Chapter 3: Corals, Sunset, Romance

Isla del Fuego. An island paradise best known for three things: flourishing marine life, enthralling sunset and romance--- the paradise for the rich and powerful.

"Wow! This place is absolutely a paradise on earth!" Letizia screams.

"Indeed! Oh my gosh, I can't believe that I am actually here!" Sophia says while filling her lungs with the midmorning breeze.

"Ouch!" she screams while holding her nose that Jason pinches.

"Do you believe it now?" he asks in a casual tone.

"Eish!" she replies while looking at his coy smile.

Then, Jay and Leo walk between them, intentionally bumping Jason causing him to nearly tumble down.

"Oh sorry~ YOUR HIGHNESS!" Jay says, smirking at him. Leo raises his brow. Jason just look at them with nonchalance as he grabs Sophia's arm and head to the resort, leaving them fume in irritation.

"He's really getting into my nerves!" Jay growls.

Leo taps his shoulder as they go inside our ancestral property--- The Bachelor's Den. The famous resort established by the McKnight brothers, their great- grandfathers.

The resort is situated in the east coast of the island, which has the highest elevation so they can enjoy the majestic landscape: the sparkling turquoise water bathed by the sun, the towering palm trees along the golden beach and the rolling hills carpeted by verdant grasslands that stretches to a deep ravine carved by the waves and time.

"Good morning, my lords and ladies! Welcome to Isla del Fuego. I hope you enjoy your vacation!" a middle- aged man greets warmly.

"I suppose you are lord Jason Kian?" he says while Jason nods lightly.

He leads them to their cottage which is the oldest, but well- maintained building in the resort.

"Very well, I will leave you to enjoy! Just give me a call whenever you need something!" he says.

"Thank you, Eddie. Don't worry too much. We can manage!" Ron assures as he taps his shoulders.

Eddie laughs. Then, he bows and goes. He is at the main door when he turns back.

"By the way, Whiskey or Champagne?" he asks. The five lords think for a moment.

"Eddie, champagne please!" Mon replies. Eddie nods.

"Whoa! It's only half past ten in the

morning. Why do you wanna drink? Are we celebrating?" Chealsy asks the lords as they sit on the sofa.

They laugh at her question.

"Uhm... we are not talking about drinking whatsoever. That's a code! Whisky if we want privacy. Champagne if business as usual," Ben explains.

"Ah!" the ladies utter.

"Give me the key to my room," Jason tells Leo, who is sitting comfortably on his luggage.

He tosses it to him. Jason stares at the golden card in his hand.

"Mom wants you to have the best experience here!" Leo says casually.

He smirks and heads to his room. Awe is his initial reaction when he opens his door.

"I want to stay in his room! Eeeeeeish!" Mon complains while hitting Jay with a throw pillow.

"Why?" Stephanie asks.

"That room is a small replica of King Louis IV of France's bed chamber. Added with the latest recreational amenities!" Mon exclaims.

"What? No way!" Camille shouts in disbelief.

"It's like a small palace within a cottage," Jay adds while laughing at Mon, grumping beside him.

"Yeah... now, you understand my feeling!" he utters in a disappointed voice.

Then, they all head to their rooms at the second floor.

"Are these the famous McKnight brothers?" Stephanie asks they look at a life-size photo of two handsome men leaning on a bent coconut trunk. They are both smiling at the camera, capturing their charismatic smiles.

"Anyway, why is it that your mansions are built on top of a hill or the highest elevation?" Sophia asks.

"Well... our grandfather often tells us that in order to build an empire, your castle must be above all things!" Ron answers.

"We call that ambition!" Mon adds.

"They must be so rich to buy a property here," Stephanie says.

"Isla del Fuego is privately owned by the Suits Brotherhood, an exclusive club for self- made bachelors. Our great- grandfathers become members of the Brotherhood after years of perseverance," Jay proudly says.

"And until now, only their members and/ or lucky visitors are allowed to set foot on this island. You should be grateful," Leo adds.

"Thanks to their hardworking, ambitious and charismatic nature, we can enjoy a luxurious life that most people don't," he continues.

"Wow! They are a total package--- handsome, charismatic, rich and of good personality," Camille comments.

"No offense! But... they are way handsome and charming than any of you," Primrose blurts out.

"Uh... I beg to differ coz I think the dark prince has their appeal!" Chealsy negates. The other ladies agree.

"What?! You must have an eye problem," Ron says.

"Seriously, honey!" Ben grumbles at Letizia.

"You are dashing, honey... but--- the dark prince has a different charisma. But, I'll still choose you over him," she consoles.

"Enough of these nonsense chats! It is almost lunch time. Go and change. Then, meet us at the beach for lunch," Leo commands.

When the ladies arrive, they are welcomed by festive music and a sumptuous feast on the beach.

Leo nearly drops the sliced watermelon when he sees the ladies approaching.

"Oh my god!" Ben utters.

"Fuck the--- shit!" Ron and Mon exclaim at the same time.

"What the hell are you wearing?!" Jay asks in shock.

"Why?" Sophia says.

"Don't you like it?" Primrose adds.

"You told Belle--- no cleavage, no legs exposed!" Letizia smirks.

The ladies laugh at the lords' reaction. They are wearing colorful hijab, abayas, and close shoes.

"Don't you feel hot?" Leo asks in disgust.

Then, Jason appoaches the table and is petrified by their looks.

"Why?!" Sophia snarls.

Jason shakes his head, looks at the lords and chuckles.

"What's funny?" Chealsy yells.

"I don't know, but you guys have a peculiar fashion taste," Jason replies while looking at them.

"That's subtle racism! Are you saying that Muslim fashion is weird?!" Camille questions.

"Definitely not! I mean... they look good on them. But..."

"But what?"

Jason looks at the ladies, who are giving him a warning look then to the lords, who are trying so hard not to laugh. The lords already have an idea what he's gonna say.

"Dark prince! But what?!" Stephanie shouts.

"But... you look cute--- like baby turtles~ seahorse and a caterpillar!" he says while pointing each of them.

"What?!"

"How dare you?"

"Bastard!"

The ladies yell while the lords release a thunderous laughter. Then, Sophia takes off her hijab and uses it to jokingly strangle Jay, who is laughing so hard.

"Hi, guys! What did I miss?!"

They all turn to see a lady sauntering towards them in floral maxi dress, straw hat and sunglasses. Pure class!

Belle!