Alluring Mask

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 28

We arrived in the Philippines after a 16- to 18-hour flight. It was very exhausting, even though Oceanus and I spent much of our time eating and sleeping. He booked a hotel near Austria City and chose an executive suite with two rooms, so we still have some privacy.

"Just agree to it!"

He shook his head and took a sip of his drink. He raised his hand and smiled at me. A smile that reached almost to his ears. His face was flushed from the alcohol, and his hair was a mess.

"Nope, Huzzah!" he slurred.

I scratched my straight hair and raised an eyebrow.

"I'm independent, Oceanus! Don't treat me like a baby. Gosh!" I replied, irritated.

He looked me up and down. He rolled his eyes and gestured for me to leave.

"Fine. Go where you're happy. Just call me immediately if something bad happens to you," he said quickly.

I chuckled softly and nodded. He's so much easier to talk to when he's drunk. I left him without another word, afraid he might change his mind.

The hotel Oceanus and I are staying at is also close to the beach. There's a beach party happening, and one of my friends invited me to join since they found out I was here. I'll go just this once, even though partying isn't the reason I came to the Philippines. It's just a way to relieve stress for a while. I'll stop by the restroom first to make sure I look presentable.

I gathered my long, straight chocolate-brown hair behind me. My light brown eyes appeared even more vivid as they caught the sunlight streaming through the bathroom window. I was wearing a fitted, sleeveless brown dress that accentuated my hourglass figure.

I smiled when I saw that my appearance was presentable. "You're so pretty, Val," I said to myself.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

"Omg! Hexia, nice to meet you again!"

I chuckled softly and hugged her. She jumped up and down with joy when she saw me. Well, it's been a year since our last party. I met her because Atlas brought me to Ismael's niece's birthday party.

"Nice to meet you too!"

We chatted about various things in their cottage before going up to the yacht. One of her friends owns it. The yacht is big, and there are already quite a few people on board.

"Do you want to swim later?" she asked me while I watched her rummage through her bag as we entered a cabin. "I have a two-piece and a one-piece swimsuit in my bag. Just tell me if you're going to swim in the sea so I can choose a swimsuit for you."

"Sure. I'll let you know," I replied simply.

I told her I was stepping out to get some fresh air on the top deck of the yacht. It was already moving, so the wind was stronger. I leaned against the railings, enjoying the powerful breeze on my face.

I think I should make the most of this since I don't know when this will happen again. Since my friend works in business and real estate, I expect there are other business owners and people like that here.

"Hi, I saw you were alone, so I came over. Do you want me to accompany you?"

I opened my eyes and looked to see who spoke. I didn't even know him and had only just seen him now. I gazed at him emotionlessly, as if my stare could pierce through his body.

"No. If you don't mind, please leave me alone."

It seemed he understood what I said, so he left quickly. From the tone of my voice alone, he could tell I wasn't pleased with him. I sighed and refocused my attention on the beautiful blue sea in front of me, but my view was interrupted when something caught my eye.