Chapter 6

Travis I confidently traversed the long road since I didn't have any company or encounter other vehicles until suddenly a car appeared out of nowhere as I exited the intersection. I let out a soft curse and quickly hit the brakes. The approaching car also stopped before it could hit the front of my vehicle. Technically, I was in the right lane, so I knew deep down that I wasn't at fault. Furthermore, I wasn't driving that fast compared to whoever was behind the wheel of this pink Honda Civic. It seems that the driver of this car is a girl. I was about to step outside when the driver of the Honda Civic got out first. My breath hitched, and I was taken aback by seeing her. I hadn't even recovered from our encounter yesterday, and here she was again, standing in front of me. But wait. Since when did she become a reckless driver? I blinked when I noticed that she was already in front of my car door, knocking on the window. I was torn about whether I should talk to her or just let this incident pass. I let out a deep sigh when she knocked again. It seems that all I need to do is cooperate to get this done and over with. As I opened the door and got out of the car, I noticed that she seemed startled when our eyes met. I felt the same way when I saw Jairus step out of the passenger seat of her car. His face had a serious expression, and he quickly approached Tiffany. Of course, she's with him. The two of them have been best friends since time immemorial. 'What is it? We didn't collide, so there's no damage to both our vehicles. Can you just let me pass? I still have somewhere to go." I tried to sound as calm as possible. There was a flicker of pain in her eyes, but she quickly blinked it away. Why would she be hurt? When she's the one who left me. I was suddenly taken aback by a thought that crossed my mind. How did the issue even shift to that, Travis? I raised an eyebrow as she forcefully pursed her lips, seemingly restraining herself from prying. 'It's your fault anyway! Why do you suddenly appear out of nowhere?" she accused. At that moment, I couldn't help but laugh and tease her. I didn't even bother to care anymore if there were paparazzi around or if I would be in the headlines of showbiz news tomorrow. 'Just so you know, I'm in the right lane. You're the one who's not in the proper lane and suddenly made a turn," I reminded her. She looked around. Her lips parted as realization finally seemed to hit her. 'Fine! I'm sorry!" she blurted out. I blinked in surprise at what she said. Jairus also turned to look at her, equally astonished. Why do I feel like she's sorry about something else and not just about the incident a while ago? 'What did you say?" I furrowed my brow, pretending not to have heard what she said. She looked straight into my eyes, and a multitude of emotions were evident that I couldn't bear to name. 'I'm sorry. I really do," she sincerely said. I clenched my palm as my heartbeat suddenly quickened. I shouldn't allow a single apology to break down the walls I've built to protect myself from getting hurt again. I composed myself, standing up straight and clearing my throat. 'Okay. I'm sorry as well. Let's not create a big fuss about it. We've been blocking the way for too long already." She nodded in agreement. When I noticed some approaching vehicles, I quickly got back inside my car and swiftly drove away. As I glanced at the side mirror, I noticed she was still standing outside, watching my car go further out while Jairus was trying to pull her away. I restrained myself from turning the wheel back. I couldn't afford to soften up when it came to her. Not again. *** 'Are you alright, son? You've looked so bothered ever since you came here." I felt so tired and glanced at Dad. He lifted the coffee cup in front of me, which I immediately reached for. 'Yeah, I'm fine. What is it again?" I asked before taking a sip. 'Your father is asking how your work is going. Is something bothering you? You don't seem like your usual self today," Mom remarked with concern. I shrugged and adjusted my posture. 'There's nothing, really. I've just been thinking about the upcoming scenes I have to shoot for the soap opera tomorrow and also about my photoshoot this coming weekend." Mom took a seat next to Dad. We were currently on the balcony, having a snack. I often visit them here in the mansion when I have free time. 'You've been very busy these past few years. Can you at least take a break, big brother?" I smiled as my youngest sister, Verina, leaned her head on my shoulder. She's really a sweet girl. 'No worries. It's the last shooting day for the soap opera. After that, I just have two more photoshoots to do. Then, I will take a break. I've already informed them," I assured them. 'You should do that." Mom stood up and approached me, gently stroking my hair. 'You've done a lot for this family already. It's time for you to enjoy the fruits of your hard work and take care of yourself as well." I reached out and tightly held her hand. 'Thank you, Mom." 'Also, I hope you find a love life, big brother. No offense to your previous co-stars, but I didn't really root for any of them to be your girlfriend." We all laughed because of my sister's comment. 'Don't tease your brother like that," Dad said before turning to me. 'But when are you going to introduce someone to us again?" I just shrugged at Dad's question. If Jela were here right now, she would probably be laughing at me. 'I haven't even thought about that matter yet. I just want to focus on my career for now." 