Chapter 31: Part 2: Balisi Island

The Ace and the Four kings

Xyrine Jean's POV

I don't know why, but I feel restless. I keep pacing back and forth inside the room.

Wait, are we really sharing this room tonight? What if...? What if...

CREAK!

I clutched my chest when the bathroom door suddenly swung open, revealing Spade.

"Why?" he asked, towel-drying his hair when he noticed me staring at him.

"W-Waah! Why did you come out dressed like that!?" I shrieked, immediately turning my back. I was referring to the towel wrapped loosely around his waist.

"Ah, I forgot to bring my clothes inside," he said nonchalantly.

"Ah! That's nonsense! Get dressed! Hurry up!" I waved my hand dismissively and stormed past him.

"Where are you going?"

"Outside. What, you expect me to just stand here and watch you change?"

He smirked. "I'm literally giving you the privilege of watching someone as handsome as me get dressed, and you're refusing?"

I turned to glare at him—arg! wrong move. I quickly spun around again.

"You're insufferable! Just hurry up and get dressed, I'm exhausted!" I shouted before stepping out of the room.

Even after leaving, I instinctively placed a hand over my chest. My heart was still racing. Leaning against the door, I took a deep breath—only to jolt when it suddenly opened.

"You can come back in now. Sleep well, okay?"

Then, without warning, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on my forehead before turning away.

Wait… what? Where is he going?

I hurried in front of him, blocking his way. "Hold on! Where are you going?"

"I'll sleep downstairs," he replied casually, stepping past me.

"Why would you sleep downstairs?" I asked, blocking him again.

"Because… because… ahhh! Just because!" He dodged past me once more.

"Why, though?" I insisted, cutting him off again.

This time, he suddenly leaned in, his face inches from mine. I froze. His gaze was serious when he spoke.

"It's dangerous."

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

Seeing my reaction, he chuckled and walked past me again. He was already heading down the stairs when I blocked him once more.

"We can sleep together without doing anything! I mean—ugh! Why are you being such a pervert!?"

"Haha! You're adorable. That's easy for you to say, but for a healthy, handsome young man like me? Not so much. Now move."

He ruffled my hair and gently nudged me aside. I was about to protest again when he suddenly turned to face me.

"Babe, don't be stubborn. I'll sleep on the sofa. You, on the other hand, should go back upstairs and get some rest."

With that, he lightly pushed me toward the room. Left with no choice, I watched as he descended the stairs before retreating to bed. But no matter how much I tossed and turned, I couldn't sleep.

What is he doing downstairs?

Ugh, that guy knows too much! He's so frustrating! Now I can't sleep!

After a while, I decided to check on Spade. He might have trouble sleeping on the sofa since he's not used to it. But when I went downstairs, I found the sofa empty. I searched the entire first floor, but he was nowhere to be found.

Frowning, I hurried back to our room, hoping he had returned while I was looking for him. But he wasn't there either.

Where did he go? Should I call him?

Even though it was late at night, I stepped outside the rest house, searching for a signal. I kept walking until I reached a large tree, the only spot where my phone finally showed some reception. Just as I was about to dial his number, I heard voices nearby.

I froze, straining my ears to listen. The voices were close—too close. It felt like they were just on the other side of the tree I was standing behind. I'm not one to eavesdrop, but something about their conversation made me pause.

"When do you plan to tell her?"

My heart pounded at the familiar voice.

That voice… it sounds like… Monique?

"I don't want to hurt her."

I sucked in a breath. The other voice—it's Spade.

"I don't give a damn if she gets hurt! What matters is that she knows the truth!"

"Give me more time."

"What? Give you more time? Do you even hear yourself? The moment we return to the city, we're leaving. Well, I don't care if she finds out!"

"Don't worry. Tomorrow, I'll—"

I didn't hear the rest. I turned on my heel and walked away.

My hands trembled as I moved further from the tree. I didn't understand everything, but one thing was clear—it was a secret. A secret they wanted to keep from me.

But what was it that he had to tell me?

Why was he leaving?

And why was he leaving… with Monique?

By the time I returned to the rest house, my mind was spinning. I went straight to the kitchen, pouring myself a glass of water. As I lifted the glass to my lips, my eyes drifted upward.

