Chapter 19: Chapter 19

As soon as Tim and Maezy left, Kim’s driver called him.

“Sir, I’m on the other side of the parking. The engine gets into trouble, and I am working on it.”

Without mentioning further about Maezy and Tim, he unlocked his seatbelt and gestured for me to do the same. We both stepped out of the car together, and he waited at the side until I walked towards him.

“Let’s go to Dennis. He’ll be taking you back to the city.”

Leading the way, soon we were standing before a car on the other side of the parking. The man working on the engine must be Dennis. He stood up and straightened once he sensed our presence.

“Sir, ma’am,” he said, smiling at us.

I smiled back and nodded. I wondered if Maezy recognized him because Kim sent him apparently to spy on her.

Kim seemed to have read my mind because he broke my silence while looking in deep thoughts at the middle-aged man bending down below the car's hood.

“She hasn’t met him yet, and I have no plan to introduce him to her.”

“Of course,” I replied with a faint smile.

After standing for a couple of minutes, Kim’s voice pierced into my ears again. I turned my head towards him, and I saw his knitting brows as he watched Dennis staring at an engine part he pulled out from somewhere.

“Sir, this looks like it would take me longer.”

Kim sighed, and he glanced at me. Even if he didn’t show it, but I knew he already wanted to kill someone because of anger

“Yen, would your husband mind if you would go home late? My time is precious, and I don’t have the luxury of time to stalk them.”

My mouth hung open as I listened to him. I couldn’t stay with him beyond hours of duty, even as an employer to a boss! It would never look good for any married woman to do that. I knew Kim didn’t harbor any malice between us, but still, I couldn’t do it. I had a history with him, and I still cherished that memory.

“I’m sorry, but...”

“I had booked two boats for a night island hopping. One of those boats is supposedly for Maezy and me, but it’s a part of the plan. I would call her later that I’m not coming, but I would take the second boat instead for this mission.”

I didn’t say a word. This would be too tough for him, and I got afraid that he would do something harsh later if there’s no one to stop him. This was such a hurtful scenario, and I knew Kim needed someone to talk to. Someone to calm him down.

“Can you just take the resort’s shuttle?”

“No. I can take a bus.”

I was glad Kim understood. He didn’t insist that I should stay. He didn’t wait for me to tell him why I shouldn’t.

“No. I can arrange for a shuttle.”

“Kim, I’m no longer a child.”

He turned to me and looked at me with apparent concern in his eyes.

“I regret dragging you into this mess.”

“You didn’t intend it. Blame it to the car’s engine.”

He smiled and patted my back. “I’m really sorry.”

“It’s alright. I understand.”

He pulled out his phone, and I understood that he was talking to the resort’s receptionist.

“I want to book for a shuttle to take us back to the city.”

His brows pulled together as he listened to the receptionist’s reply.

“What? A resort as luxurious as this runs out of shuttle?”

I didn’t hear what the receptionist said, but the frustration and anger on Kim’s face were heightening. His face was already bright red.

“Sir, I’ll take a bus. Don’t worry anymore on me.”

“Do you think I’ll let you go? You are my responsibility because the orientation should have been at the office, but I mix business with my personal agenda. And going on a bus alone is not safe.”

“Sir, listen to me. I’m not a rich kid who faces danger in a public ride.”

He gave me a frustrated look. “Can’t we stop arguing, Yen?”

I did not answer him. I pulled out my phone instead and called Zed. After a few rings, he picked up my call.

“Dear, how are you?”

“Zed, can you fetch me here? I’m here at Blue Paradise.”

“In the north?”

“Yes.”

“Sure, hon, but it would be after my lecture at around 9:00 pm.”

I sighed. I knew I couldn’t oblige him to come. He just couldn’t back out on a speaking engagement anytime he wanted, except for life and death situations. And being in seminars a lot of times, I knew Zed couldn’t easily get out from there. There would always be team meeting-after-meeting, and Zed was always expected to do short inspirational talks. Even team pictorials took time.

And I didn’t want him to drive after an exhausting night.

“What’s happening? Why are you suddenly there? I thought you have an orientation at Kim Yuan’s.”

I glanced at Kim before I walked away from him. I didn’t want to let him hear how I would explain my situation to Zed.

“Dear, if Mr. Mori feels you’re not safe in a bus, then wait for the company car to get fixed. Why not book a room to stay for the night and wait until the resort’s shuttle is available? Or, wait until I can come there in the morning.”

“Okay, Zed. I’ll do as you say and update you with my plans for tonight.”

“Take care, dear. Love you.”

This was one of the things I admired about Zed. He always understood, and he never ruined my day with petty jealousy.

Kim invited me to the boat. He ordered a lunch set by the boat while on an island tour. There was also that island hopping at night, but the moonlit sky would make the difference. It was meant for a romantic date.

Time passed by so quickly. We were discussing a lot of things about the company with breathtaking sea views as our background. The emerald and crystal-clear water outlined by green hills at the horizon was such a splendid view that sometimes it took away my focus from the discussion. And I wondered how Kim managed to separate business from his emotional blows.

I didn’t notice that the sun had set already. We were still somewhere on an island when a speedboat arrived to bring our dinner. A staff set it up on a table with a red-rose centerpiece. As if we were on a romantic date. Kim excused himself and walked away--his phone was on his ear.

“Where’s Lovely at this moment?” Kim asked the boatman.

“She just left the shore, sir. She’ll be here in twenty minutes.”

Kim nodded and dismissed the boatman with a hand.

“Lovely?” I asked. Kim never mentioned that he was inviting someone else to join us.

“The second boat. We’re sailing with Pretty, and Maezy is coming over with Lovely.”

I laughed at my ignorance, and Kim smiled at me. My goodness, he’s so gorgeous!

At that very moment, my eyes plastered on him as my thoughts brought back the memories of him kissing me passionately.