Part 24

After the games, both Lisa and Canary were exhausted but exhilarated from the fun they'd had.

As the evening approached, they made their way back to the resort, ready to wind down and enjoy a quiet dinner together.

By 6 PM, they were seated at a beautifully set table by the resort's beachside.

The golden hues of the setting sun reflected off the water, casting a warm glow over the entire scene.

The soft sound of waves lapping against the shore accompanied the gentle evening breeze.

It was a perfect setting, one that seemed to enhance the specialness of the moment.

They ordered fresh seafood, a mix of delicacies that were both local and unique to Fantom Island, alongside some fine wine.

As they ate, the conversation flowed naturally, with laughter and easy exchanges between them.

Canary found himself genuinely enjoying the simplicity of the moment—just the two of them, no distractions, no company business, just the pleasure of each other's company.

Lisa, too, seemed at ease. The tension of the past few days, the duties and expectations surrounding Canary's new role as president, seemed to melt away as they shared this evening.

It felt like a small escape from everything, a time when the world outside felt far away.

They spoke about everything and nothing—Canary joking about his earlier attempts at volleyball and Lisa teasing him about his competitive nature.

As they finished their meal, the sky above had deepened into rich purples and blues, the stars beginning to appear one by one.

It was peaceful, serene, and for that moment, neither of them felt the weight of their responsibilities. They simply enjoyed the now.

After finishing their dinner, Canary and Lisa stood up from the table, the peaceful atmosphere lingering in the air as the evening darkened around them.

They glanced at their watches, realizing that they had lost track of time.

The last boat back to the mainland was scheduled to sail at exactly 7 PM, and they needed to hurry if they wanted to catch it.

"Guess we stayed a little longer than planned," Canary said with a smile, picking up his jacket from the back of his chair.

Lisa laughed softly, her eyes sparkling. "It was worth it," she replied, her voice light. "But you're right, we should get going."

They walked together toward the pier, hand in hand, both reluctant to leave the island but knowing that their time there had come to an end.

As they reached the dock, the boat was just about to depart, its lights casting a soft glow over the water.

Lisa suddenly touched her neck and froze. Her fingers brushed against the smooth skin where her necklace should have been, but it was gone.

Panic gripped her chest, and she quickly searched her pockets, then her bag, but the necklace was nowhere to be found.

"Canary," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "My necklace… it's gone."

Canary turned to her, concern washing over his face. "What necklace?"

"The one my parents gave me," she explained, her eyes scanning the ground as if it would appear there. "It's the only thing they left me… I can't believe I lost it."

Canary immediately scanned the area around them, then looked back at her.

"Don't worry, we'll find it. We can look around the resort or—"

"Maybe it fell off when we were at the beach… We should go and get it !"

As they hurried back to the beach, the darkness made it hard to see, but the faint lights from the resort illuminated parts of the shore.

Lisa anxiously scanned the ground, her thoughts fixed on the missing necklace.

Then, just as they reached the volleyball net, Canary's eyes caught a glimmer.

He quickly rushed over, bending down to pick it up. "Found it," he said with a relieved smile, holding up the necklace.

Lisa's face lit up with joy. "You found it!" She quickly clasped it back around her neck, grateful beyond words.

"Good thing I spotted it," Canary replied with a smile.

When Canary and Lisa returned to the dock, they were greeted with the sight of the boat pulling away into the distance.

The last boat had already left, and there was no sign of it returning.

Lisa sighed in disappointment. "We missed it."

Canary glanced at the empty dock and then at her. "Looks like we're staying the night after all."

Lisa looked up at him sadly and said. "I am so sorry, It's my fault."

" It's okay, I can see how the necklace is important to you. Let's go get where to sleep !" Canary said, offering her a reassuring smile.

They walked back toward the resort, knowing they were to spend the night there.

Canary walked up to the reception desk at the resort and quickly arranged a room for the night.

The receptionist handed him the key, and he returned to Lisa with a smile.

"We've got a room," he said, holding up the key.

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "I guess we're really spending the night here."

"Looks like it," Canary replied, grinning. "

They made their way to the room, the soft sound of the waves crashing against the shore in the background. Once inside, Canary placed their bags down and turned to Lisa, still feeling the excitement of the unexpected turn their day had taken.

" This place is beautiful," Lisa remarked, looking out the window toward the ocean.

"Yeah, it is," Canary said, stepping closer to her. "And the night is just beginning.

—-

In the sleek, modern designer office, Jenny and Richie sat side by side, reviewing sketches for their latest collection.

The door opened briefly, and Lisa walked past, laughing with Gladys.

Jenny and Richie exchanged a look, their expressions darkening

"Have you noticed how happy

she is lately?" Jenny muttered, watching Lisa with narrowed eyes.

Richie smirked, her hands folded on the desk. "Yeah, she's practically glowing. It's annoying."

Jenny's eyes flashed with disdain. "She thinks she's got everything now, doesn't she?"

"Probably," Richie replied, her voice laced with bitterness.

"She's always had it easier than the rest of us. And now she's rubbing it in."

They both watched as Lisa disappeared into the hallway, their jealousy and resentment growing with every step.

It wasn't just the attention she received—it was the fact that, to them, Lisa had everything they didn't.

"We'll make sure she doesn't get too comfortable," Jenny said, her tone venomous.

Richie nodded, a cold smile forming on his face. "Don't worry. We'll figure something out."

While Lisa sat on her desk she saw an envelope.