Chapter 21

"Emmy, look over here!" Upon hearing his voice, Emily lifted her head with a gentle smile, striking a pose in front of Keith's camera. "You see? These shots turned out beautifully," he said as he walked over to her, flipping through the photos one by one on his camera screen. They had worked together for a while now—she as his model, he as the photographer—and their chemistry had only grown stronger with time. And somewhere along the way, amidst the countless sessions and companionship, feelings had begun to bloom. Looking at the version of herself captured through his lens—more radiant, more alive—Emily's heart skipped a beat. "Thank you, Keith." Caught off guard by the emotion in her eyes, Keith blushed. "It's nothing, really." They strolled along the riverside, the breeze lifting the hem of her skirt in a sudden gust. A group of tourists passing by whistled at her, their tone playful. Keith turned, catching the scene. A strange, unfamiliar anger surged in his chest.