Why do I always look up when I feel uneasy, Spade?

A bitter smile tugged at my lips.

"Xyrine, why are you still awake?"

I straightened up at the sound of Ten's voice. "Just having a drink." I answered without looking at him.

"Ah, I see. By the way, is Spade already asleep? We were thinking of asking him to drink with us," he said as he reached for a bottle of liquor from the cupboard.

At the mention of Spade's name, I couldn't bring myself to respond.

"What's wrong? Is Spade not there with you?" he asked again when I remained silent.

I took a deep breath before finally facing him. "He's in his room, sleeping." I lied, forcing a smile.

"I see. When you head upstairs, could you wake him up? Thanks." He flashed me a smile before turning away.

Wake him up? What if I told him Spade was wide awake—with someone else?

Without thinking, I followed Ten. As I stepped outside, I saw him already drinking with Ren.

"Hey, it's already late. Why are you still up?" Ren asked when he noticed me.

I walked toward them. "I was thirsty," I replied with a smile.

"Do you want water? I'll get some for you. Hold on."

Ten was about to stand when I spoke again. "Not water."

"Juice?"

I shook my head. Instead of answering, I grabbed the bottle of liquor sitting on their table and took a quick swig.

Bitter. It was unbearably bitter. The burn of alcohol seared down my throat with each gulp. By the time I lowered the bottle, half of it was already gone. When I turned to look at the two, they were staring at me, stunned.

"Xyrine, is something wrong? You're drinking that like it's water," Ren said in disbelief, holding the bottle I had just downed.

I only smiled before sitting down, reaching for a handful of garlic nuts from the table.

"Are you okay being here? What's wrong?" Ten asked, concern in his voice.

I met his gaze. "Spade's already asleep. I figured I'd take his place instead," I replied with a smile, then reached for the bottle again and emptied it in one go.

I was about to grab another when Ren suddenly held my wrist. "Hey, hey, that's enough! Does Spade know about this?"

When I turned to look at Ren, my vision blurred slightly. The alcohol was kicking in.

"He's asleep. How would he even know?" I smiled at him.

Yeah, I wish he were really asleep.

I reached for another bottle, but Ren grabbed my wrist again.

"Xyrine, is he really asleep?" he asked seriously. I was about to answer when the door suddenly swung open, revealing Spade and Monique.

Ren and Ten exchanged puzzled glances before turning back to me, waiting for an explanation. I averted my gaze.

Then, I looked at Spade and Monique and forced a smile—one that would make them believe I was fine, even though it felt like a thousand needles were piercing my chest.

I shook off Ren's grip and grabbed another bottle, but before I could take a sip, Spade took it from me.

"Xyrine, what are you doing? Monique and I just—"

"Do you guys want some?" I cut him off before he could finish.

He didn't need to explain. They hadn't done anything wrong, right? Whatever they had talked about—I'd pretend I didn't hear it. As long as he didn't try to explain himself like he was guilty.

"Excuse me, I'm going to bed now."

I stood up and blocked Monique's path. "Hey! Can we at least be on good terms this once? Is it okay if you take my place here instead? It would be rude to leave Ren and Ten without someone to drink with." I smiled innocently.

She opened her mouth to say something, but I pressed my palms together, pleading. "Please?"

"What's with you? You're so weird."

"Please?"

"Fine. Whatever."

"Thank you." I smiled again, but the moment I turned away, it disappeared.

As I walked toward the stairs, my legs wobbled, and I almost fell. Fortunately, someone caught me. I looked up and met his eyes.

How long are you going to keep catching me, Spade?

I smiled faintly at him.

"Are you drunk?"

I shook my head. "I'm fine."

He tried to support me again, but I stopped him.

"Spade, can you stay here instead? They've been looking for you. I couldn't find you either, so I took your place. Now that you're here, can you take over for me?" I kept my head down as I spoke.

At first, he didn't let go, but after a moment, his grip loosened.

Why did you let go so quickly?

I clung to the staircase railing as I climbed up, afraid I would fall. When I reached my room, I leaned against the door and looked up.

What if looking up isn't enough to keep my tears from falling?

What then, Spade?

