Chapter 215 - The Islet Mystery 31

Ryan and Shiela looked up and saw Ryan approaching them. He was wearing a smile which Shiela found doubtful. In his hands were bottles of beverages.

"Dear, here's your water and juice," Ryan said as he placed a hand on her shoulder, his eyes burning on the hand of Richard on top of hers. Shiela got so agitated of his presence that she was no longer aware that until this moment, Richard was still holding her hand. 

As to what kind of luck Shiela had at the moment, Richard seemed to remember something, and he pulled out his hand unconsciously. He extended the same hand at him to which Ryan responded with a raised brow.

"Oh, you seemed to forget so easily. What I mean is that I want to congratulate you for finally deciding to settle down," Richard paused as he looked sideways to look at Shiela. "Had I known earlier..."

Richard paused again but did not continue afterward. Shiela might not like it, and she might hate him. But what if he indeed knew earlier that he was marrying someone else in the end, just as he expected?

Ryan chuckled and threw gentle slaps on his shoulder. "Chard, some things in life are not an open book for everyone to read."

It was Richard's turn to raise his brow. What did he mean?

Richard was about to persist on the matter, but Ryan's impatient look stopped him. His stomach churned in contempt when he saw Ryan's concerned look and tender eyes as he gazed at Shiela. Why did he have to give her false hope? Why did he have to drag her up to the heights of glory, only to smash her down? How could he be so cruel?

The roaring sound of a helicopter which seemed to have based its flight from a nearby island, made them all gaze up to the sky. It circled its path high above them a couple of times in slow motion before it moved suspiciously away. As all of them looked at each other in a questioning gaze, Ryan moved away from where he last stood and walked forward to where the rest had gathered for their meal. Jullien met him and like an automated buckle, her arm wrapped around Ryan's waist. Their eyes locked in a quick, meaningful stare before both of them break into a smile and gave their attention back to the rest of them.

"That must be a troop for a search operation," Ryan said, his broad smile eased everyone's tension away. It looked like they were the focus of the search if Ryan's guess was correct.

"We are not far from the Pacific ocean, and many of those illegal transactions are done here for an easier exit. We are also close to several islands, which 'some people' take refuge."

"Does that mean that we are in a dangerous place?' Cherry confirmed, her hands were visibly shaking.

Ryan broke out in laughter as his hand reached out to pat Cherry's back. "Of course, not. These people are interested in something else and not with the innocent civilians like us. Don't worry. I have my men around."

Cherry heaved out a deep sigh, and with a scared look, she confirmed, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, dear. Before we go to another island to go canoeing, Ryan would have his men scan around the place through his private chopper," Jullien answered in Ryan's behalf, and after she did, she glanced up to him, and in return, Ryan nodded and squeezed her shoulder. It was such a romantic gesture that had Shiela's heart pricked. Even if she was several feet away, she could still see and hear them well. 

A few more talk from Ryan and Jullien settled their fears away, and they decided to proceed to the next place. They descended to the narrow slope Andrew's group passed through in coming up. To everyone's surprise, several powered boats were already waiting at the shoreline.

"We are going to another island through these boats for a more memorable experience. The yacht will lead us there. The trip is only around thirty minutes. Once we get there, we may do whatever we like — either its swimming, spelunking, or snorkeling. There are beautiful lagoons, enchanting caves, and a jellyfish sanctuary to make your day. Just don't go far from the rest and always go by group."

"As you have noticed," Ryan continued, "we don't have boatmen. These boats are remote-controlled, and the control is in the yacht. Should anything happen, there are paddles provided, but as much as possible, you are not going to use it. We are all within the eyes of a safety monitoring team." With this, Ryan looked up to the deck of the ship, and everyone followed his eyes. Men in uniform emerged from inside and began waving at them.

Jane and Cherry squealed in excitement. Ryan also invited Andrew and his group so their adventure would be more fun.

They climbed into their boats by two's or three's, so Allie, Ajie, and Chloe were in one boat, the three elderlies next.  Jane, Cherry, and Shiela would have been in another boat, but Richard suggested to let her go with him, so Shiela eagerly did so. She had a plan brewing in her mind, and she didn't care if Ryan and Jullien were alone with each other on another boat.

As other boats started to move across the sprawling water world, Ryan hopped down from his boat and waded into Allie and Ajie's direction.

"Allie, how is it? Is Shiela accepting your proposal to manage UAE's branch?"

Allie shook her head sadly. "She has other plans, Ry."

Ryan's face looked grim the next second. "That's the best thing I can do for her, but I can't blame her, though. Nevertheless, transfer all my share into her name, and I'll have Atty. Manloza take care of the rest of my businesses. Please see to it that all of it are in her name before the wedding."

Allie smiled sadly at him. She could see right through him at this moment and knew he was breaking. Pain and despair reflected in his eyes as he opened his heart to them.

"It looks like I could not get away from this wedding."