The president's daughter...

''Is he not handsome? ''

Claire asked; a brilliant smile on her lips. She was still gazing at the picture and she did not notice the ghastly pale look on Tiana's face.

Tiana's world stopped moving for a second; her heart banging so loud that she could hear it in her ears.

She took in a deep breath immediately to calm herself;

''He's… he's your boyfriend? ''

Tiana asked again, to be sure she wasn't hearing things.

Claire nodded; well, they weren't dating per se, but she was in the process. They would get there soon.

Tiana smiled painfully; ''He's gorgeous! Very! '' Even though she knew how to pretend, this time, her skills were failing her, she wasn't sure she would be able to keep it up for long.

''Yeah, I think that's one of the reasons that drew me to him; he's so handsome. ''

Claire blushed; too busy with Nicklaus pictures, to notice that Tiana was almost on the verge of crying.