Ryker’s POV'Jeez, why is it taking so long now?′Restlessness consumed me throughout the meeting. As I sat in the meeting, I couldn’t help but think of Daniel and the two women who had already arrived at the resort. I imagined them basking in the sun, sipping on tropical drinks, and enjoying the luxurious amenities. Meanwhile, I was stuck in the boardroom, listening to endless presentations and envious of their carefree escape. The present encounter marks the fourth time I have convened with my esteemed investors on this day. My finger incessantly tapped against the wooden surface of the table. The passage of time decelerates to a crawl during my meetings, such that I scarcely noticed it in the past, perhaps due to familiarity. However, it is a tedious affair that leaves much to be desired. The desire to hasten the passage of time consumed me as if I held the power to manipulate the very fabric of the universe.My thoughts are preoccupied with Claire, distracting me from my current f
Ryker's POV"What're you doing, Claire?"The sensation of Claire's warm breath on my neck was palpable as I drew her nearer to the cabin. Inadvertently, her lips grazed my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. The interplay of the cool ocean breeze and the heat emanating from our bodies, imbued with the effects of beer, elicited a delightful tingling sensation that coursed through my entire being."I am not doing anything." Claire giggled.I release a measured breath, allowing the air to escape my lungs and, with it, my heightened state of agitation. "It is nice to have a sibling," Claire whispered."If I can get rid of Russell, I'll give her to you." I chuckled.With a light and carefree laugh, Claire expressed her amusement. "What if I want a brother just like you?""I do not wish you to be my sibling," I said.'I would be a sinful man if Claire became my sister. I'm happily secretly in love with her.' I thought.Claire lapsed into silence, refraining from uttering a single word. At
Claire's POV'Damn, Claire, you are weak.'The sudden cessation of Ryker's kisses left me taken aback, and as I gazed upon his face, I noticed a perplexed expression. The enigmatic nature of his thoughts and emotions left me with no choice but to release my grip and close my eyes. Little did I know that Ryker's departure was imminent.Resting my forearm on my head, I let out a deep sigh. I pressed my teeth into my lower lip. Alas, have I committed a mistake? Is it not sufficient? Perhaps, he harbors no emotions towards me, not even a hint of infatuation or reverence. With a pout, I lowered myself onto the soft mattress."Oh!" I cradled my head in my hands. "It hurts!" I collided with the pillow upon which I reclined. The annoyance factor cannot be denied. Annoyance coursed through my veins.I don't understand. Am I being too modest? I ought to have exerted myself further to entice him. Flirting with him could have led to his disinterest. The feeling of disdain overwhelms me. Tonight i
Claire's POV'Haist, if this Ryker weren't so cute, I would have made his face bleed a while ago. But his handsome face will get stained, so I can't.' I thought.My gaze shifted to Ryker, who waved to Daniel, bidding him farewell. Daniel bid us farewell and set off towards the bustling metropolis, leaving the three of us in his wake. Russell sprinted towards us. Once more, the green-eyed monster had taken hold of me, and Russell was the focus of my envy. Inhaling deeply, I furrowed my brow and reclined on the sofa bed.'Maybe Ryker doesn't like me because my body isn't as good as Russell's." Perhaps it was my body shape that failed to meet his expectations.' I thought."Are you coming on the jet ski with me?" After glancing in my direction, Ryker turned to Russell and posed a question."I don't want to," I said. "So I'll stay here.""Are you sure?" Russell posed a question to me."Yes, it is way too hot. I don't want to get sunburned." I said.Ryker's gaze met mine, yet I didn't care.
Claire's POV"I really couldn't believe that Patricia had apologized to you earlier. Why did she do it, exactly? Did a good spirit take control of her?" I uttered it softly, my voice barely above a whisper.Russell and I strolled towards the parking lot, where Ryan patiently awaited our arrival in his vehicle. Ryan invited us out."I was surprised, but I think something happened that we don't know about," Russell said. "We know her, and she is not that kind of person. Then something must have made her change her mind.""I think you're right. And Pat's behavior makes it even stranger.""I wonder who was mad enough to scare her. This person deserves our gratitude."Ryan came into our view and waved in our direction with a friendly gesture. "What on earth is he doing here?" Russell asked. Daniel stood beside his car, his hands tucked away in his pockets, his gaze fixed upon us.With a sudden burst of energy, Ryan hastened towards us and seized Russell's wrist. However, others held her be
Ryker's POV"Are you all right?"We were the subject of nonstop photography when we went onto the red carpet. I felt Claire's surprise a bit. She gave me a slight glance."Yeah, I'm fine," Claire whispered. She was surprised when I put my arm around her waist and pulled her closer, making her hold my shoulder. Her forehead was almost as high as my lips, so she looked up at me. I just stared at her."I told you I needed heels when I was with you."I stared at her. "Your height is perfect." I looked down at her lips. "A perfect height for a sweet, passionate kiss." Claire was a bit surprised."Are you teasing me, or will you seriously do it?" she asked.If I didn't like Claire, I would have responded to her flirting with me, but I knew she was kidding, so I had to stop myself, even though her jokes and teasing made me feel drawn to her."I would love to, but I have a stubborn sister, and you have a stubborn best friend who needs our help tonight, so we have to go find her." I smiled.Cl
Claire's POV"So what? Are you nervous or excited?"The day went by very quickly. It is Russell and Daniel's wedding day, and everyone is busy. It is not a church wedding. They only invited very close family and friends."You can back off, Rus," I told her. "Don't do this if you're uncomfortable and unsure about it."Russell said with irritation, "If I don't continue with this, I will ruin Daniel's life, and I can't let him go to jail and lose his job because I'm to blame.""It's Patricia's fault if she doesn't bother you.""I agreed with her. We both know that I'm to blame. I underestimated Daniel too much without knowing that everything would not be this complicated." Russell said. "And besides, our marriage is a lie. I can go home whenever I want.""What's about later? You're obliged to give him the night. After the wedding, you'll stay at his house for your honeymoon." I asked. "Are you going to give this night to him?""No! I won't. Our wedding is a fake, so why would there be a
Ryker's POV"It's better. Let's head to our room to set down the stuff and start the celebration," Daniel said.Today is the day they have been waiting for most. We're standing in front of a beautiful sea. I invited the gang to a resort to celebrate. As usual, we got three rooms. Since Daniel and Russell are married, they share a room, and Claire and I are in a different room. There are a lot of vacationers at the resort, and the sea is stunning.We walked together towards our cabin. And because Daniel's cabin was first, they went there first. Next to their cabin is Claire's. I quickly took her cabin key."I'll open it," I said. As I walked up to the door, I smiled. Claire came with me. She went inside and immediately looked at me."Thank you."I just smiled and left. I took a deep breath and walked closer to my cabin, next to Claire's. I jumped right onto the bed when I got into the room. The view from the cabins I got was exceptional. The tinted glass wall lets you see the vast sea