Chapter 13

Tiffany Our eyes were locked on each other. It seemed like neither of us had any intention of backing down from a competition that only the two of us knew about. I blinked when I noticed Jela's discreet signal to Miguel. In an instant, they were pulling Travis towards the photoshoot location. The couple gave them a mischievous grin as they joined them. He had no choice but to follow them. But before they fully started, he glanced in my direction and gave me another glare. I chose to ignore it and focus my attention on what he was wearing. It's a cream-colored knit wool turtleneck overlaid with a brown coat, paired with gray pants and brown rubber shoes. Damn. He looks like a Hollywood actor in that outfit. His hair was even perfectly styled. When the photoshoot began, Miguel walked back to his spot. Although our positions were somewhat far from where the actual shoot was taking place and I couldn't hear their conversations clearly, I could already tell that Travis complained right from the first shot. It was evident from his irritated expression and the way he approached the photographer. I shook my head. Now I personally witness what used to be mere gossip about his attitude. They said he sometimes treated the cameramen the same way during tapings. Entering the career he's currently in has been his dream for a long time. I just hope he doesn't let it get ruined because of his hot temper. Throughout the entire shoot, Travis was the one mostly obeyed, especially during his solo shots. It seemed like the photographer just let him do his thing to get it over with. 'You know what? I couldn't really figure out at first the reason why he has a short temper whenever he's in front of the camera for a photoshoot, especially with the photographers. But now, I already know why," Miguel said, surprising me. Even though he didn't mention any names, I already knew who he was referring to. 'Why?" I raised an eyebrow at him. He turned to me and grinned mischievously. 'You happened." I was taken aback by his response. I knew that Travis was furious with me, but it never crossed my mind that I could be the reason why he always had problems with the photographers. Well, I can't really blame him. Even before, I had a habit of taking his photos. I usually use him as a model for my portfolio. Maybe those memories affected his relationship with the photographers he encountered. Travis had a serious expression as he stared directly at the camera, creating his own pose. I don't think I've ever seen him smile. It's as if his colleagues are used to his behavior and don't let it bother them. After finishing the first set, they returned to the Bell House to change and get ready. This time, Miguel briefly approached the photographer and had a serious conversation with him. Well, even if I'm just sitting here, I already have an idea of what they're talking about. Several more hours passed, and finally, the shoot was over. I wish I had taken a stroll before coming straight here. Sitting for hours can be tiring. And on top of that, Travis' frequent glaring at me didn't help. I felt the chill even more here in Baguio. But I suddenly stood up when I noticed Travis walking directly towards where I was sitting. Jela tried to stop him, but he didn't budge. I swallowed hard. But I didn't show any signs of being affected by his obvious disgust for my presence. Miguel coughed loudly. I just frowned at him, noticing his swollen cheeks as if he were holding back a loud laugh. 'What are you doing here? The last time I checked, you weren't invited here," he managed to say, and I was slightly taken aback by his sudden appearance in front of me. I glanced at Jela, who seemed to have understood what I wanted to say. 'I was the one who invited her." She smiled at Travis. Travis, on the other hand, furrowed his brows when he looked at her. 'What? You really went ahead with your plan?" She bit her lower lip as she played with her fingers. 'Yes. Tiffany will become your personal photographer as you stay here. I already talked to Miguel about it, and he already agreed." He raised an eyebrow, shifting his gaze between the two of them, and remained silent. 'You decided even though you knew I was against it? Is my opinion no longer important when it comes to this matter?" Smoke seemed to come out of his nostrils due to his irritation. Instead of feeling scared, I found myself smirking. He actually looks cute when he gets mad. Why did I only notice that now? 'Because we knew you wouldn't agree. So why would we waste time consulting you when we decided to proceed?" Miguel replied as if it were an obvious matter. The other staff seemed to notice the escalating argument, so they left on their own. Until only the four of us remained. 'You already knew, right? So why did you still push through with it?" His voice was slightly raised. 'Because we believe that she's the only one who can do the job," Miguel calmly replied. Travis shook his head firmly. 'No! No matter what you say, I will never agree to be with her. I'd rather hire a paparazzi for all I care than to stay with her!" He turned around and started walking away. I took a deep breath before gathering the courage to speak. 'Are you afraid of me?" He suddenly froze. Jela and Miguel exchanged glances, as if I had said something I shouldn't have. Even though I wasn't comfortable with the idea of being alone with him here, I couldn't let the opportunity to be with him slip away. He slowly turned to me, his jaw clenching. 'Why would I be afraid of you?" I crossed my arms, challenging him with my gaze. 'Why indeed? You're the only one who knows the answer to that question." I shrugged and looked at him innocently. 'Maybe because you haven't moved on yet?" 'Way to go, girl!" Jela silently cheered beside me. For the first time, Travis smirked. 'Don't be so full of yourself, Miss Salazar. You're not that special to be unforgettable." His words felt like a dagger in my heart. But even so, I matched his mischievous grin. I didn't dream of becoming an actress. But I think I have some talent when it comes to acting, at least to some extent. 'Too bad. You're just so special that I can't forget you." The smirk slowly vanished from his lips, and his mouth dropped open. It seemed like he didn't expect what I said. Even Jela audibly gasped. 'Am I watching a real-life drama here? The script is quite impressive, huh," Miguel commented. Travis clenched his fist, and his eyes glinted once again. 'Fine! Do whatever you want to do. But I want you to know that everything should be done professionally." I straightened up and looked at him seriously. 'Don't worry. I'm professional, Mr. Vernon." He didn't say anything more and continued walking away. Jela gave me a stern look before she followed Travis. That's when I felt my knees trembling, so I sat back down. Before I could even process everything that had happened, Miguel suddenly spoke up. 'Just don't mind everything he says. We all know that it's the exact opposite of what he really feels." I looked up in surprise as he tapped my shoulder. 'Don't you ever wonder why he didn't have a real kissing scene, or even a peck on the lips, in all of his dramas and movies?" My heart skipped a beat at his words. Hope suddenly stirred within me. Of course, I noticed that. Before I could say anything, he turned around with a smile and walked away. *** Travis I don't know why, but I feel like I can't breathe because of the encounter we had earlier. It's cold here in Baguio. However, there's some kind of heat flowing through my veins, causing me to say all sorts of things to her. 'You're being stubborn back there, TJ. I almost said you were her stalker," my best friend Jela said, her voice filled with frustration. I tightly closed my eyes to prevent myself from raising my voice at my close friend. 'Why the hell did she even accept the job? She's already free from me and enjoying her freedom, right?" I asked, more to myself. As much as possible, I don't want her to get closer to me now. Because I might just end up imprisoning her again for my own sake. So, I content myself with watching her from afar. 'Why don't you ask her directly about it? Maybe it's about time for the two of you to have a proper closure, I think," Miguel, who had just entered our dressing room, suggested. I chuckled humorlessly at his words. 'Closure? There's no way that I'll give her a proper closure." Confused, they exchanged glances. I didn't pay them any more attention and plopped down on the chair, rubbing my face. Now may not be the right time, but I'll surely become a better man for her. And when that time comes, I'll win her back.