Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

MYCA'S POV

I'm the only one who feels an awkward atmosphere between the three of us. It's because I am the only one who seems to be affected. It's normal for them especially because they are cousins ​​and Ace doesn't know that his playboy cousin is annoying. We waited for Ian's ordered food to arrive so we could eat together. While we were waiting, I just focused on my cell phone to pretend that I am still busy.

"You're here first. I thought the resort you are referring to is not located here in Manila. It happened that it's right here in the Philippines," Ace said while talking to Ian.

I am acting as if this is all normal to me. Let's say I'm doing something on my cellphone and occasionally looking around. They didn't mind me because they were busy talking with each other. It's a good thing that Ace isn't talking to me because I don't know how I'll react if Ian interrupts the conversation. Because it happens all the time that as soon as I see his face, I become irritated.

“A friend of mine recommended this new resort to me. It's especially nice here and there's a lot to do," answered Ian.

I shifted a bit to make myself feel comfortable. Because this is a round table, I am sitting between Ian and Ace. I was a little closer to Ace. After all, I moved my chair a little because I noticed that Ian's leg was a little closer to the foot of my chair. He sits like he owns the whole area!

"This is a nice resort, Ms. Fortezo. Did you come up with all of this?” Ace turned to me.

I looked up at him and nodded

"Just Myca."

I didn't want to answer but they were both looking at me. I smiled at Ace before speaking.

“Yes. The land it was built on is mine because it is included in my grandfather's inheritance to me. I was planning to build my clothing line here on this spot but I realized that this will attract more customers since the view here is exceptionally beautiful and relaxing. I have a resort in Palawan and I can say that the sand here is finer than there. Also, this place is rich in coral reefs and small fishes so this is a really good spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.” I can't help but be talkative now.

I suddenly remembered what Alli said. Ace is good at managing business. I think we will get along well. Ace doesn't seem difficult to get along with and I feel comfortable talking to him. I guess I should try to ask him out for real. It doesn't matter if I'm the girl and I will be the one to make a move first. If we don't work out for each other then it's okay too. I will just do it to see if mom and dad will change their minds. At least I tried my best. Only then will I think of other plans if this first one fails?

"Wow... did you manage it alone?" he asked in amazement.

"During the first month to the fourth, dad helped me. I learned from him. It's not easy to manage but that's what I studied in college so I was able to handle it. It was fun being stressed at work but what motivated me the most to keep going is that I know that I love what I am doing.”

I was a little embarrassed when I saw the wonder in Ace's eyes. He smiled widely as a sign of admiration.

"It's so rare to see women being interested in running a business. Most of them don't want too stressful work. But everything is difficult in the beginning. You are just getting used to it throughout the process until you can say that it's getting fun, easier, and hard to forget once you have the taste of your hard work," he said.

I immediately agreed with him. One of the reasons why I don't want to tie the knot is that I want to reach the peak of success. I haven't had a heart attack yet so I know when I should rest.

"But it can be harmful to stress yourself at work. If you stress yourself, you will get sick. Once you get sick, you will not be able to work. So it's better if you don't work, then have a free life, and enjoy it every single day," Ian interjected which immediately made me wince.

I'd almost torture him if Ace wasn't watching me. I just laughed raw at what he said and looked away.

“Not everyone is like what you say, Ian. Our world is getting advanced and everyone is capable of changing their minds," said Ace.

“True. People also think differently. It's not like you know all the girls all over Asia and you'd think we are all the same, if you insist," I said with a smile, but I was annoyed.

Ian just flashed his most annoying grin. I rolled my eyes and looked away again. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw one of the staff approaching us while carrying the tray of food Ian had ordered. Good thing it's already here. We can eat and he will be quiet. Or that was what I was expecting to happen. But the outcome was different especially when that playboy commented on every food he tasted. We have added new dishes to the menu. I almost yelled at the look on his face to write a review so we can address his concerns. Maybe he forgets that I am the owner.

“Ian, we are not in a five-star restaurant so you can compare the taste of this food with the ones you have tasted. You should be shy now that we are with Myca," Ace whispered to him in a very low tone but I still heard it.

That man's mouth has no filter. He will say what is on his mind. Maybe that's how he gets the girls he dates. I chewed hard on the food I ate and looked up at the two of them.

"Anyway, what kind of activities are we going to do today? I don't know what you like so I'll let you choose," I said to Ace.

"Let's do snorkeling or scuba diving first and then fishing! The weather is clear today," Ian answered even though he wasn't the one I was talking to.

