Though flattered, she gently withdrew her hand from his, her curiosity piqued by what Cameron had just asked her. "Thanks, but what makes you think I could model? I mean, you just met me. I don't know you, and I'm not even sure if you're a real designer. You might be a scammer… or worse." said Lily as she looked at Cameron up and down and she scooted away from Cameron.
Cam laughed, he paused and he reached for his wallet from his back pocket, he took out a business card and hand it to the woman as proof, "My dear, I promise, I am not a scammer, and most definitely not a what you're thinking of, and my name is Cameron Vergara, the son of the Faith Vergara of the Rue de Rêve Fashion."
The woman was still hesitant, grabbed and read the card. She looks at Cam with one eyebrow still raised, she hands the card back again to him, but he pushed her hand with the card back to her, signaling that she should keep it.
"If what you're saying is true,"she said, voice skeptical, "shouldn't you not be riding a taxi in the first place?" The woman asked, her face showing a mix of curiosity and distrust.
Cam's ears turned red as he quickly looked away, avoiding her gaze so she wouldn't see his embarrassment. Without looking at her, he coughed and acted cool. He asked, "Why does that matter to you now, when I'm offering you a once in a lifetime opportunity. To be one of the faces of the fashion industry? I've already introduced myself, and your name is? "
The woman mumbled politely, "Lily Parson."
Cam's smile widened as he heard her name, his eyes sparkling with a subtle excitement he tried hard to conceal. He extended his right hand for a handshake, and Lily took it, giving it a firm shake. "I'm so glad to meet you Lily, I've been searching for the perfect muse for my upcoming Gala collection. And I couldn't believe I've found that muse in you, Ms. Parson."
Cam and Lily locked eyes, he continued to talk, "You're the one I'm looking for. I can offer you more than the hourly pay of an average model. I can make you a star -"
"What the heck is he even talking about? Is he out of his mind? Is he actually serious right now? I just want to get out of here. Can this car go any faster? I can't leave now or I'll be late for my submission. Ugh, I'll just pretend to consider his offer. Smile, nod, and look interested. Almost there." Lily thought to herself.
The taxi navigated through the busy streets, and Lily found herself awkwardly smiling and nodding, pretending to be interested in Cam's passionate talk about his vision, A collaboration that blends the striking lines of his designs with the sophistication of high fashion. Truthfully, she couldn't care less, but she didn't want to appear rude to the man who had generously shared his taxi with her.
Lily couldn't help but feel that this encounter was more than mere coincidence, her skepticism lingering. Cam, noticing the young architect's hesitation, leaned in with a sparkle in his eye.
"What if I told you that together, we could create something extraordinary? A fusion of architecture and fashion that will leave the world in awe." said Cameron.
Lily almost couldn't take it anymore, she was relentless, charming, but relentless. She kept looking at the window view and finally, when she saw that she's a few meters away from her stop, she thanked the heavens in her head. Lily blinked. "Ohhh, look at that—this is my stop!"she blurted out, quickly gathering her things. Even as some fell, she scooped them up and threw open the door.
"Thank you, sir, for sharing your ride with me. Bye now!" Lily smiled as she closed the door, then ran toward the school gate, waving goodbye to Cameron. Left sitting in the taxi, his mouth hung open, words frozen on his lips. "But I wasn't done" he murmured himself.
The taxi started to move again, Cameron composed himself, turned his head on the window and he stretched out his legs comfortably, one arm resting low on the armrest, the other elbow propped high, hand cradling his head. He leaned slightly back against the seat, which was angled just enough to feel like a recliner without looking lazy. He smiled as he thinks to himself, ''no matter, at least I know where to find her."
He smiled softly, not the kind you wear for someone else, but the kind that grows quietly when a thought surprises you with its warmth and comfort.
The cab driver glanced in the rearview mirror, catching the expression. "Looks like you had a good time with her"
The man didn't shift. Just gave a slow nod, still smiling. "Yeah," he said softly, which was ironic considering how it really went.
Days passed, and Cam's determination never wavered. Every morning, he stood in front of Chester's apartment, where Lily rushed past on her way to school. Not a day passed without Cameron being there, hoping to convince Lily to be his model. However, Lily continuously avoided him and turned him down every time.
As Lily tried to cover her face and hurry past Cameron's usual spot, Cameron still isn't giving up, he walked faster and stood in her way and handed her a piece of paper.
"Ms. Parson please. I need to go somewhere important, so here, if ever you change your mind. You can contact me with this number, it's my private number or you can just come here, in this building and go to room 32, and ask for Chester Wong. I already wrote it down in this paper."
The student architect, torn between her dedication to her craft and the allure of a creative collaboration, found herself reluctantly drawn into Cam's offer. But she's afraid she might not have the time. Her course demands so much of her.
As the Met Gala deadline approached, Cam was getting impatient but continued to design gowns, envisioning Lily wearing his masterpiece. Meanwhile, Lily needs to rush so many projects and her final's exam is coming up.
Lily sighed as she looked at the list of materials that she needs to make her scale model for her Architectural Design subject.
"A thousand for a Scale Model, where will I get that so much money? I still need to pay my tuition fees. Just one more year and I'll be graduating. If I fail this subject, that's another year for me to stay as a student."
Lost in her thoughts about the impending deadline for her fees, as Lily trudged along the familiar streets on her way home from school, her gaze caught a dazzling billboard that seemed to reach for the heavens. Displayed on the towering canvas were images of glamorous models, each adorned in elegant attire and surrounded by an air of sophistication.
She remembered Cameron's offer, Lily hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether this could be the solution to her financial woes. But she shook her head.
"No. There are other solutions. I'll be fine," Lily assured herself, determination shining in her eyes as she clasped her hands tightly in front of her chest.