FOR THE NEXT couple of days, I attended a lot of meetings with Mr. Philip dressed in corporate clothes and heels. I saw more of Maya, she was constantly around her boyfriend, not in a clingy way though. Deciding to not allow their being together bother me, I ate normally, slept peacefully and talked with Mia about little things.

My temporary stay here in Hawaii is worth it, although since my snapping at Mr. Philip in the elevator, he hadn't spoken to me, not even once.

I sat at the kitchen island on a stool with a glass of water before me. Mia went to get some groceries and Maya went with her, I hadn't seen Mr. Philip, I guessed he was in his room bent over some important-looking documents.

I heard movement behind me, I turned to see him walking to the refrigerator. He pulled out something from it and without saying a word to me, turned to leave.

After gulping down the contents of the cup before me, I headed out of the penthouse towards the well kept garden. Going down on one knee, I caressed the petal of a red rose, at the same time avoiding the thorns on it.

I stared at other flowers, some bees were hovering over some of them.
There were tulips, chrysanthemums, roses, lilies and tulips. I plucked a white lily and stuck it into my hair.

"They're quite pretty, aren't they?" A soft voice from behind me snapped me out of my daze.

My gaze strayed to Maya who wore a blue dress, her hair is packed up in a ponytail and the features of her face were prominent.

"Yes they are." I responded and her lips curved up in a smile.

"I planted most of them, Mia planted the rest. What is your favorite flower? " She asked  brushing away a strand of her hair.

I was beyond jealous today, so I answered her politely, not that I would have done otherwise even if I were angry. I manage my emotions effectively.

"Lilies."

"I like them too, lilies signify purity."

I nodded and she bent over to gently pluck a lily, she placed it in her cupped palm.

"I like it here in Hawaii." I announced and she turned to me.

"Hawaii's an enchanting place." She chirped in.

"Actually, in sincerity, you're the first P. A Philip has taken on one his vacations," I snapped my neck in her direction and found her steady gaze on me.

Vacation?

"He hasn't brought any other person apart from me to his penthouse, besides Mia too, I'm really jealous, not in a bad way though."

Maya, jealous of me? Impossible.

"You needn't be jealous, personally I would not have agreed to come here, he dragged me here."

"He dragged you literally?" I nodded.

She remained silent and continued watching the flowers.

"Baby, I've been searching all over for you." Mr. Philip appeared beside her. swinging his hand over her waist,he pulled her close and gave her a peck on her cheek. My eyes did not fail to catch the blush that appeared on her cheeks.

"I was just having a nice conversation with Miss Florence."

She leaned against him and he shot me a look which made me turn my face away from them.

"I'll be inside, I don't feel too well." Maya muttered and walked away, leaving me alone with Mr Philip. I had a feeling that she left intentionally.

"We're leaving tomorrow." Philip gazed at the flowers with less enthusiasm. I knew all that filled his mind was work and other boring stuff.

"Whatever you say is fine by me."

Not at all.

He shifted his gaze to me and raised a brow at me. I turned to go back in but he shot out his hand and grabbed me by my elbow.

"Miss Florence, I must apologize for the inconveniences caused by this trip, you put your personal life aside for this." He waved his hand for emphasis.

"It's nothing, if there's anything, I'm grateful, I've discovered a lot of things."

"Like what? "

Like you having a girlfriend you're clearly cheating on. .

"It's none of your business," I spoke rudely and I regretted my loose speech immediately. This was why I wanted to get away from this place, to refrain from snapping at him.

"I've made it quite clear to you that everything concerns me, I make it my duty to know."

I rolled my eyes and shrugged my hand free from his grip.

"Really now? I suggest again that you stopped prying in other people's businesses, it's wrong."

The little smile on his face faded and his eyebrows got tangled up in an unmistakable scowl.

"Miss Steel, how many times have I said the shouldn't speak to me in that manner, you're really stubborn."

"This conversation's heading no where."

I turned around and walked to the penthouse, this time, he didn't try to stop me.

💭💭💭

The next morning, after saying my farewell to Mia and Maya who was in a pensive mood, I left for the Hawaiian Airport with Mr Philip and we boarded a plane headed to America.

I didn't sleep throughout the flight, I looked out through the window at the vast area occupied by water.

Aiden was waiting at JFK airport with a limo, and he beamed at us as we made our way towards him. The only luggage I had was my phone and a few clothes Mia forced me to take. I miss her already, I internally hoped I'll see her again.

Mr. Philip made Aiden drop me off at my house, I hadn't informed Tamara or mom of my return else Tam would be waiting to give me the ' hug of the century '.

I cautiously opened the door and stepped in, the house was unusually quiet, on a normal day, Tam would be playing songs from her iPhone or curled up on the sofa reading a book, this was no normal day.

I set my bag on the table and darted to my sister's room.

"Hey Ta..." I charged into her room only to find her in a full makeout session with her boyfriend, judging from the state of their clothes and their disheveled hair, they've been at it for some minutes.

I cleared my throat noisily and Tamara looked at me like a deer caught up in the headlights.

"Ahem, I'm back sis." There was a red tinge on her cheeks. I shifted my gaze to Michael who was in the same condition as his girlfriend. His hair was completely out of shape and the buttons of his gray shirt had come undone. The only thing that wasn't was undone was his jeans trouser.

"Um yeah, you're back, you're totally back... I heard you came back yesterday..."

She scratched the side of her head, proving that she was in much discomfort.

"I'm out, I'll see you later."

Michael pecked her on her cheek and pushed himself off her bed, lowering his head in pure embarrassment, he hurried out through the door.

"Sorry, I was busy, I could not pick you up from the airport."

I rolled my eyes as she tucked the strap of her pink bra into her blouse.

"Obviously... now shut up Tam,"

I playfully smacked the back of her head and she glared at me and tried to retaliate without succeeding.

"Party pooper." She teased and swatted my hand which lingered on her shoulder, away.

"Sorry for crashing your party, you should be grateful." I sat beside her and she scooted away to create space for me to sit.

"Grateful for what? " she snapped.

"You know, when daddy loves mommy, daddy and mommy... " I trailed off as she slapped her hands over her ears to shut out what I was saying. She gave me a dirty look making me smirk.

"How was your trip to Hawaii? " she asked, suddenly becoming serious.

"It was just what I needed." Her eyes gleamed in excitement and almost immediately, the gleam in her eyes disappeared.

"Oh, i totally forgot he-"

"Tam, could you not revolve this conversation around my boss?"

I suddenly felt angry for no reason at all.

Realizing the malicious tone of my voice, I moved my head and Tam whose smile was slowly fading away.

"It's obvious that you need some time alone, I'll be outside, meet me later when you've cooled off."

She rapidly slid out of the bed and walked out of the room.

Great, just great.

Did our favorite sisters just have a little fight? I wish it doesn't escalate into a malice.

I'm grateful for everyone who has read and this book from the beginning to this point. You really make me happy when I see a notification about the votes you all pile in.

Thanks a million times.

Tris❤