Unexpected Desires

CHAPTER 20: Enchanted Beginnings

Chapter 20: Enchanted Beginnings

Mayari Calleope's Point of View

"Welcome to Isla Del Fierte!" Masayang pahayag ni Riley sa akin pagdating namin sa aming pupuntahan.

As I stepped out of the car, the world seemed to transform around me. An ocean of brilliant azure stretched before my eyes, its waves glittering under the relentless embrace of the sun. The sand beneath my feet felt like the finest powdered sugar, as if nature herself had meticulously prepared this grand welcome.

"Oh, wow!" My voice couldn't contain the astonishment that surged within me as I gazed upon the resplendent beauty of Isla Del Fierte. It transcended every image I had seen, every story I had heard. Pictures in magazines and on television had done it no justice; it felt as though I had crossed a threshold into a tangible paradise.

"Did you enjoy it?" Riley's voice carried a hint of anxiety as he posed the question. I turned my gaze toward him, finding his eyes fixed on me, his anticipation palpable. Unable to contain my delight, a warm smile graced my lips as our eyes locked.

"I love this place already," I admitted, my smile lending warmth to his eyes, which mirrored my own excitement. Parang nakahinga siya ng maluwag sa sagot ko.

Sinong hindi mai-inlove sa ganito kagandang isla? Para ka talagang nasa paraiso kapag andito ka sa Isla Del Fierte.

"I'm thrilled to hear that. But there's much to explore. Come, let's go." Riley's words bore significance as he beckoned me to join him in unloading our luggage, hinting at the myriad adventures yet to unfold.

As we traversed the path to our hotel, the sights and sounds of Isla Del Fierte enveloped me. The allure of summer had summoned throngs of people, all drawn to the promise of sun and surf. Yet, the island was not overcrowded, and the environment remained pristine, devoid of litter. Children reveled in the sand, sculpting their fantasies into tangible creations.

My heart surged with an eagerness to explore every corner of this island, and the promise of discovery danced in my eyes.

"Good morning, sir Riley. Good morning, ma'am," the hotel's receptionist greeted us with genuine warmth as we entered the grand foyer of our accommodation.

Kahit sa pagpasok sa loob ng hotel ay hindi ko rin maiwasang hindi mamangha. Napakalawak ng lobby at may malaking chandelier pa ang nakasabit sa ceiling. Isa ito sa mga iilang hotel na andito sa Isla Del Fierte pero ito ang pinakamalaking hotel sa buong isla ayon kay Riley.

"Mayari. She's Mayari, Iana. Mayari this is Iana." Riley, ever the gracious host, introduced me to Iana, the receptionist. I turned toward her and was met by an arresting sight—a young woman whose petite frame and graceful demeanor gave her an aura of ethereal beauty. Her ink-black hair cascaded like a river of shadows, accentuating her beguiling green eyes, their shade as vivid as emerald. Her eyelashes, long and bewitching, framed eyes that seemed to shimmer with a secret depth, and her slender lips painted a picture of delicate allure. She bore an uncanny resemblance to a living Barbie doll.

"Hi, Ma'am Mayari. I'm Iana, and welcome to Isla Del Fierte." Her voice, accompanied by a smile that radiated charm, was as captivating as her appearance.

"Oh, h-hi! It's nice to meet you, Iana. I'm Mayari," I responded with a touch of shyness, my gaze drawn to her magnetic presence. Her response was a sweet smile, her eyes like twin pools of serenity.

Bumaling siya kay Riley pagkatapos.

"Sa wakas may dinala ka na rin dito sa Isla Del Fierte. Is she the one?" Finally, Iana's words hung in the air like a question laced with anticipation. Her statement to Riley held a weighty undercurrent, instantly intriguing me.

Bahagya pa akong nagulat ng biglang nagbago ang way ng pakikipag-usap ni Iana kay Riley. From professional to casual.

Riley couldn't help but chuckle, his easy laughter filling the moment. With nonchalance, he draped his arm around me, a move that left me both bemused and curious.

"Yes, she is. Isn't my girlfriend beautiful?" Riley playfully retorted to Iana, whose laughter danced like a soft melody in response.

The warmth of Iana's smile was palpable as she agreed, "Yes, she is."

Na-realize ko naman ang pinag-uusapan nila at agad na inalis ko ang pagkaka-akbay ni Riley sa akin.

Huh?! Anong girlfriend?! Siraulo ba 'tong si Riley?!

"H-hindi ko siya boyfriend! Middleton, huwag ka ngang magkalat ng fake news!" Asik ko kay Riley na ikinatawa naman ni Iana.

I exclaimed, my words causing Iana to chuckle gently.

"I thought she was your girlfriend, Kuya," Iana said in a gentle, almost shy tone, her laughter adding a musical note to her words. Riley scratched his head, his demeanor betraying a hint of embarrassment.

"That's where we're headed anyway. It's just an advanced thinking," Riley offered, momentarily leaving me in a state of bewilderment. What did he mean by "that's where we're headed"?

The question gnawed at me, quickening the pace of my heartbeats. My unease was undeniable.

"W-what? Manahimik ka nga. Atsaka teka nga! Naguguluhan ako. Kuya?" Naguguluhang tanong ko habang palipat-lipat ang tingin ko kay Riley at Iana.

