Chapter 25
Chapter 25
These days, those who got more nerve always won. Yasin curved his tall frame into a “C” shape, slouching to rest his weight on Quinlyn’s shoulder-and in that silent showdown, he claimed victory.
No one said a word.
With no objections, Quinlyn simply set off with Yasin.
From a distance, the rest of the group heard Quinlyn coo at Yasin, “Know why those people clammed up? They think you need protecting.”
“Mmm, makes sense.”
Quinlyn went quiet. She might have started this whole game, but even she couldn’t handle Yasin’s act of playing helpless.
Watching them walk away, Yalena quickly apologized to the group. “Quinlyn can be pretty unpredictable. Don’t let her get to you.”
The other four, all spoiled rotten at home, looked annoyed. Rita Simpson, who had been hanging out with Yalena since they were kids, grabbed her hand and muttered, “You’re way too nice. Didn’t she totally trash you at your birthday bash last week?”
“Drop it,” Yalena said, looking uncomfortable. She stole a glance at Zachary and caught him staring intently after Quinlyn and Yasin, who were walking close together, their heads nearly touching.
‘Is she seriously getting cozy with some guy she barely knows? Doesn’t she remember we’re still engaged?’ Zachary thought, his face darkening.
Yalena followed his gaze, her fingers curling into fists. Then she brushed the hidden pocket sewn into her dress.
She’d picked this dress specifically for that pocket. Inside was something Beatrice had given her. She’d never wanted it, but right now, doubt gnawed at her confidence.
‘Why does Zachary keep staring at Quinlyn? She’s just another party girl who flirts with everyone. Beatrice already showed me her whole history-her grades, her crazy stunts. What makes her so damn special?.
‘Beatrice warned me Quinlyn’s playing some calculated game, trying to steal what’s mine. No way I’m letting that happen,’ Yalena thought, grinding her teeth.
Quinlyn stopped under the shade of a tree.
Yasin let out a soft hum, as if wordlessly asking why they’d paused.
“Kitty, you should stand up,” said Quinlyn. Before Yasin could respond, she added, huffing slightly, “I’m not worried about my shoulder giving out, but I don’t want you to mess up your back.”
Yasin dropped his eyes. She was so close that her heavy breathing brushed against his ear. He’d planned to drag out his “kitty act” a bit longer, but then he caught her scent-warm, sweet, like fresh milk-rising from the curve of her neck.
After pausing for a few seconds, Yasin straightened up. “Okay, I’ll hang up the ‘delicate kitty’ act for now.”
“No, no. Every guy gets his downtime. Our little game’s on pause, but when we restart, you’ll still be the most adorable, clingy teammate around.” She fired off the compliments without missing a beat.
Then the two walked into the island’s forest, out of sight.
1/3
Chapter 25
Yalena collected herself, smoothing her hair and turning to Zachary with a gentle smile. “Zachary, let’s go. Don’t be upset- Quinlyn’s always like that. They’re just wandering around and probably won’t find anything. We can help them out if they come up short, alright?”
Zachary grunted, shoving down his irritation. Then, falling back on the discipline he’d learned from Logan, he started assigning search zones for supplies.
Glancing at the sky, he added, “It’s clear now, but island weather flips fast-might rain tonight. We all need to find supplies and set up a shelter before it gets dark.”
The Fletchers were calling the shots, so everyone fell in line without pushing back. The group quickly organized and headed into the island’s interior.
Rita leaned in close and whispered, “Don’t be naïve, Yalena. This is your chance. My dad said Mr. Logan Fletcher invited Quinlyn here to spark something between her and Zachary. If you don’t make a move, Zachary might end up your brother- in-law.”
Yalena tugged at Rita’s sleeve. “What are you talking about? I trust Zachary. He was about to propose that day, but Mr. Logan Fletcher interrupted.”
“Exactly-Zachary still can’t stand up to his grandpa.” Rita shrugged and leaned in closer. “And this isn’t just about you and Zachary. It’s about Quinlyn too. Are you really gonna let her run all over you?”
They whispered conspiratorially, heads bent close together, careful to keep their conversation just quiet enough that no one else would notice.
But Elsie, who’d fought her way up from nothing and seen every trick in the book, caught their hushed exchange instantly. She was about to speak. “Yarden, Yalena…”
Yarden slung an arm around her waist. “Hmm?”
Elsie shook her head, saying nothing-rich girls’ drama wasn’t her problem.
Thanks to the inside help, Quinlyn and Yasin quickly tracked down both supplies and a small cave. Quinlyn dumped out a pile of items like they were precious loot.
The staff, apparently noticing her gear was only basic, had slipped her an extra bag packed with essentials, such as a sleeping bag, food, and drinks.
Quinlyn didn’t buy it. She knew powerful people always pulled the same stunt: throwing out a few small perks to win someone’s trust, then dumping them when they were no longer useful.
Yasin picked up on her mood but said nothing. Instead, he grabbed a bag of jerky and teased, “Didn’t know you had a knack for side hustles.”
“I’m thinking bigger now,” Quinlyn grinned. “Side gigs just aren’t gonna do it for me anymore.” She was dreaming of an easy, luxurious lifestyle. Lately, she’d been scoping out properties, plotting to become a chill, hands-off landlord.
As they were in the middle of their meal, the sky opened up, rain pouring down in sheets.
Yasin had already gathered dry wood before the downpour hit. As the rain intensified, he calmly pulled a lighter from his pocket. “I kept it in my pocket, but they didn’t check there,” he said.
2/3
Chapter 25
‘Didn’t check? They wouldn’t dare. One look from you, and no one’s brave enough to lay a finger on you, Quinlyn sneered to herself. She guessed Logan had probably told the staff to turn a blind eye to Yasin.
The fire crackled to life, flames leaping upward. Quinlyn stretched, her gaze drifting to the roiling dark clouds outside. Heavy raindrops hammered the forest canopy, and the world dimmed into dusk.
She leaned back against the cave’s rough, jagged wall, the uneven surface digging slightly into her shoulders. Her eyes settled
on Yasin.
Firelight flickered across his features, casting shadows over his downturned gaze. He looked down, quiet, almost cold, though she felt no chill in the air.
Finally, she broke the silence, voicing the question that had been nagging at her. “Why did you agree to Mr. Logan Fletcher’s invitation to this event?”
