Cursed Him

Scarlett continued walking towards the private beach behind the hotel without hearing Nicole's voice.

In contrast to the swimming pools she passed, the white sandy beach looked deserted. There was only her and a few lifeguards. They are scattered at several points on the beach. Maybe because the sun is still high, other hotel guests are reluctant to play on the beach or swim in the sea.

They weren't the only ones who thought so, Scarlett didn't even intend to swim into the sea too. She just wanted to clear her mind by spoiling her eyes on the emerald sea. She decided to sit on one of the chaise lounges — neatly lined up near the beach.

Despite the sun shining brightly, the sunshade could shield her from the hot sun, and so far, she was comfortable with the cool breeze blowing from the sea. She sat staring at the endless ocean in front of her for a moment.

After a while of enjoying her solitude, she called a waiter on duty not far from where she was. She ordered a cold drink and fresh fruit. Soon the snacks were served. It didn't take long for her to finish the snacks, which she enjoyed while listening to the waves.

The serenity of the place could push back her desire to look at her cell phone. She had turned off her cell phone since arriving at this beach. Right now, she just wants to indulge herself in enjoying the beauty of nature without being disturbed by news on the internet or people who are looking for her.

She lay down and closed her eyes.

Her mind reels back to when she was still living in New York. The different lifestyles in the big city and on this island surprised her.

Over the past few years, she spent much of her time living in a few big cities in the USA. Her eyes and ears were used to seeing many tall buildings, cars' traffic, and many people passing by with the distressed look in their eyes. And, living in the city, her time seemed so short. It felt like 24 hours wasn't enough when she lived there.

The feeling when she returned to this country was strange. Life on this island feels like time is running slowly. The serenity of this island can calm her mind. She never hears car horns or police sirens in the middle of the night.

She also doesn't need to rush to go somewhere because this island is not too big, and the population is not much. She also can walk or ride a bicycle around the island. However, even though the number of residents on this island is few, the number of foreign or local tourists is quite a lot.

Staying here for a month made Scarlett dislike her plans to return to the capital — back to her daily routine. But yesterday's incident made all the bliss she felt during a month of living on this island suddenly fade.

Living on this island was no longer something she had dreamed of. Now, she only wanted to leave. To avoid the evil woman trying to destroy her life.

But she wasn't really going to leave this island for good. After all, she was born and raised here. Memories of her childhood with her mother are still imprinted in her heart and mind.

She believed one day she would return. Though that wouldn't be happening anytime soon. She will first make a plan to seize the Ocean Group from her father and that damn woman.

Scarlett was deep in thought until she lost track of time and didn't realize when she had fallen asleep.

Later in the evening…

Scarlett suddenly felt a chill all over her body, making her wake up. How shocked she was when she saw the twilight in the sky. And, when she tried to move, her whole body felt stiff. A low groan escaped her lips as she felt her whole body ache as if someone had beaten her.

"You are an interesting woman, Miss Scarlett!"

Scarlett flinched at the familiar voice from beside her. She turned towards the voice. Suddenly she felt her heartbeat increase as Xander Riley's face came into her sight. Her mouth was wide open, but no words came out, as if she had lost her ability to talk.

"How could a woman like you sleep soundly in this open place? Even though it's a private beach, you should not do this."

Scarlett tried to say something, but her throat felt dry and sore. With great difficulty, she tried to sit up straight, and at the same time, she saw a dark blue suit covering half of her body.

'What's this? Is this Xander's suit?'

She slowly looked at Xander again. She noticed he was only wearing a pale blue shirt, and the color of the suit in her hand was the same as the pants he was wearing.

Instantly Scarlett felt ashamed and guilty. She gently took the suit and stood before him, unable to meet his eyes.

"I'm late for dinner because of you." He said, then walked over without giving her a chance to speak.

Scarlett was utterly speechless. This man, Xander Riley, is cold and nearly impolite.

How could he blame her for his belated dinner?

She didn't even ask him to come here.

And as far as she can remember, she was pretty sure this guy didn't ask her out for a cup of coffee, let alone dinner.

She was annoyed with his attitude. But before she could pay back with the same attitude, the man had already walked away from her.

'Damn you, Xander!'

She cursed him in her heart as she quickened her steps to match his vast strides. She held his expensive suit carefully. Worried the seemingly expensive suit will wrinkle or tear — this man may ask her to pay for it.

On their way to the President's suite room, no word came from Xander or Scarlett. She wanted to break the annoying silence, but her hurt throat stopped her.