YACHT

BUT I FELT his warm palm on my arm and snatch the suitcase I was holding. I shut my eyes with

anticipation. The truth is, I didn’t want to let go. I wanted him to hold me like this for as long as possible.

But I was hurt. I was devastated and humiliated. I wanted to stay in his arms, but I just can’t.

“I have to go,” I barely whisper to him and snatch my bag from his grip.

I could feel his rejection of what I said and some violent breathing before speaking.

“I’ll drive you home,” he finally said.

I smirked. “You don’t have to. I can go alone, and I don’t need your help!” I shouted. I also tried to pull

my arm away from him, but I only got weaker.

“Let’s talk. There’s something you need to know.”

I chuckled. “What do I need to know? I heard everything I needed to know last night. It’s clear to me.

So stop making excuses, Mr. Saavedra,” I expelled angrily.

He let out a sigh and looked at me for a long moment, then shook his head.

“You give up easily,” he sounded very disappointed.

I laugh so hard, not wanting to show I was hurt. I gave up not because I want to. I gave up because I

need to.

His eyes darkened even more. I swallowed. It was as if I was about to give up because of the intense

nervousness.

“Margaux!” We both turned to the voice that called to me. My eyes widened in surprise from

recognizing her.

“Cindy!”

“I missed you, bestie!” She hugged me tightly as she got closer. I turned my eyes to Lawrence, who This belongs to .

turned his gaze in the other direction.

I let go of the hug. “How’s Hawaii?” I asked her quickly to divert her attention out of him.

Her face turns rosy red and slightly bit her lower lip. “It was so much fun! I have so many stories with

you!” she excitedly said. Behind her, I saw Carrick approaching in our direction.

“Oh, you’re leaving?” She looked down at the suitcase I was carrying.

“No, she’ll stay here for a couple of weeks more,” Lawrence interrupted, looking straight into my eyes.

I gasped heavily and looked away. Cindy raised an eyebrow at me and looked back and forth between

the two of us.

“Is there something I do not know?” she whispered with a twinkle in her eye. Instead of answering, I

just shrugged my shoulders at her.

I was grateful for Carrick, who greeted me before facing Lawrence. As they walked aside to speak, I

was able to breathe more freely.

“You will tell me a lot I need to know, Margaux,” Cindy whispered to me again. All I could do was sigh.

***

“WHAT HAPPENED?! WHY are you here? What about your job in Manila?!”

Since we both entered my room, Cindy has not stopped asking questions. Now I’m fixing the clothing

I’ve taken from the bag. I could not go because of Cindy’s sudden arrival. She stopped me to extend

my vacation for a few more days.

“If you don’t want to answer all my questions, I will go ask Carrick about this!” Her voice is threatening,

and she is attempting to stand up.

I watch her carefully, deciding whether I should tell her the truth or not, “Okay, fine!” I sighed in defeat.

Then I started to tell her everything about Lawrence and me.

“What? That Lawrence is stupid! He wants that woman rather than to be with you?” she blurted out

while both eyes narrowed at me.

“I’m not sure about that,” I answered quietly, refusing to meet her eyes.

“Huh?! Are you still trying to defend that man? Margaux, I know you’re smart but use your brain at least

once!” she exclaimed and shook her head with disappointment.

“That’s why I want to go. I don’t want to stay here anymore,” I whispered, not sure what I said.

She just looked at me intently while arranging my clothes.

“So, what are your plans now?”

I stopped what I was doing and sighed violently. I’m just trying to convince myself that I’m okay, but

deep down, I feel heavy and tired because I know this was entirely my fault.

“I don’t know . . .” Emotion flashed across my face. If I stay here, I will only hurt myself more.

“Hmm, I have an idea,” Cindy told me and gave me a devilishly smile.

And I can’t help but to feel nervous.

***

AS CINDY SAID, she asked me to an island hopping, something I quickly refused. I would rather just

lock myself in my suite than go out and just see Lawrence.

Lawrence tried to explain to me a few times, too, but I strongly rejected him. I used the rest of my day

to make the most of my stay here, never noticed that I wasted my time hiding myself to Lawrence.

“Yes, Dad, I’ll be home next week.” I rubbed my forehead as I faced the dresser and combed my long

hair. This does not mean that I know he will be pressured on the upcoming anniversary of Collin’s hotel.

“No, just enjoy your vacation, as long as you update me when you get here and have a safe trip, my

daughter.”

I nodded. “Yes, Dad, bye! Love you.” Then I dropped the call and turned my attention back to the mirror

before sighing.

Carrick and Cindy had a good time on the other side of San Simon Island. We were supposed to go

scuba diving on the other island, and since my scheduled trip was next week, I agreed to go with them.

I wouldn’t say I like that idea because Lawrence mediated between us, and I have no choice. After all,

we don’t have any connections. So, why do I have to hide and confine myself here and squirm all day?

I don’t deserve to feel like I’m worthless and unwanted. I don’t deserve to be treated as an option, and

fucking treated me like shit.

So wipe your tears, stop crying and pick up yourself, Margaux. You don’t deserve to cry for someone

who never treated you right.

I was stuck in deep thought when I heard a knock on the door.

“Good morning!” Peter broadly smiled as I opened it.

Instead of greeting him back, I couldn’t help but look at him. He’s looking good as ever and even hotter

than last time.

“I haven’t seen you in quite a while. How are you?” He stared into my eyes as if reading what was on

my mind.

“Uh, I’m fine.” I chose to give him a sweet smile.

“I will help you with that.” He carefully took my handbag from me, and I just let him.

“Ah, are you go on island hopping?” I also wonder what he does in my suite.

“Of course, Carrick invited us.”

I nodded as we exited the hotel. From a distance, I could see Jocko’s group on the shore from here.

They turned around as we approached. I could not help but bow in shame at what had happened last

week.