came from a prenup shoot on the other side,” I apologized to them.

I was about to turn around and leave when suddenly, a familiar voice called my name.

My body stiffened in place as I heard her voice. Although we had never become close before, I was sure it was her voice.

I slowly turned my head in the direction the voice came from. I could see the surprise on her gentle face when she saw me.

“Oh, my! It’s really you! What are you doing here?” She approached me quickly, wearing a wide smile as if she were genuinely happy to see me.

“Do you know her, Jela?” asked a tall man with raised eyebrows, probably their manager.

She nodded immediately. “Yeah. She’s a friend. I’ll take care of this. The shoot is already done anyway.”

I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. Since when did we become friends? And why is she acting as if we’re close?

I glanced at her from head to toe. It seemed like they were still wearing the upcoming designs of the clothing line they were promoting.

She was wearing a white top with a brown leather jacket, black skinny jeans, and black high boots. Her hair was dyed blonde and curled.

My gaze shifted to Travis. His expression remained unchanged. It felt like he could pounce on me like a lion at any moment.

Then I looked down at what he was wearing. I only noticed it now because my whole consciousness was thrown off balance when I saw him earlier.

He was wearing a blue polo shirt under the brown blazer, black chinos, and brown leather shoes. Their outfits appeared casual, but they were suitable for this chilly month of December.

“I just passed by. We had a photoshoot earlier at the Tent Chapel, so I decided to look around afterwards. Jairus mentioned that there’s also a photoshoot happening here, so I got curious,” I replied to her. Well, I wasn’t that rude.

The smile slowly disappeared from her lips. It seemed like I said something she didn’t like. But I just shrugged it off.

“But no worries. I’m not here to start any kind of scandal. In fact, I was about to leave already. So, if you’ll excuse me.” I gave my famous fake smile.

She blinked. “No—”

“Jela, let her go. Just fix your things because we’re leaving soon. Our time is being wasted here,” Travis said irritably.

My heart felt squeezed upon hearing his words. He had treated me in a similar manner in the past few days.

Is that really how he sees me now? A waste of his time?

Doubt was evident in Jela’s eyes as she looked at Travis.

“Okay. Just a moment.”

I was taken aback when she approached me slightly and whispered.

“Travis has been a pain in the ass for photographers. Especially during trips, mall shows, photoshoots, and various events we attend. It’s difficult for them to capture him from the right angle because of his stubbornness. He feels uncomfortable posing for shots. So even in this kind of photoshoot, his patience is quite short.”

My eyebrows furrowed. “And what does it have to do with me?” I asked her, confused.

She bit her lower lip and gave me a playful look that made me suspicious of her intentions.

“I heard that you’re now a photographer, and you have your own photography studio as well. It would be a great help to your career and your business if you become the personal photographer of TJ Vernon for his selected projects.”

My mouth fell open at what she said. What the hell?

“Personal photographer?” I exclaimed, unable to believe it.

“Yes! Do you have a calling card?”

I nodded and, despite my confusion, quickly took out my wallet from my sling bag. Well, I always have my calling card with me just in case I bump into an unexpected client.

But I never thought that he could be that client.

As I handed her the card, she left with a smile. Although I wanted to look back at them, I didn’t. I hastily left the place.

Even as I reached where our cars were parked, my mind was still deep in thought. I didn’t know what that woman’s intention was. But if the opportunity arises, I could use what she said to get closer to Travis.

“Hey. You just went for a walk. But when you came back, it looks like the world has fallen apart. Shouldn’t you be smiling wide because you got closer to Mother Nature again? Did something happen?”

I blinked and looked up. Jairus is giving me a weird look, but I just grinned at him.

“Nothing. Change of plans. There are a few more places I want to visit. I was thinking of going to some other churches here.”

To be honest, that wasn’t part of my plan. But I also wanted to add more photos to my camera’s collection.

He shook his head. “It seems like you’ve set your sights on churches this time.”

I shrugged. “Yeah.”

He let out a deep sigh. “Alright. Let’s let Julio go first. I’ll accompany you, and I’ll be the one driving.”

I was about to agree when his phone suddenly rang. I smirked when I noticed the irritation on his face upon seeing who was calling.

Oh, I think I had an idea of who it was and what it was all about. Too bad.

“Mom,” he answered without enthusiasm.

He listened quietly to whatever his mom was saying, his forehead creasing in a frown.

“No. I can’t. Besides, Tiffany and I have plans—”

He winced and rubbed his temples. It looks like my best friend is about to face another challenge.

“Fine! I’m coming home.” He quickly ended the call. His eyes turned to me, and he apologized silently.

“Blind date?” I grinned at him.

He groaned. “Tell me about it. Just when I thought she finally gave up.”

I frowned at him. “It’s because you haven’t had one until now. Even I am wondering. It won’t be long before I start thinking you’re going through a gender crisis.”

He gave me a glare. “Seriously?”

I nodded and pushed him inside the van. “Go on and leave. It’s not nice to keep a girl waiting for your date.”

Suddenly, his face turned serious.

“Will you be fine? You know that I always want to be there for you as much as possible.”

I nodded at him. “I can manage. Besides, I’m not your responsibility. You have your own life too. So please, choose to be happy as well,” I said seriously to him.

Sometimes, I blame myself for why my best friend hasn’t had a love life until now. It’s because he became fond of protecting and taking care of me.

He raised both hands in surrender. “Fine. Just make sure that you let me know wherever you go. And most importantly, never ever turn off your cellphone,” he reminded me.

I saluted him. “Yes, Sir!”

Reluctantly, he closed the van door, and Julio immediately drove away. I waited for them to disappear from my sight before heading to my own car.

I was about to get in when I heard a familiar voice calling me.

I looked up with a furrowed brow. What is this woman’s problem?

“Tiffany! I thought you were with Jairus?” she asked as she approached, looking around nervously. I noticed that Travis was following closely behind her.

I couldn’t help but feel jealous. Does he really have to be so overprotective of this girl? Is he afraid that someone might snatch her away?

The corner of my eyes suddenly heated up. It feels like it was just recently that she was the one guarding me like that.

I was the one he feared losing.

“They just left. There was an emergency,” I answered with a hint of irritation. “Why?”

She shrugged before shaking her head repeatedly. “Are you going home? Let’s go together.”

Travis’ face showed resistance, as if he were annoyed again.

“What do you think you’re doing this time, Jela?” His voice carried a threatening tone.

Before Jela could respond, I chimed in. “Sorry, but I still have places to go.”

I was about to get in my car when I remembered something. I turned to look at her again.

“And don’t act as if you’re close to me. We’re not friends,” I informed Jela directly, catching her off guard. It seemed like she didn’t expect those words from me.

I didn’t wait for them to say anything else and quickly got into my car.

But before I could fully exit the gate, I caught a glimpse of Travis giving me a hostile look through the side mirror.

It may take time, but you won’t be able to do anything once I come and get you, Travis.