Self

Chapter 96

His breathing was close, and Yara stepped back. “What are you talking about?”

Her retreat only fueled his anger, his voice growing harsher. “You think he’s into you for real? He’s just a player, a smooth–talking charmer. Don’t fall for his

act.

Shane had been the golden boy, the chosen heir, always playing his cards.

close to his chest. He never let on what he liked or disliked, always the strong, silent type.

Not even Yale, who had once been so close to him, could figure him out.

Then, with his sudden hostility, it was hard not to wonder if Shane had ulterior motives, maybe even using Yara for some scheme.

Yara did not get it, and frankly, she did not care.

She said coolly, “Whatever his game is, it’s not my problem.”

Yale’s face relaxed a bit at that, but then she continued.

“You mean nothing to me. It’s way past my bedtime. If you insist on acting this way, I will call the butler and have him send the security team.”

Yale tried to say, “Yara-”

“I’m counting down from three. Three, two…”

Yara whipped out her phone, which was already on the dial pad. A single tap on the number 1, and the butler would be on his way.

Frustrated and helpless, Yale left with a final remark, “I’ll come back for you

tomorrow.”

Then, he stormed off.

From the shadows of a nearby restaurant terrace, Xandra watched the drama unfold, her face and eyes hidden in the night.

The following morning, Rainie strolled in.

Yara was sipping milk with a slice of bread in hand, barely two bites in, when the sound of the password lock beeped.

In a fresh dress and humming cheerfully, Rainle spotted the sandwich on the table She grabbed a plece, the bread perfectly toasted, and returned for

seconds

Sitting across from her, Yara took in her radiant glow and said, “It looked like you had a blast last night.”

“Absolutely. It’s been ages since I’ve met such a dazzling young man.” Rainie’s face took on a dreamy yet contented look as she said, “A waist to die for, rock- hard abs–he was absolutely top–notch.”

The guy was from Harmonisia, where good looks were a given and fitness was a national obsession. Rainie was certain the abs she felt last night was the real

deal.

It had been forever since she had found such a perfect match.

kin

Especially when she woke up that morning, and he was still there, his fr marked with her red love marks, those eyes almost tempting her to go another

round.

She kept her cool and remembered the diving instructor she had promised to meet. There was no way she would flake out, so she dashed back.

“We booked a diving instructor for around ten this morning. Remember? It’s almost time to head out,” she said.

The Maldives‘ waters were like a slice of paradise–super blue and clear, with excellent diving spots where people could check out fish and coral reefs about a hundred meters down. It was one of the top things to do on the island.

Yara had heard all about it and was psyched, but she was also a little freaked out by the thought of feeling all squished and out of breath way down there.

Still, her excitement to see the ocean’s wonders won out over her jitters, and

she was down to dive with Rainie.

The instructor they hooked up with was cool and had a reputation for being. funny and chill. Plus, he was extra careful and attentive, probably because he was teaching a couple of beautiful women like them.

Before they got their feet wet, he went through the drill, showing them the hand signals they would use underwater and how to work the gear. They would not just jump in; there was some beginner stuff to cover first..

3rd

Rainie had been diving a few times before, so she was pretty dismissive of the beginner lessons.

For Yara, though, it was Dive 101, so she was all ears.

Yara mixed up some of the signals, and the instructor tapped her arm.

“Hey, loosen up those muscles. Diving’s going to show you a whole new world under the waves.

“Just–picture it–a kaleidoscope of colors and life down there, an ou’re just chilling, soaking it all in.

“It’s going to be epic.”