Chapter 216 - The Islet Mystery 32

They all sailed off to another beautiful island, which led to the inviting emerald-green lagoons. The rows of verdant hills on either side, the blue-and-white clouds, and the kaleidoscopic world beneath the sea level stood as flawless ensembles of nature's world of art. With the white yacht moving in her full grace ahead of them, they trailed along in a row through their canoes, leaving white foams tailing behind them.

The yacht pulled over the side of an island a few minutes later, at the entrance to a lagoon. Everyone received the instruction that the control would be turned off so that they could go around paddling by themselves. They could stop anywhere to do snorkeling or go inside the caves as long as they go by groups.

As promised, they all had their wonderful moments together until the sun hid behind the hills. Ryan then called them in to gather for a meal inside the yacht. A long, buffet table filled with different kinds of sumptuous food spread out before them. Their stomach and their salivary glands reacted fast, especially that their energies were all drained by their strenuous but enjoyable treks. Through the glass windows, they could see the sun slowly disappearing behind the horizon until the darkness crept in.

For the whole period they were on this island, Shiela forgot about her heartaches. She was enjoying the company of the entire group, as well as Richard's sense of humor. Though she sometimes saw Jullien's flirting gestures toward Ryan, somehow, she got numbed to it. Ryan also kept his distance and allowed her to enjoy her day with Richard's assistance. 

Shiela slumped down on the couch near the window while waiting for others to clear themselves away from the table. She watched the surroundings as it turned from golden yellow to crimson then to complete darkness. The serenity of the place somehow gave her mind a sense of peace and rest.

A tap on her shoulder disrupted her communion with nature, and when she turned to look over her shoulder, Ryan's face met her eyes. Her heart skipped a beat, and for a moment she was too lost to think of even a single word to say.

"I have your food on the table," Ryan broke the awkward silence, turning his head afterward to show her the location.

"Thank you, but should not have bothered."

"I must because I care," he whispered, bending down to speak in her ear. Shiela stared and did not move until Ryan turned away. She bit her lower lip, screaming inwardly. How could this man always succeed in turning her heartbeats into a mess?

Richard came back with his tray of food, calling her out to join him on his table. "Got your food over here, Shie."

Shiela couldn't help but feel anxious as she moved her eyes sideways, wanting to see how Ryan reacted to this. To her surprise, he gave her a nod, indicating to accept Richard's invitation. However, he pointed a finger over to where he placed the food for her. She hesitated, but somehow, Ryan's order had a greater weight in her heart.

"Chard, I already have food on that table," Shiela announced as she approached him. Richard frowned, but he quickly changed his expression, concealing his disgust. Nevertheless, he followed her to the table and sat across her.

"He still cares, Shie. I can see it in his eyes," Ryan commented as he plunged the tip of his fork over to a piece of meat.

"I know."

"What's your plan? Do you want to stick around until he leaves you for his first night with Jullien?"

Needless to ask, Richard seemed to have absorbed the whole picture of their situation. Anybody did, only that she remained to act blind and dumb.

"Chard, take me with you..." Shiela started to talk about her plans, but she saw Ryan in her peripheral vision coming towards them.

She sealed her lips while Richard got occupied in slicing a piece of beef. "Sure, Shie. I'll book you a ticket..."

"Ticket for what?" Ryan picked up his statement even before Richard could finish. Shiela placed down his spoon and fork when the tension started to rise in her chest. 

To her horror, Ryan picked it up and used it for himself as he stuffed a spoonful of food into his mouth.

"Ryan, it's mine," Shiela said as she tried to grab it back," I'll get you another set." 

Ryan shrugged his shoulders off, placed her hands back into her lap, and said, "what's the difference between using this set and us, kissing, Shie?"

Shiela froze, her blood rising towards her ears. She cast a glance at Richard, who remained looking down at his plate. Ryan, on the other hand, continued eating nonchalantly.

"How's your day, dear? I keep your things in our room should you want to change. There's also a set of unscented and hypoallergenic creams for your muscle pain."

Richard couldn't take it anymore. He slammed a fist on the table and cast a dangerous glare at Ryan.

"Until when are you going to abuse her? Just hours ago, you declared your engagement with Jullien. You're not even some miles away, and here you are, betraying your fiancee in broad daylight."

The rest stood up and stared in their direction, but no one dared to ask what's happening. Ryan glanced up and smiled, easing the tension away. "It's nothing. Richard accidentally swiped off his plate away."

Though no one was convinced, they resumed eating anyway and tried to ignore them. Ryan was the host, and surely, he was in control of his guest.

When the peace of the surrounding returned, Richard dared to look at Ryan in the eyes. "Ryan, be a man enough. If you are only hurting Shiela, give her to me. You're getting married soon anyway."

"Richard, there are things you don't understand yet. But I want you to put this into your mind. She is always mine from the very start, now and forever."