CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 15

"Isla de los siete pecados? That's the name of the island we are currently in?" I ask in wonder. Lyla, the head maid of the house, nodded as we ascend the stairs in the house. The establishment I saw when we were up above earlier, is this colonial type house.

"Yes ma'am. This islet we are staying is just one of the seven islands." The door creak open and the majestic view of the sea is overlooking in the balcony. The sea breeze swoon and the curtains in the windows dance into to its tune. I can smell the saltiness from the sea, enthralling me to dip into its pristine blue waters. But that might be an option for today.

"Would you like for us to prepare your snack ma'am? Or do you want to take a rest? You can also enjoy the sea today ma'am. Mr Ledesma already prepared multiple things for your stay here." Lyka stated formally. Clasping her hands, she looked at me, waiting expectantly.

The aerial trip wasn't too much of a jetlag. The trip took only thirty minutes or so; not too much for my body to take.

" I think, I would like to stroll by the shore. " I replied, quite enticed with the white sand and calm waves.

Respecting my decision, Lyla nodded and added, "You can always call for me ma'am if you decided to have your snacks by the shore". She then went out of the room.

Now that I'm all alone, I went near the bed where my bags located. One by one, I pick out the dress I wanted to wear. Putting them in the bed, my heart pick up its pace as I saw the different dresses and bikinis the maids had packed.

"I should thank whoever packed these dresses for me." I whispered to myself as contentment settled. Humming a song, I tried on the different dresses until I decided to wear the floral maxi dress.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I saw how my neck went from being meaty to quite hollow. My collar bones were totally visible and on display with my maxi dress on. Without the slightest kiss of lipstick and make up, my face looks so pale. This must be the right time to enjoy the heat of the sun and gain some tan. I wish I have my dad with me to chill and relax here.

Shaking off the sad vibes starting lurking at the back of my mind, I arrange my things in the cabinet. To my surprise, piles of clothing are already stored. Including to which I think are bikinis to sleep wear. Seriously? Did John plan this all along? What's with the multiple pile of clothings?

My eyes turn to slit and throw a hot glare at the innocent clothes. Imagining it is John, I would have to pour out my thoughts on him right now.

I proceeded to the next cabinet and inspect, thinking it is vacant. Adding to my surprise earlier, a collection of sunglasses are arranged neatly inside alongside the hats in the lower part.

Okay? John must be really familiar with girl thing. To think he has the initiative to store hats and sunglasses here. Quite intrigued, my hand went to the last cabinet and opened.

My eyebrow arc as my eyes feast in the glamorous clothings hanged. I pick up one of the dresses, a halter black gown with some embroidery. A luxury brand in imprinted at the hem of the dress. Despite its beauty, it is noticeable that the dress is not new. Most of the dresses stored in the cabinet here are not brand new, rather it looks like they were already worn and were just stored inside the cabinet without proper care.

I caress my chin. "This is interesting." I thought with a smile.

My feet stop in the second to the last stair case descending to the shore as multiple shoes trotter behind. The hem of the dress swaying up in the air as the wind blows. I turn around and the bodyguards stood few inches behind.

"I wanted to go alone. So please?" I ask. The three o'clock sunshine kiss into my skin, sending some warmth and comfort.

"Mr. Ledesma strictly -" I raise my hand, abruptly stopping Ben from explaining.

"Yes. I know. He strictly told you things that you need to follow. He's not even here. Besides, this island is secluded right? A private property which is surely a secured area to stroll around." I cross my arm, defiant and firm with my statement.

The two bulky men look at each other and decided to let me go alone.

" We'll let you go on your own. But it doesn't mean that we won't be guarding you from afar. Please don't go too far away from here ma'am. The forest nearby is still a dangerous place for you to walk into. Just stay in the shore." Ben said with finality in his voice. The crease in Carl's forehead spells trouble but I shrug it off.

Smiling triumphantly, I wave my and said," See you. "

I sashay my way into the wondrous white sand and the clear blue waters. Clasping the hat tightly, I step barefoot in the sea as the wave crashed into the shore. Some of the sand were drawn back into the sea with the strong pull of the waves only for it to go back and collect another pile of sand. The process repeats on and on until I lost count.

