12 Unique Photos

"You guys need to take at least 10 photos and each should be unique. Not every photo can be holding hands," Julia's voice made it through the earpiece and echoed in both Clara and John's ears.

"Don't tell me you have been spying on our conversation the entire time, Julia," John said with a wry smile.

"10 photos? Why so many? And why can't it all be just holding hands?" Clara asked with a surprised look. She was hoping for only one or 2 more at maximum.

She also wondered what unique even meant in this context.

"Oh gosh, Clara, you are like a alien in this digital world by never using social media. The elite in our world, especially Leon and the people around him keep an eye out for patterns by checking the social media profiles of rich and ambitious couple like you two."

"So what?" Clara asked with a shake of her head.

Trevor's voice suddenly came in with a chuckle, "What little Julia means to say is that if for example, Leon only sees 10 pictures of you holding hands with John, he will feel that something seems odd since those in his circle aim to impress others through their photos. And the only way to do that is by making everything they post different and unique. Otherwise, it would look quite obvious that you two are pretending to be a couple."

"Oh god, do you two really have to complicate it this much?" John asked with a tired sigh.

Clara rubbed her forehead as she let out a heavy sigh and said, "Fine…where do we have to go next? You guys said one photo in the centre of the city."

"Go to the nearest park first and we will say what kind of pose you two should strike," Julia said in a mirthy tone.

"Seems like our date is far from over," John chuckled, making Clara roll her eyes.

***

"Oh god, no. Don't sit side by side. That doesn't seem romantic at all. Clara, you should sit on his lap and John you should hug her from behind while sitting on the bench," Julia firmly instructed.

"I…Is that really necessary?" Clara asked with a reluctant look while Trevor was standing around with a camera in his hand who seemed to be bothered by the heat.

"I told you…It has to be different and it is a common romantic pose done by couples. We can't have you two missing out on that one," Julia said while Clara saw John already sitting on the bench and patting his legs.

"Come on, Clara. Let's get this over with quickly so that I can take a nap," John said with a casual smile.

"Don't be in a hurry, Jonny. I need a drinking buddy later," Trevor grinned as John laughed.

Clara relaxed a bit after seeing how John isn't bothered at all. Was she overthinking this again?

She decided to simply not think about it and sat on John's lap with a hint of awkwardness on her face.

And when John's musuclar arms suddenly enveloped her stomach and wrapped around firmly, her body jerked while she tried to maintain her composure.

"You alright? I felt like I tickled you haha," John asked as Clara gave a short, awkward smile and nodded, "You shouldn't be too sudden with your movements."

"Alright, you love birds. Say cheese for the camera!" Trevor said with a grin as Clara quickly put up a smile as she tried to ignore the feeling of his sturdy arms wrapped around her waist.

***

Few days passed and Clara was tired after having to travel to all kinds of tourist places non stop to take pics with John.

Fortunately, all she had to do was do hugging poses where the last one involved her getting a kiss on the cheek which she didn't want to do at first.

But since it was only just a peck, Clara felt it wasn't a big deal since she just wanted to get this over with quickly and John also seemed to want the same.

She didn't want to make it look like she was holding back her team and the mission due to petty reasons.

But the one she felt most uncomfortable about was that the final photo had to be a wedding pic of her and John as newlyweds.

Clara was feeling quite complicated even if she knew it would be just a fake wedding photo.

But the idea of posing as the bride of another man made her feel guilty and wrong since she knew if Alex learned about it, he wouldn't like it.

However, Julia convinced her and said to just think of it as costume practise and nothing more. It was not like they had to recite any vows or anything and all it would take was just a second or two and they would be done.

Clara hesitated and finally agreed, feeling she was right. Since it was fake it shouldn't matter at all.

And now, in the present, here she was, wearing a sleeveless white wedding gown and standing in a garden with John in front of her, dressed in an elegant tuxedo.

The wedding gown Clara donned was nothing short of ethereal. Made from the softest silk, it gracefully draped her figure, accentuating her delicate curves. It clung to her upper body, ending in a deep, yet tasteful, V-neck that displayed just a hint of her cleavage.

Delicate lace capped her shoulders, transitioning seamlessly into a sleeveless design that allowed her skin to glow under the natural light.

The waist cinched slightly, emphasizing her slender figure before cascading down in an elegant, flowing skirt.

The back of the gown was equally mesmerizing. It dipped into a low U-shape, bordered by lace that traced the contours of her back. A long, gossamer veil, dotted with minute pearls, flowed from a delicate tiara, trailing behind her like a dreamy mist.

The garden was radiant with soft afternoon sunlight filtering through the leaves. Roses of various colors blossomed around them, giving off a soft fragrance that made the whole setup more enchanting. It was ironic how a scene as beautiful as this was being set up for a facade.

Clara took a deep breath, the weight of the white wedding gown making her hyper-aware of the situation. She glanced at John, trying to gauge his feelings. But all she saw was the playful twinkle in his eyes.

"Well, look at us," John remarked, adjusting his bowtie. "Who would've thought I would have a fake wedding photo shoot before a real one."

Clara chuckled, a soft, nervous laugh. "Only in our line of work, I guess."

"You aren't wrong but damn…You really look like a fairy-tale bride," John said with a shake of his head.

Clara smiled as his usual silly talk helped her feel a little better.

Julia, looking at them through the camera lens, commented, "The setting's perfect. Just one photo and we're done. So now you two may kiss and we are good to go."