'Such a showbiz response, huh. If I know, you haven't moved on yet," Verina whispered, which I overheard. Suddenly, Mom and Dad fell silent and gave me a serious look. 'Son, we know that Tiffany was the one who ended your relationship back then. But even so, to be honest, she's still the girl we want for you, especially now that both of you have matured and become successful in life," Mom persisted. I took another sip of coffee before speaking. 'I'm still young, Mom. I'm just in my early 20s. So, what's with the rush?" I thought I was already used to answering these kinds of issues whenever the media asked me, but it's different when your own family puts you in the hot seat and grills you. 'Please excuse your mother. She's eager to have a grandchild; that's why she's like that," Dad informed me. I almost dropped the coffee cup I was about to drink because of what Dad said. 'Are you serious?" Mom grinned. She looked like a child asking for a toy. 'Yeah. Of course, we cannot request a grandchild for your sister yet." I immediately stood up. 'No way! She's still young and studying." Mom nodded while pretending to wipe tears. Dad patted her shoulder as if he were joining in her drama. I winced. I bet she can be a good actress. 'Precisely. So, sorry if we're waiting for our first grandchild from you," Dad said. I groaned in frustration. Whenever I visit them, the topic of love never fails to come up. But it has never reached this point before. I turned to Verina, who suddenly fell silent beside me. 'By the way, how are you and Jace doing?" She shrugged. 'We're fine." I looked at her with suspicion. 'Really? Just let me know if that guy does anything wrong to you, alright? I don't care if I end up having an issue because of my aggression towards him." She gave me a bored look. 'You don't really have to be so harsh on him, big brother. He's just busy, that's all." 'Don't worry. We also give advice to your sibling. She's grown up now. She already knows what's right from wrong and what she should do," Dad defended. I fell silent. They couldn't blame me if I was protective when it came to Verina. As much as possible, I don't want her to experience what I went through in the past. I secretly thanked them when they finally shifted the conversation back to my work. It was already late afternoon when I decided to leave and bid them goodbye. 'Drive safely, okay? There are so many drivers out there who act like they own the road," Mom reminded me. In an instant, I remembered the incident earlier. I smirked at the thought of it. 'What are you grinning about?" Dad asked, sounding doubtful. I shook my head. 'Nothing. I just remembered something." I kissed Mom on the cheek and fist-bumped Dad. I approached Verina, who was just staring off to the side, and kissed the top of her head. 'I'm leaving now." I opened the car door. 'Okay. We love you," they added as an afterthought. 'I love you all," I replied before finally getting into the car and starting it up. While driving, I decided to turn on the radio. However, I let out a sigh when a Christmas song started playing. Oh right, it's already December. As I saw the traffic light turn red, I quickly stopped. While waiting, I couldn't help but glance at the glove compartment. I slowly opened it. Inside was a box that I had intended to give to her that night. I clenched my fist and quickly closed the box. I closed my eyes tightly and leaned back in my seat. Deep inside my heart, I know the reason why I didn't bother to enter into a new relationship, and I'm not even swayed by my on-screen partners. That's why I can't help but hate her. But with that, I hate myself even more. My eyes flew open, and I looked down at my wristwatch when I suddenly remembered something. I still have a few more minutes left. When the cars in front started moving, I abruptly turned the steering wheel in the opposite direction. It's been a long time since I last saw him. Maybe I can now pay him a visit. *** He was taken aback when he saw me. Slowly, he smirked and sat down on the chair across from me. 'What brought you here? Do you want to make sure I'm suffering inside this prison?" he taunted me with a question. I just shook my head. Even though he's the one behind bars, he's still arrogant. 'I just wanted to make sure you're rotting away in here." I clenched my fist. He chuckled. 'I heard you're a celebrity now. I'm sure you have a lot of connections." He leaned closer to me. 'But you still can't defeat me. No matter how famous you become, you're still a loser." I tried to restrain myself from punching him in the face. It seems like his arrogance hasn't diminished during his almost four years of imprisonment. I stood up abruptly. 'I need to go. I thought you might have changed at least a bit after all these years here, but you seem to be getting worse." He shrugged and playfully waved goodbye. 'Send my regards to my mother and step-sister. I heard she's a model now." He stared at me intensely. 'Send my regards to Tiffany as well. I would love to see her soon." He laughed loudly and maliciously. I glared at him. There's no way in hell that I'll let him see Tiffany again. He's the reason for the change I went through before. He's the reason my relationship with Tiffany fell apart. He's one of the reasons why I pushed myself even harder to reach where I am today. 'I'll make sure you rot in this prison, and you'll never see her again!" Just then, a jail guard arrived to take him back inside. Visiting hours were over. He nodded. 'We'll see about that. We'll see," he said cryptically before turning around and returning to his cell. My jaw clenched. I've come this far just to protect Tiffany, and I won't let him get in our way again.