Tama ang narinig ko kanina 'di ba? Tinawag na kuya ni Iana si Riley. Magkapatid ba sila? Pero ang pagkakaalam ko walang kapatid si Riley. Like solong anak lang siya. Atsaka no'ng nakita ko ang family picture nila ay wala naman si Iana sa larawan.

"We're cousins. I mean, 2nd degree cousins. His father is my mom's cousin." Paliwanag ni Riley sa akin. Ngumiti naman ng malapad si Iana sa akin. Gosh! She's so cute! Ang sarap niyang ibulsa huhu!

So, magpinsan pala sila. Kaya pala medyo may resemblance rin sila ni Riley.

"Oh, I see." Saad ko na lamang. Ngumiti lang si Iana sa akin at inabot na nito ang isang susi kay Riley.

"Here's your room kuya. Pinalinis ko na rin 'yan. Enjoy your stay here!" Iana chimed, her voice a symphony of cheerfulness. Riley, unperturbed, acknowledged her with a knowing nod and gestured for me to follow him to our room.

As Iana bid us farewell, her perpetual smile never faltered. Napakamasiyahin niya at palangiti. I wonder kung hindi ba nangangawit ang panga niya sa kakangiti.

"Pagpasensyahan mo na si Iana. Talagang makulit lang ang isang iyon." Riley leaned in, offering an explanation for Iana's playful nature as the elevator doors slid shut. I nodded, understanding that her vivacity was simply part of her charm.

"It's quite refreshing, actually. Her personality shines. She effortlessly puts people at ease," I responded, and Riley's chuckle resonated in the enclosed space.

"That's absolutely true. I'm two years older than her, and she spends her summer breaks working here at the hotel when she's not in school. And in case you're curious about her mesmerizing green eyes, I can confirm they're all-natural," Riley divulged, as if sensing my inquisitiveness about Iana's striking feature.

"I see. Her eyes were so beautiful," I murmured, my gaze momentarily drifting to Riley. However, his words drew me back, like a magnet to steel.

"But yours," he continued, his eyes dancing with mischief as our prolonged gaze deepened, "are far more captivating."

In that silent exchange, Riley's intense gaze seemed to pull me closer. It was a look I'd never encountered before, one that ignited anticipation within me, making my heart race with excitement.

"We're here." Naputol ang pagtititigan namin ni Riley ng tumunog ang elevator at bumukas iyon.

"Penthouse?" Agad na tanong ko kay Riley pagkalabas namin ng elevator.

"Yes, this is my sanctuary when I'm on Isla," Riley confirmed, unlocking the door with a flourish.

"After you, baby," he grinned charmingly, holding the door open. Stepping into the penthouse, I was instantaneously mesmerized.

Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a postcard-perfect view of the vast, azure ocean, unveiling the entire island in its splendor.

"This is absolutely breathtaking!" I gasped, my eyes riveted on the sparkling sea.

But my amazement reached new heights as Riley suddenly enveloped me from behind.

"Delighted that you adore it," Riley's voice, though unseen, radiated warmth. I surrendered to his embrace, reluctant to break the enchantment.

"I've got to be honest with you," I confessed, my smile revealing the sincerity of my words. "This place, it's not just a destination to me. It's not about liking it or not. I love everything about this place. It's a paradise."

My words hung in the air, resonating with the sheer depth of my emotions. Riley's amusement filled the moment with a soft melody as he chuckled.

"You know what, hearing you say that makes me genuinely happy," he replied. He then took a step back, gently turning me to face him.

In that moment, I was met with Riley's striking countenance. His captivating smile felt like a warm embrace, and it was impossible not to be drawn into the depths of his charm.

"I've prepared an array of surprises for this date, all in the pursuit of making it unforgettable for us," Riley murmured tenderly, his fingers tenderly tracing my cheek.

I mirrored his smile and nodded.

"Then, I eagerly await it, Mr. Middleton," I playfully tapped his nose, and Riley reciprocated with a tender smile, enfolding me in his arms.

"Yes, please. But for now, take a rest because like what I have said, marami tayong gagawin." Makahulugang pahayag niya at natawa na lamang ako ng ipagtaas-baba niya ang kaniyang kilay. Sabi na eh! Alam ko kung anong ibig niyang sabihin sa marami kaming gagawin.

Bukod sa mga pwedeng gawing aktibidad dito sa Isla ay siyempre may iba pa siyang ibig sabihin sa gagawin namin.

This playful rogue.

"Jerk," I teased, and Riley chuckled in response.

With a playful gleam in his eye, Riley remarked, "Kidding aside, take a well-deserved rest. Because tonight marks the commencement of our grand adventure here on the enchanting Isla Del Fierte." He accompanied his words with a charismatic wink that sent a delightful shiver down my spine.

In response, I couldn't help but offer a sweet, anticipatory smile, my heart dancing with excitement, and I conveyed my agreement with a simple, eager nod.

With those words, my heart surged with anticipation. This was my first date, and little did I imagine it would take place in such an enchanting locale.

Little did I know that our stay on Isla Del Fierte would mark the beginning of something extraordinary.