Ace nodded his head to agree with his cousin. “That would be great. I'm fine with anything. I will still enjoy any activity.”

"Okay..." I continued eating.

We were silent the whole time we were eating our breakfast. Then we went straight outside to start what they wanted to do. I asked Chid to prepare the yacht for us. I brought them to a good spot so that everything was worth it to them. The crystal clear ocean welcomed us as the captain stopped maneuvering the yacht. We are wearing the same scuba gear. We were also reminded what to do in case the oxygen tank we carry runs out. I guess both of them know what to do. They both seem excited.

"This is not my first time but I guess I should tag along with you. You might want to show me the real beauty of this resort," Ace said while smiling and then he winked at me.

I felt my face flush a little. I blinked and just nodded at what he said. A smile crept on my lips.

"Don't go too deep, Ian," he warned his cousin who looked like he wanted to jump now.

"I know. Let's go! I can't wait to explore underwater.”

"Are you ready?" Chid asked us.

We both nodded. After a few seconds, we were underwater. I tried to dive a little farther to lead Ace to the spot where we can see different fish and corals. I am breathing normally to save my gas because I intend to stay a bit longer and dive more later. I turned to Ace who was following me and showed him the whole area. He gave me a thumbs up to imply that he appreciates the view. We were both enjoying what we were seeing so we didn't realize that we had almost gone around the entire coral reefs.

A few minutes passed. He is giving me a signal but I could not understand it. We are in the part where the big fish can be seen. They are harmless so I am not afraid. I grew up here in Manila and when I was young I loved to dive a lot that's why I knew nothing bad would happen to me. Ace gave me a hand signal again. Only then did I get that he wanted to go around alone again when he pointed to where we came from and to what was further below. I gave him my approval sign and went in the opposite direction to go to my favorite deep spot. Small fish can be seen there and it is brighter here because of the rays coming from the sun from above.

"Hello babies," I greeted the little fish from my mind and followed where they were swimming.

I am enjoying this because this spot is so peaceful. The fish went to the largest coral reefs. That's why I ended up there too. I looked at the bottom and it was no longer in the reach of the sun's rays, so I didn't go any further. I was about to turn back when someone held my hand and made me face the other side of the coral reefs where a lot more small fish are swimming. They are circling the light that illuminates the whole side of the corals. The person who pulled me went there and imitated what the fish were doing then tried to touch one of the fish but they all left because they were scared of what he did.

I glared at that person. Only then I did recognize that man as Ian! I turned my back on him and swam up to get back to Ace. I don't want to stay here and it looks like I'm going to run out of gas in no time. But he held my hand again and pointed to another group of fish swimming with three big fish. I watched him like he wanted me to. He tried to swim like them but the fish scattered around because he is creating a large gap between them. My breathing increased due to annoyance. The little fish got scared! What is that man doing? I want to shoot him now. I left him there and swam up. I speed up my swimming because my tank is about to run out of gas. I couldn't wait for Ace anymore at the place where we parted earlier so I went up first. Chid and Wil helped me get up to the yacht.

"Ma'am, you seem to be up early today. Have you not seen anything new with your eyes?" Chid asked me.

I grabbed the towel and dried my hair. "Someone tried to ruin my mood. Everything would have been nice but he is trying to get the attention of all the creatures underwater. What a shame. He thought even fish could be tamed and would obey him no matter what. He is not adorable at all," I said.

I looked at the next person who came up. It was Ian. He smiled while taking off his scuba gear. Wil took the towel then handed it to him and turned his full attention to me.

"Did you see those beautiful fish?" he happily asked me as if the point he wanted to make was amusing.

"Oh yes, Mr. Tessimond. You can live under the sea and live with the fishes," I answered sarcastically and turned my back on him.

I heard his loud laughter.

"Why ma'am's head got now?" I heard Chid ask Ian.

"Because the fish left her, so she sulks," Ian answered, followed by laughter from all of them.

I felt him approach me. I was already annoyed when I faced him.

"If you didn't try to irritate me, I will save more of my gas and I can dive longer than my previous record!" I snorted at him immediately.

He was surprised by my shouting. He was silent for a few seconds.

"I'm sorry..." he suddenly said.

I ignored his apology.

"And you would not become famous there. You ruined the peaceful view underwater. Do you think you are like a fish when you swim? Oh, yes! A German would do!"

His jaw dropped open. But I was even more annoyed when he just smiled widely and laughed!

"A merman who is handsome, Miss." He then winked at me.

"Dream on!"

He chuckled again and I know that he is doing that on purpose to irritate me even more! How incredible!