Self

Chapter 90

Their plane touched down, and they hopped on a seaplane straight to the island.

Xandra had only dreamed of the Maldives through pictures and videos. When she was there, she could not stop snapping pictures on her phone.

Then she froze, realizing she and Yale had never taken a photo together.

With her roommates all knowing about her Maldives adventure, she glanced around and sneakily aimed her phone at Yale.

Groggy from a restless night, Yale yawned and looked up to find Xandra pointing her camera at him. His face fell, and he quickly blocked the shot.

Xandra blinked. “Hey, shouldn’t we take a selfie on our first trip together?*

Yale muttered, “I’m not into photos.”

-Then, he shut his eyes to rest.

Xandra’s excitement cooled as if splashed by a wave of cold water.

The Maldives greeted them with its vast blue skies and expansive seas. As they stepped out of the helicopter, they were met by welcoming staff.

Once they were all checked in, the staff took care of their bags.

Yale, looking beat, made his way to the elevator, but then he looked up and locked eyes with Shane.

Shane stepped out of the elevator, rocking the local look with a loud, floral, short- sleeved shirt and matching beach shorts. Maybe it was his model–like build or movie- star face, but he made the flashy outfit look effortlessly cool, like a prince on

vacation.

He caught sight of Yale immediately, pausing for a second before strolling over with a smirk, sunglasses dangling from one hand, the picture of laid–back charm. “Hi, here for some fun in the sun?”

Yale kept his face blank. “Yeah, isn’t this a surprise?”

Shane’s smile turned sly. “Maybe it’s destiny, but you’re lagging, man. I got here a whole day before you.”

Yale’s scowl deepened at that. “Lucky me. Thanks to someone, I got sidetracked by some bogus news. But it doesn’t look like your head start got you anywhere, huh?”

Shane fell silent

“You think all your sneaky moves, shadowing her like a pesky little bug, will win her over? I know her way better than you. With me in the picture, you don’t stand at chance“Yale was brimming with confidence

After all, even if he and Yara were history, Shane was out of the running.

Shane’s gaze turned steely, and he gave a half–smile, glancing at Xandra with a challenge in his eyes. “Won’t know unless I try, right? People change. You’re no exception.”

He tapped Yaled’s shoulder casually and said. “Enjoy your break.”

However, Yale sidestepped him.

“Don’t worry about my happiness. You might want to focus on your comfort level instead.” Yale strode off toward the elevator. Xandra dashed after him, her grip on his hand tight and urgent.

Did Shane hint that Yara might be there, too?

Ding!

The elevator door slid open, and Yale slipped his hand away. “Got stuff to do, so you’re on your own for fun.”

He strode off without a backward glance.

Yara examined the fox mask in her hands, admiring the intricate carvings and delicate craftsmanship. The eyes almost seemed to sparkle with life.

“Where did you get this? It’s super cute.” She looked up at Rainie with a curious smile.

The mask fit perfectly over the top half of her face, blending seamlessly with her features.

“The hotel’s throwing a masquerade ball tonight at eight. Everyone has to wear a mask to get in. I picked out this fox one for you–cool, huh?”

Rainie took in Yara’s appearance–a red and white striped dress that fell just past her knees, a pearl hairpin nestled in her hair, and a red pendant that danced playfully at her temple, adding a touch of allure.

The

mask was the perfect finishing touch to Yara’s look.