I jolted awake when I felt someone wrap their arms around me. As I opened my eyes, a smile instinctively formed on my lips—but the longer I looked at him, the more that smile faded.

Was this a dream? If it was, could we just stay here forever? Could we never wake up?

I shut my eyes again and tightened my embrace around him. "Spade… don't leave me, okay? Is that alright? Because… I don't think I can handle it," I whispered, before sleep claimed me once more.

I woke up to the gentle warmth of sunlight streaming through the window. My eyes remained closed as I reached out, wanting to hold Spade again—only to grasp nothing but empty sheets.

My eyes flew open.

Without a second thought, I rushed out of our room and ran downstairs. I froze at the sight that greeted me—Monique was heading out the door, her luggage in tow.

"Where is Spade?" I asked calmly, though my heart was pounding wildly in my chest.

She smirked at me, her voice laced with sarcasm. "So, he's gone already? Good."

My stomach twisted. "What do you mean, he's gone?" I demanded, the unease in my gut growing.

She let out a small, amused sigh. "Looks like he didn't tell you, huh? Anyway, I really have to go. I have a flight to catch—New York awaits." She smiled at me, her expression unreadable. "Enjoy your stay here. Goodbye."

She turned to leave, but I reached out and grabbed her arm. "Monique, where is Spade?"

She shrugged indifferently. "To be honest, I have no idea where he is right now. Now, if you'd be so kind—get your hands off me."

I hesitated, but I let go.

Monique took a few steps forward before pausing and turning back to face me, her gaze piercing. "Before I leave, let me tell you something."

A strange sense of dread crawled up my spine as I met her eyes.

"Enjoy today, Xyrine. If Spade comes back, savor every moment you have with him." Her lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Who knows? This might just be your last day together."

With that, she walked out the door, leaving me standing there, frozen.

Last day?

I collapsed onto a chair, Monique's words replaying over and over in my head. A chill ran down my spine. What did she mean?

I flinched when I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"Xyrine, are you okay?"

"Ella?"

She crouched beside me, her brows furrowed in concern. "Xyrine, what's wrong? What happened?"

"Ell—" My voice broke. I forced out a weak, bitter smile. "I think it's over… Spade and I."

"What? w-what are you even saying?" she asked, disbelief evident in her voice. "There's no way that's true. Spade loves you more than anything—hell, I think he loves you more than he loves himself." She let out a small laugh, as if the thought of Spade leaving me was ridiculous.

I should've felt relieved. But last night told a different story.

"Last night, I overheard him talking to Monique. I don't know, but something felt… off about their conversation. I didn't stay long enough to hear everything—I left." I swallowed hard. "And this morning, Monique said something—"

Ella sighed and crossed her arms. "So, you eavesdropped but didn't hear the whole thing? Cuz, it could've been a misunderstanding. And Monique? Of all people? You know how cunning that woman is."

"Then why is he gone?"

Ella studied me for a moment before speaking. "Are you sure he's really gone?"

Right! His things!

"Stay here," I said, already moving.

I ran back to our room and yanked the closet doors open. Relief flooded me when I saw that all of Spade's belongings were still there.

"Ella!" I called out breathlessly as I hurried back down the stairs. "He didn't leave!"

She smirked. "Told you."

"But then… where is he?"

Before she could respond, the doorbell rang.

I straightened, my pulse quickening. Without hesitation, I walked to the door and opened it.

"Delivery for Miss Xyrine," a delivery man greeted, holding out a large box.

I blinked in confusion. "Who is it from?"

"Your husband, ma'am," he replied.

My… husband?

Wait. Maybe this wasn't meant for me.

I quickly checked the name on the package, and my heart pounded violently against my ribs when I saw Spade's name written on it.

With trembling hands, I opened the box.

Ella and I gasped at the same time.

Inside was an elegant white dress.

I stared at it in shock.

Why would Spade send me a dress?

My fingers brushed against something else—there was a note.

Swallowing hard, I picked it up and read the words written on it.

My breath caught in my throat. My heart raced.

Ella leaned in. "What does it say?"

I couldn't answer. I wasn't even sure I understood it myself.

My eyes scanned the note again.

One simple sentence.

"Please, say yes."