Chapter 189 - The Islet Mystery 5

Ryan looked up in feigned surprise, and Shiela felt like wax, melting against a fire. "Che, what's wrong?"

"My goodness, Ryan! Can you stop the formalities? My insides tumble down every time I hear you both doing that."

"You should talk to Miss Ferrer," Ryan replied and gave her a wink, stealing Shiela a glance as she flushed like she had just an allergy attack.

"Shiela, do you hear that?" Cherry teased her as she broke into another round of laughter.

"Stop it, Che. Miss Ferrer might collapse."

This made everyone burst in laughter once more, and Shiela felt like crying. Ryan approached her and hugged her from behind, laughing. "Relax, dear. It's just a joke. Are you sure you like black?" 

Ryan pulled out the tray of creamers began demonstrating it to her. "I saw you once at a coffee shop, and if I remember correctly, you choose cappuccino. Here are other choices as well; mocha latte, french vanilla, mocha, hazelnut..."

"Thanks for bothering, but I like black."

"And what's with that hug? Jullien is watching," Cherry threw her tactless tongue again.

Jullien laughed and replied, "It's alright, dear. I'm used to his sweetness to everybody. It doesn't mean anything."

Shiela stiffened and did not know how to react, but then Mr. Dioko butted in, worsening her ordeal.

"Shiela, dear, you missed our introduction. Please, meet Miss Jullien. He is Ryan's fiancee."

Shiela looked up and met Ryan's gaze. She quickly looked away and smiled at Mr. Dioko, "Yes, sir. I already met Miss Jullien earlier this morning.

Everyone saw the hurt in Shiela's eyes, except Jullien, who got distracted by a message on her phone. They were all sure now that she had a past with Ryan, and inviting her here might be a mistake. Ajie tried to bring up a topic that would make Shiela relax.

"What will be our activity later, Ry?" Ajie asked, diverting Ryan's attention to Shiela and Jullien.

"I have arranged for an island-hopping later on. We can also go scuba diving, surfing, and canoeing."

"Oh, I love that," Jane responded eagerly. "Shie, are you prepared?" Jane tried to involve her in the conversation, knowing that if she's only alone, she would already be crying her heart out.

"Yes, Jane," she answered, "I'm preparing myself to go wild."

"Indeed. Let's maximize the moment while we are away from work and activities in the city."

"I agree," Shiela answered.

"While waiting for the right time to go out for an island hopping, there's a spot at the edge of the islet where everyone can enjoy. It's a space as big as our pool under a canopy of a big tree."

"And what makes it different from the pool?" Mrs. Lopez asked.

"It's really nature's wonder. The area is highly elevated from the seafloor and the water there is probably not connected to the rest of the seawater, making its saline concentration so much higher than the normal level. It has a high buoyancy just like the Dead Sea."

"Wow! So, we can float and relax. I'm excited!" Jane exclaimed, tugging on her mom's sleeve.

"Ryan, I haven't heard of this place before."

"I know. This nature's wonder is still one of those undiscovered places in the world."

"Why don't you announce it? You could do a business out of this."

"Indeed, but I still choose it to be my personal treasure where I can bring my friends over. Only that you have to promise me you won't tell anyone about this."

"Daddy, can I also go there with you?" Chloe's voice interrupted their conversation, and they all turned to her, including Ryan. His face softened as he looked at the child.

"Adrian, how old is Chloe?" Ryan asked, but his eyes were on Shiela, who happened to glance up at him as he asked.

"I'm six, uncle. Do you also have a daughter?"

"I had a son, and he must be as big as you."

All eyes turned to him, and Shiela's heartbeats began running a mile per minute. Surprisingly, even Cherry did not dare to ask. She also stared at him, waiting for him to continue.

"Where is he, uncle? Can I play with him?"

"I lost him, baby, but someday I'll find the truth. Don't you think so, sweetheart?"

Shiela looked up, and her heart pounded harder as he addressed her with an endearment he used to call her even before during college. However, Jullien, out of her love, acted stupidly, and answered for her.

"You will, sweetheart." Jullien then wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest.

Ryan's face turned sour, and all of them understood the reason why, except Jullien. She may be acting dumb out of jealousy, but her silly move spoiled Ryan's mood completely. He excused himself and invited everyone to proceed to the mini-Dead Sea.

He strode fast, and Jullien ran after him. Shiela remained staring blankly on the glass wall, and even if the view outside was spectacular, everyone around could tell that she sees nothing. They started to get worried, realizing that there was something deep that happened between them.

Jullien came back, panting and with a worried face. She ignored them all and approached the staff who was cleaning the table. "Clara, I saw Ryan go out through the exit. Where is he going?"

"Don't go after him, ma'am. He must be in his secret chamber."

"Secret chamber?" Jullien asked loudly, making all of them turn their heads in her direction.

"Whenever he is in a bad mood, he enters his secret chamber, and when he comes out, his mood would either get back to normal or get worse."

When Jullien disappeared, Mr. Dioko stood up and spoke. "Let's give Ryan his privacy. How about going down to the Dead Sea?"

Everyone agreed except Shiela, who excused herself. "I'll go down later. I need to be alone for a while."

Shiela walked back slowly. To her room, hoping she could find Ryan there. His reaction showed how their child's loss affected him, and she was debating within herself if she should tell him the truth or not. 

Ryan was not inside when she entered the room. Yet, she knew he had been there because a piece of a  piano instrumental filled the room. He must have turned on the music player before he came out.