This kind of scenario would never be tiring to watch. Not that I'm wet, I sit right where the waves crashes and meets the dry sand. The maxi dress now half soak with the salty seawater. I drag my eyes and look ahead the horizon dotted with multiple, small islands scattered in the middle of the ocean.

Everything is in its place where it truly belongs. The island from afar is not too close nor too far from the other island. It was placed in a perfect distance beautifully.

The serene and tranquility of the place is making a room for me to think things through; leaving me vulnerable with my own thoughts.

If it weren't for the accident that took away my sight temporarily, I would have been Mrs. Ledesma for months now. If that happened, would that be the perfect place for me? Would being married to John the only way to save the company? I would have look for Nico if I was brave enough... If I wasn't slave for anyone...

Remembering the confusion and total rejection from his very eyes... It totally hurt. Nico and I started in the wrong foot but as I know him along the way... I was proven wrong.

"Excuse me ma'am." A deep voice behind startle me to the core. In an instant, I turn around and saw Carl standing with a phone in hand. Hand in my chest, I heave a deep breath to steady the palpitations of my heart.

"Yes Carl, what do you need?" I ask calmly. I stood and my wet dress clung into my skin like vines. Droplets of water run from my dress down to my feet.

"Your phone ma'am has been ringing for a while now." Handing me the phone, Carl continued, "We can set up some table, umbrella and chairs here ma'am for your convenience. Snacks are available for your disposal."

A smile stretched in my face with his thoughtfulness. "Thank you, but I wanted it just this way. Maybe tomorrow, I'll let you set up tables if I wanted to relax here. Anyway, thank you for this. You may now go." Carl then walk away silently like a cat.

The screen of the phone blink and message pop up. The sudden turn of events made me forget the fact that I already brought a phone. Puzzled, I open the phone to see who texted me only to be shook. Six missed calls and six messages from the same unknown number.

Who could this be?

I click the topmost unread message. My eyes went wide the moment recognition registered.

"Oh my gosh!" I exclaim. She called me multiple times but I wasn't able to pick her calls. This is quite embarrassing.

For the second time, I read again the message which says, "Hello Makaria! This is Amara Sevilla, remember? The one you met in the mall just a while ago. I'm sorry if I beep you up multiple times. I just want to hangout with you again, if you're free?"

Her hazelnut eyes, black hair and slender figure flash in my mind. Excitement surge throughout my system with the possibility of hanging out with new friend. I tap the reply button and started to click the letters until I formed my reply.

" Hi Amara! Yes, I could remember you! I'm sorry that I wasn't able to pick up your call. I was totally occupied with things a while ago that's why. I would love to hang out with you but, unfortunately, I am not in the city. I am currently in a vacation." I read aloud my reply and hit send button. Fortunately, signal is still available in this secluded place. But It took a while for my reply to send.

While waiting for her response, I busied myself from taking pictures of the view, trying to freeze the time and feelings in a single photo I've taken.

Amid the photography session , Amara's number showed up in the screen, calling. The loud ringing of the tone echoes in the place. I tap the button to accept the call.

"Hello, Amara? This is Makaria." I said excitedly. Rather than the jolly voice I expect to welcome me, silcence ensued in the other line.

"Amara? Hello?" Brows knitted in confusion, I waited for her to answer yet only a pregnant silence bounce back from her line.

"Weird." I murmured. My body started to shiver as the breeze turn from warm to chill. The blinding orange hue is starting to settle in the vast horizon of blues, promising another battle to be conquer.

Sunsets are not meant to be a symbol of goodbye but rather, a symbol of pause in the middle of this fast pacing world.

IN the darkness of the room, there lies someone; alone and cold. She could hear the calm crashing of the waves, the sweet calling of the chirping birds and the brisk gush of the wind that surely is chilling in the bones.

She can imagine the same majestic sun as it sits atop the clouds by the morning and the orange, pink hue it creates as it sinks into the ocean horizon. She remembers it all. Everything.

"It should be me, John. It should be me."

Author's note: Hello, hello! I hope you like this chapter! Hit the vote of you did! Leave some comments too! I would love to hear them all!

Uh, I would like to ask for your support for this book of mine. Starting next chapter and the chapters that will come are not free anymore. I hope you will still read and support me until the last page of Makaria, Nikholai, and John's adventures! I love you all!