I looked up.

Alexander stepped onto the bus with his suitcase, offering a brief nod.

"What? CEO Blackwood wants to relax with us too?" someone teased, laughing.

The bus immediately erupted with chatter and laughter, everyone joking and letting loose. A few empty seats remained in the front and back. Alexander walked down the aisle and chose a seat in the very last row, sitting quietly.

Leo glanced at me and murmured, "I didn’t expect CEO Blackwood to be coming too. I always thought he was all about work."

I didn’t respond, leaning back against the window to rest my eyes.

As the bus moved toward the resort, the noise grew—employees enjoying this rare chance to unwind. Some joked about overpacking; others shared snacks. The atmosphere was light and festive, a stark contrast to the usual office formality.

"Director Alicia," Leonard called casually, "can you pass me that bag?"

I handed it over, and his fingers brushed mine just slightly longer than necessary. My chest tightened.

Several employees noticed. A few leaned over, whispering and nudging.

"Hey, Director Alicia, do you have a boyfriend?" one teased.

"Or is Leonard trying his luck again?" another giggled.

I froze, face flushing. Leonard shifted uncomfortably.

"Director Alicia, what do you think of Leonard? Tall, handsome, capable—he’s only got eyes for you. Maybe you should give him a chance?"

"I have a boyfriend. He’s just busy with work," I said firmly.

Leonard quickly stood. "There’s nothing going on. Don’t make stuff up."

"Is Leonard shy?" someone teased.

"You’re a grown man—tell us! We can help you win over Director Alicia," another laughed.

The bus filled with laughter again—until Alexander, in the back, cleared his throat. The sound was enough to quiet everyone. Jane immediately smoothed things over: "Alright, keep jokes appropriate in front of the boss."

I was just about to close my eyes when a WhatsApp notification pinged. It was from Alexander: "My room, 0108."

I paused. Staff rooms had been pre-arranged—two girls per room, two guys per room—but Alexander had the presidential suite.

"It’s fine, no need," I replied.

"I have a private jacuzzi pool in my room," he texted.

I hesitated. The resort’s large shared pool would likely be crowded, and I disliked crowded spaces. The private pool... was tempting. I felt my resolve waver but didn’t reply.

Instead of replying, I tapped on WhatsApp Status.

The moment it opened, Lilian’s update appeared at the top.

Posted at 4:00 a.m.

"Thanks for the company at dawn."

My fingers paused.

The photo showed two hands intertwined—one large, one small. A man and a woman.

The man’s hand...

I recognized it instantly.

Fair skin. Long fingers.

After being married to Alexander for two years, there was no way I could mistake it.

A quiet realization settled in.

This status—

Was probably only visible to me.

I let out a small, almost soundless laugh.

How interesting.

One person trying so hard to hide things from me...

And the other deliberately letting me see them.

For a moment, I considered screenshotting it and sending it to Alexander.

My thumb even hovered over the screen.

Then I stopped.

Forget it.

That kind of behavior... felt childish.

I had already confronted Alexander about Sophia before.

He hadn’t believed me.

I had also told him about Lilian once—

And he hadn’t trusted me then either.

In his eyes, Lilian was gentle. Kind.

The kind of woman who would never do something so provocative.

And more importantly—

She was the one he cared about.

So what would be the point?

Even if I sent it to him, he would probably think I was overthinking... or worse—

Accuse me of trying to slander her.

My grip on the phone loosened.

Without another thought, I turned off the screen and leaned back into my seat.

I closed my eyes.

But no matter how tightly I shut them—

My mind refused to rest.

<<<<>>>>>

By the time the bus finally slowed, the sky had already begun to soften into shades of gold and pale blue.

The resort came into view gradually.

White buildings stretched along the coastline, framed by tall palm trees swaying gently in the breeze. Beyond them, the ocean shimmered under the fading sunlight, waves rolling in slow, rhythmic motions.

The moment the bus came to a stop, the energy inside shifted.

"Finally—we’re here!"

"Look at the view!"

"Wait, I’m taking pictures first!"

Voices overlapped as everyone began gathering their things, excitement spilling over.

I stayed seated for a moment longer, letting the noise pass over me.

Then I stood up, grabbing my bag, and followed the others down the aisle.

The moment I stepped off the bus, a cool breeze brushed against my skin.

The faint scent of saltwater lingered in the air.

For a brief second—

I felt lighter.

Staff members were already waiting at the entrance, guiding everyone inside for check-in.

The lobby was spacious and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the ocean. Soft music played in the background, blending with the distant sound of waves.

Everyone gathered around, chatting as room assignments were handed out.

"Two per room, please check your names!" someone called out.

I stepped forward and took my key card.

Room 203.

My fingers tightened slightly around it.

I lifted my gaze instinctively.

Across the lobby, Alexander stood near the reception desk, speaking briefly with the staff.

As if sensing my eyes on him, he looked up.

Our gazes met.

Just for a second.

But it was enough.

Though I had no idea what the expression on his face meant.

Yet somehow—

I felt confused.

Confused about everything thats happening right now.

I looked away first.

"Director Alicia, looks like we’re in the same room!"

A cheerful voice broke through my thoughts.

I turned to see one of the female colleagues waving her key card at me.

I forced a small smile. "Seems like it."

As everyone began heading toward the elevators, dragging their luggage behind them, I walked along with the group.

Calm. Composed.

As if nothing had happened.

Director Aimy sent a message to the group:

"Once you’re settled in your rooms, feel free to do as you wish. Tomorrow, we’ll meet for a BBQ lunch on the 3rd floor of the restaurant."

She also shared a map of the resort.

I was sharing a room with Amanda from M&F. We headed upstairs together and began unpacking in silence.

Once we were done, Amanda turned to me.

"Director Vivienne, I’ve made plans to grab dinner with some of the girls. Want to join us?"

"You guys go ahead," I replied. "I’m not hungry yet. I’ll eat later."

"Alright, we’re off then."

The door closed behind her.

Truth be told—

I just didn’t have an appetite.

After freshening up, I lay down on the bed.

The room had two beds, so we each had our own space.

For a moment, I just stared at the ceiling.

Then I remembered—

My vitamins.

I was about to get up when my phone chimed.

A message from Alexander.

"I ordered dinner for both of us. You can come have it here."

I stared at the screen for a while before replying:

"No need. I’m not hungry."

A few seconds later—

"So you aren’t coming?"

"Yes. I’m tired from the journey today."

I set my phone aside and got up, walking toward my bag where I kept my medications.

Another notification chimed.

I ignored it.

It was probably just Alexander trying to convince me again.

I reached my luggage and opened it.

Then paused.

My brows furrowed.

The pouch—

Wasn’t there.

I checked again.

And again.

Still nothing.

A slight unease crept in.

I was sure I had packed it this morning.

With the rest of my things.

And kept it along with Alexander’s Luggage.

I went through everything more carefully this time.

Nothing.

I exhaled slowly, irritation starting to build.

It was already night.

What was I supposed to do now?

My phone chimed again.

This time, I picked it up.

Alexander had sent two messages.

The first:

"Don’t you want to soak in the pool ?"

I frowned slightly.

Then I read the second one—

And froze and instantly.