Self

Chapter 89

At dawn in the airport, Yale lounged in the VIP waiting area, idly flicking through hist social media.

With only 30 minutes until boarding, time seemed to crawl. He was so ready to be airborne.

Then, he froze, sitting bolt upright.

Shane’s post from yesterday popped up–a picture of the beach with perfect blue skies and the sun setting.

There was also a caption.

[Maldives weather’s great, but the best part? Running into that special someone.]

[Comment A: Shane, you off on a romantic holiday?]

[Shane: Romance is for amateurs. I’m here for the big catch.]

[Comment B: Looks like Young Master Shields is onto something, huh?]

Shane’s response was a grinning emoji with a mischievous glint.

Yale’s mood plummeted with each swipe on his phone. They had too many mutual friends, and no matter how much he scrolled, he could not get through the endless stream of comments guessing about Shane’s latest fling.

That jerk had spread rumors and snuck off to the Maldives to meet with Yara.

The boarding call for the Maldives flight crackled over the PA system.

Yale pocketed his phone, snagged his coat, and exited the cozy VIP lounge.

When he swung the door open, Xandra was about to walk in. Their eyes locked, and instead of pushing the door, she wrapped him in a hug.

Yale was engulfed in her arms, frozen in surprise.

“Honey, you’re the best! I only mentioned once how I’d never been to the Maldives, and you remembered,” she said.

Straightening up, she waved her boarding pass excitedly. “They say the water villas there open right onto the ocean.

“Imagine falling asleep to the waves and waking up to the sunrise, not to mention the gorgeous beaches.”

Yale’s forehead creased, and he muttered a few vague replies before excusing himself. “I need to hit the restroom,” he said and hurried off.

In a quiet corner, he dialed his assistant, his face set in a scowl.

“Mr. Johnson? Aren’t you supposed to be boarding by now?” his assistant asked over the phone.

“Martin, if you’re tired of your job, just be honest about it!”

There was a moment of panic. “Mr. Johnson, what do you mean?”

“I’m pretty sure I asked for one ticket yesterday. Who decided to book two and hand the extra one to Xandra?

“If you’re having trouble hearing, you should get that checked out sooner rather than later.”

Martin caught on quickly–it was a rookie mistake.

He did not dodge responsibility, though. “I’m sorry, Mr. Johnson. I didn’t explain. things clearly, and I failed to double–check. It won’t happen again.”

Yale’s voice softened just a touch. “Make sure it doesn’t.”

“Hey, what took you so long? They’re almost done boarding. Xandra rushed toward him as he stepped out of the bathroom.

Yale replied, “Let’s head out.”

Mistakes were made, and he had to roll with them.

Xandra chirped like an excited sparrow. “I can’t wait. It’s my first time traveling abroad!”

She knew they were heading to the Maldives, so she put on subtle makeup and packed a few chic bikinis.

Since that night Yale had drunkenly stumbled into bed with her, things had changed; he had not laid a hand on her since.

No matter how much Xandra hinted, he would not take the bait.

Maybe their trip to the Maldives could change that.