Chapter 188 - The Islet Mystery 4

"I'll take a quick shower first, then I'll wait for you in the dining room," Ryan said as he stood up from the bed, leaving her overwhelmed by the unexpected turn of events. She stared at him, too lost for words to reply. Seeing her reaction, Ryan bent down and gave her a quick kiss before walking up to the bathroom.

The sound of the splashing water inside the bathroom warmed her heart. Love and excitement filled her heart, and she almost couldn't contain it. She wanted to go after him just like before, but a small voice of her conscience said no. She shouldn't allow herself to fall for him again, or else she would be courting for her doom. She knew how powerful his parents were, even if iron bars had put barriers to the spreading of their wickedness.

She wondered if Ryan knew about this. Of course, parents never wanted their children to know about their illegal deeds. If he was running his parents' old business, he shouldn't have come out of the open. He should not have exposed himself, granting that he was the son of a syndicate leader and that their businesses would surely be under surveillance.

Her train of thoughts pulled to a halt when the door from the bathroom opened. Ryan went out with a white towel around his waist. He glanced at her and called out, "It's your turn, dear."

Shiela did not move. She just watched him picking out an underwear inside a drawer and putting it on in front of her. Then he opened up a closet and pulled out something to wear. Once he got his pair of clothes, he turned to her again.

"You still have not placed your things inside the closet."

Shiela replied as she got up, realizing that Ryan assigned her indeed to his room. "Neil, is this really your room?"

Ryan chuckled softly and replied, "Sweetheart, what do you think? Should I place my things in someone else's room?"

"Why do you assign me here and not your girlfriend?" Shiela asked, wondering how Jullien would react once she would know she's staying in his room.

"This is my house, dear, and I have control over everything."

"You know exactly what I mean," she insisted, pulling herself up and rested her back on the board.

Ryan walked up to her and sealed his mouth over hers, silencing the many questions she wanted to ask.  "Now, get up, take a shower, and change before I also change my mind. The people are already waiting for us."

"Neil, can I just stay?" Jullien would be there, and she was not ready yet to see her and Ryan together.

"Do you want them to look for you and find out that you are sleeping with me?"

"Why? Are you also afraid that they'll find it out?" She stopped breathing for a while. She was too foolish to ask the question to which she knew the answer. Jullien was there, and she expected him to introduce her instead.

Ryan stared at her, and she knew he was reading her mind. Before he could say his reply, she spoke. "You don't have to answer that, Neil, I'm sorry."

Ryan gave her a faint smile before he stood and left the room. "Be sure to lock the door, sweetheart."

Shiela gathered her thoughts back and asked herself if all that happened was real. He could see his sincerity, and he even assigned her to his room. She could feel his emotion when they made love, but still, insecurities gripped her. He knew ahead of their coming, but why did he invite Jullien? What would Jullien feel if she would suspect them sleeping together? It was impossible to say that she was just a mere friend. The way Jullien looked into his eyes as she wrapped around his neck, spoke of her desire to devour him. And the tender way Ryan responded told her that he cared for Jullien. He didn't even make an effort to explain when she mentioned her name many times as his girlfriend.

She took a shower and changed into a sleeveless romper. She then pulled out her makeup kit and fixed herself a light makeup, applying a brown-peach lipstick afterward to conceal her swollen lips. Satisfied with her looks, she took a deep breath, whispering a prayer to give her strength to whatever trials she would face ahead.

Everyone was already at the table, even Chloe, whom she expected to be still sleeping after the trip. She felt ashamed, knowing that all eyes would be on her. 

"Good morning, everyone!" she said shyly, thinking that she was too late in coming. 

"Good morning," they all chorused in response as they lifted their eyes at her, and judging by their looks, her choice of attire must have surprised all of them. She realized that it was still the first time they saw her that way; she always came to the office in pants and in long-sleeved blouses.

Ryan stood up and pulled out a chair for her, but her heart sank when she saw that Jullien sat next to him while the chair he pulled out was across the two of them.

"You must be tired, Shie. You slept longer," Allie commented as soon as she settled on her seat.

"I am. I didn't sleep last night."

"I guess you were crying all night. I just didn't realize it earlier."

Shiela cast a weak smile at Cherry, indicating that she made a right guess. If only Cherry knew that she was crying,  not only last night but also earlier this morning. She stole a glance across her and saw that Ryan was staring at her. Jullien, beside him, was also looking at her, and the more she felt uncomfortable.

Ryan stood up and poured a cup of coffee and placed it before her. "Do you like creamer? You can pick your choice," Ryan said as he handed her a tray with all the flavors of Myrtle Shade. Her eyes widened in shock, but she quickly concealed it.

"I like it black, Mr. Yu," she answered as she looked up, and Ryan responded with a smirk.

"As you wish, Miss Ferrer," Ryan replied, and Cherry burst out in laughter, which had others laugh as well.

"Can you both stop being silly?"