DARK PARADISE. [ Currently Under Editing.]

Chapter 24[Edited]

Paradise Island in simple description, was breathtaking to the eyes. They couldn't help but gasp the moment they stepped onto the Island.

It was safe to say they were thoroughly impressed and now they looked forward, to their time in this place.

Thankfully the path to their accommodation wasn't far. It was a double story house, years long but maintained well. The interior leaned more on the vintage vibe and it felt like they were taken back in time.

An uneasy feeling took over Kate when she noticed the touch of Halloween decorations, both inside and outside of the house.

Stacey had already explained that she had one or two conversations with the owner of the place, if ever it happened that he couldn't get a hold of Rachel.

No one asked any further questions. They had decides to put their trust in Stacey this time. Formalities were a thing they placed aside, as excitement over the trip took over.   They made themselves at home and welcomed the relaxing vibe the place provided for them.

With 4 rooms available, they split into pairs. Stacey shared a room with Clara, Ethan did the same with Danny, Anna with Maddie and ofcourse, Nick made sure that Kate was by his side.

They had arrived a little later than expected and were a little exhausted, from the trip, but that didn't dampen their mood. Instead, they livened up the atmosphere with a mini party.

Not being able to contain his excitement, Nick took an opportunity to make an announcement and the room fell silent. He told their friends about entering the next phase in his life, more so his relationship with Kate. As he spoke, it became even more clear what he meant when Kate revealed the diamond ring. It shined so bright and beautiful, bang hard to ignore. It surely sealed everything and Nick did the honors of putting the ring in its rightful place.

The moment Kate held out her hand, the room came alive with cheers and congratulations.

Despite the many questions thrown at them for further explaination, Nick spared a few details, not wanting to reveal too much and also trying to not let Kate be overwhelmed.

Anna had been the first one to pull Kate into a hug, followed by Maddie, then the rest. Nick received pats on the back along with some teasing from the guys. There was a sense of awkwardness when Stacey approached Kate and gave her a short hug. It was no secret that differences were there between the two, Stacey herself didn't share the same view with the others and yet, she composed herself.

Kate didn't comment either.

When music blasted back on, the party resumed, with newfound reason to celebrate.

The party ended in the later hours, where most were too drunk and could not make sense of anything. They found themselves separated from each other. Clara, who had been among the ones who had gone beyond her limit, stumbled out of the house for some air, unaware that she had caught someone's attention.

Slowly and steady, he followed her.

Patience had been at play this whole time. He'd waited for everyone to settle in and enjoy what would be their last moments here on Paradise Island. Everything seemed to go according to plan and he itched so bad, to finally reach his goal.

Everything was within his grasp and he scolded himself many times, to not be rash and take things one step at a time.

Many were on his radar, but even he could admit that he was surprised that Clara would be the first to be ticked off his list. It's amazing what researched could do because now, he was familiar with most of the students in his home.