n

n

nWeeks later, the whole Millicent family goes on a trip to an exclusive island along with Asher, Charles and the others.

nThe place is known for its crystal clear ocean water and pristine white sand. Only those of high status can afford a trip to the island. It's visited by wealthy elites and famous celebrities alike.

nAdrian chose this outing destination because Cassidy has always been fond of the ocean. Damien, Joshua and Hugo agreed to it - so did everyone else.

n'Speaking of, just how long had I been waiting?'

nFar too long.

nAt the moment, Adrian is standing on the shore, waiting for Cassidy to come back. They hadn't even been there for five minutes when Olivia and Irish suddenly dragged her off somewhere.

nHe wondered where they had gone to. He came here to spend some quality time with her - not see her disappear to who knew where.

nAdrian heaves out a sigh, crossing his arms and looking around. He then sat down on the beach towel that Cassidy placed under the canopy for both of them to settle on.

nIt's already been almost half an hour since. He didn't know how much longer he could wait around before he went out to look for her. His sisters didn't even bother telling him where they're going to take his wife. As soon as they arrived, they just dashed off with her.

n'Will she be alright? I mean, I can trust those twins now, considering that Charles and Asher themselves have gotten close to them. But I'm still a bit worried.'

nScanning the beach, he soon spotted their other companions.

nAsher was acting like a little boy, splashing and jumping in the water. He could only wonder just how come Irish's taste in men devolved into this. If they ever did date, Adrian thought that it would be amusing to see.

nCharles was a different case, though. He was silently snickering to himself as he watched Edward, who somehow came along with them to the trip, attempt to try to make a sand castle to impress the kids. The keyword was 'try' since he seemed to be failing miserably.

n'That's worse than the sand castle that Cassidy made before, Edward.'

nIt's a beautiful sunny day.

nThere was no doubt about that. The sun is out - warm and bright as can be. The beach was not that crowded, which was to be expected since the place was an exclusive luxury that only the richest of rich could afford. There were hunks and beauties all around, enjoying themselves. Some women kept trying to get his attention, but compared to his wife, they were nothing at all.

nSo, Adrian would only ignore those who would attempt to make a move on him. One glare was enough to get them running. He really doesn't want to let Cassidy see that he's being ogled at the whole time she's away.

n

"Hey, Shade...!

" Asher called, making his way to Adrian.

n

"What the heck are you doing here, man?! Are you really just gonna sit around and do nothing?! Come on! Let's race and see who can swim the fastest! If I win, you have to buy me all the food I ask for! What do you say?!

"

n

"Asher, are you stupid or do you just pretend to be? Why would I do something pointless like that? I really don't feel like swimming, anyway. Why don't you ask Bryan or Seven instead? Does it always have to be me?

"

n

"Ha! Could it be that you're chickening out?! That's probably it! You're just scared that you'll lose to me!

"

nAdrian rolled his eyes in annoyance. It seems that Asher is extra hyper today. It's too bad that Irish is the only one who can make him shut up whenever he gets like this.

n

"Why don't you challenge me, Asher...?

" Charles suddenly chimed in, joining their conversation.

n

"I could beat you. I beat you the other day in basketball, too.

"

n

"Oh, ho...!

" Asher enthused, seemingly amused.

n

"Someone wanna man up today, I see!

"

n

"What do you mean?

"

n

"I mean what I mean.

"

nAdrian, on the other hand, sighed for the hundredth time. Without giving Charles a chance to speak, Asher started to laugh hysterically before taking off his shirt and throwing it to him.

n

"Fine! Fine! I shall accept your challenge, Charlie boy-

"

n

"You know, instead of wasting your time doing dumb stuff, you should start thinking of a way to figure things out with my sister. There's no way she's gonna like you if you keep acting like a toddler,

" Adrian said bluntly as he stood up, cutting Asher off and earning an incredulous look from him.

nHe had just about had it.

nNow's the perfect time to go look for Cassidy and the others himself.

n

"Shut up, Shade..!

" he bolted out exasperatedly, feeling his cheeks heat up a little.

n

"Don't say that out loud! What if she hears you or something?! Besides, I-I don't like her! She's just... a friend! Right! Just a friend!

"

n

"Stop denying it...

" he snorted.

n

"Just admit it. You like her. It's getting too damn obvious.

"

nAdrian crossed his arms again as he looked around the beach once more. He was talking to Asher, but he knew that his mind was wandering off somewhere. He just couldn't relax when Cassidy wasn't with him.

n

"You get all lively whenever you're near Irish. You start stuttering when you talk about her. You try to act cool whenever she looks at you. It seems pretty clear to me. As far as I've known, you've liked her for some time now. If you keep putting this matter aside, she's gonna end up finding someone else.

"

n

"I'm not gonna listen to this! How dare you of all people preach love to me?! Hmph!

"

nAsher places his hands over his ears, pretending to ignore Adrian. He then grabbed Charles by the arm and began to pull him across the beach.

n

"Come on, Charlie! Shade doesn't know what he's saying...!

" he ranted like a child.

n

"He's just mad 'cause Cassie left him to hang out with the girls! He should learn that she also needs her space! Don't you agree?!

"

nAdrian rolled his his eyes at him before walking off in the other direction, his hands in his pockets.

nHe could feel the cool breeze hitting his face as he felt the sand slip inside his flip flops. He kept looking around for his wife, but he just couldn't find her anywhere.

n'Maybe this is all part of the twins' plan? Do they want to hog my wife all for themselves today?' Adrian pondered, not sure what to make of that.

n