We'll ride a private airplane today to avoid other passengers. When I got to where the plane was, I saw Mr. Lenegham talking to a staff near the stairs to its entrance. He seemed annoyed when I got closer to their location. He stared at me like he wants to eat me alive for being minutes late.

I bowed my head. "I-I apologize, Mr. Lenegham. Th-this will be the last time this happens…" I slowly said.

"I don't accept apologies for being late, Ms. Viglianco. I’ll deduct 1 million from your salary. Get on the plane or we’ll be late for the welcoming ceremony at AceLand." There wasn’t any bit of consideration when he said those words. I felt shivers down my spine. I can’t believe I’ll ride a private plane with this guy. W-what if I don’t make it out alive and die of heart attack? God I hope not!

I just gave him a nod and glanced at Shane who was giving my suitcases to the cabin crews. She gave me a quick thumbs up and smile before I boarded the plane. I sat down on a seat near the window. I love sightseeing whenever I travel by plane. The view from above is amazing!

We got ready for take-off and I fastened my seatbelt on. I tried focusing on the magnificent view outside the window, but my tears just fell on their own accord as soon as we were on air. I know it was my fault for being late, but it’s not like it was an hour, it was just a few minutes! I’m not used to being scolded by anyone. I always make sure to do my best in every photoshoot that’s why the staff are always satisfied with my performance. I’ve been five minutes late to some photoshoots before but I didn’t get scolded like earlier. That Lenegham guy is so grumpy!

I tried to muffle my sobs but the tears just won’t stop. Why am I so upset about it? It was also my fault! I didn’t want to worry the staff inside the plane so I detached my seatbelt and went to the comfort room as fast as I could. I was about to open the cubicle door when someone suddenly grabbed my arm. I gasped before turning around to see that it was Mr. Lenegham. What is he doing here? Of all times!

He leaned my back against the cubicle wall and placed his right hand on the side of my head. His left hand wiped my tears. My eyes widened when I felt his fingers in contact with my cheek.

"Hey, why are you crying, Ms. Viglianco? Talk to me," he said worriedly. He held my chin and motioned it upwards. I gulped and avoided his gaze. "I-it’s nothing, sir."

"What do you mean nothing? Is it because I scolded you earlier?" he probed and I remained silent. I’m not good at lying, but I don’t want to tell him that he’s right either. It’s silly of me to cry when it was my lapse in the first place.

Mr. Lenegham cupped my face before staring intently at me with his blue eyes, "I’m sorry, Brazeal."

I stood there dumbfounded. W-was it really the ill-tempered Mr. Lenegham who said that? And on top of that, h-he cupped my cheeks! What kind of dream is this?!

The island people of AceLand warmly welcomed us. Floral garlands were put on us and they smell so good! Everyone had a smile plastered on their faces as they greeted Tate and I. They seem like fun people to be with. I guess accepting this project was not a bad idea after all, even though Mr. Lenegham’s quite grumpy.

As I stayed longer in the island, I learned that the Leneghams are extremely rich. Their family started a shipping business then expanded it into other businesses, and now they have their own island that’s soon to be a tourist attraction here in the Philippines. This island is being advertised overseas and foreigners are also looking forward to go here. It motivated me even more to do my best for the shoot.

I wore a floral red maxi dress with spaghetti straps. I brought an umbrella with me because my skin’s sensitive to sunlight. My doctor advised me to refrain from being exposed to the sun for too long because she hasn’t done a follow-up check up of the red patches on my back.

I saw Clara as soon as I arrived in the hotel lobby, she’s my guide for the duration my stay here. Mr. Lenegham can’t accompany me because of his other work commitments, so he assigned Clara to look after me. I haven’t seen any trace of him these days, the last time I saw him was in the plane and during the welcoming ceremony days ago. I felt my cheeks heat up upon remembering what happened inside the airplane.

"I’m sorry, Brazeal."

He sincerely said those words with that concerned voice of his. I just looked back at him, not able to say anything else to break the silence. How could I dare when he’s looking at me so intently like this?! He cleared his throat before breaking eye contact. I watched as his Adam’s apple moved up and down. It’s like I’m in a movie!

"I just want to say sorry for what I've done earlier. You can go now and do whatever you need to do. And don't call me Mr. Lenegham anymore. Tate will do," he nonchalantly said. He’s back to his usual self now, thank God.

He walked back to his seat and left me bewildered. He went from concerned and caring to cold and heartless real quick. He’s worse than me when I have mood swings!

I entered the cubicle and sat on the seat cover of the bowl. I washed my face with my palms and breathed deep. I can feel my heart beating fast, it’s insane.

"Why are you making my heart beat this fast? Am I really crushing on you, Mr. Taterson Lloyd Henris Lenegham?"