Chapter Three

QYXIELLA

The sun had already set, and the glaring sunlight stopped hurting my eyes. I took off my sunglasses and placed them on my head before yawning weakly, still feeling a bit sleepy. The sunset painted the sky crimson, blanketing the island with its splendid view.

 I leaned my back on the recliner and pondered about my life since I set foot on this island nine years ago. It was harsh. I am caged and tied like a bird wanting to fly free but can't.

I turned my head to look at the crowd on the beach. Couples are kissing while naked girls walk around with hard liquor in their hands, flaunting their flawless and stunning looks for everyone to see. I bitterly caressed the unwanted scar on my abdomen. This scar is a constant reminder that, sometime in the past, I experienced happiness. 

Feeling gloomy, I stood up and decided to go back to my penthouse. My husband called me earlier saying that he will be back tonight after staying in the Philippines for three months. I heaved a saddened sigh.

 I terribly missed the place where I grew up, but my husband never let me leave the island. If we were, we would never set foot in Asia and would only travel to North America and Europe. I had not visited any Asian country in the eight years that I had been his wife. I blinked hard to stop my tears from falling when my eyes began to get watery. I am strong now. I did not want to cry any longer. I can still endure the torture and loneliness for the sake of my beloved person whom my father had hidden from me as collateral for me to stay on the island of Lobos with my husband.

  

The twilight breeze was strong. When I stood up, I didn’t realize that the wind had blown my scarf away. I let out another soft sigh and shook my head. I must return before my husband arrives. He despises seeing me outside in a two-piece bikini, even though this island is for men who crave flesh and for women to stray while naked.

I was about to ignore my scarf and walked back to my penthouse when expensive leather shoes blocked my way. I was looking down and didn’t realize there was someone in front of me.

Shit! My husband!? 

I slowly looked up and my mouth agape when I stared into that face. I was lost for words. Deep blue eyes with thick and furrowed brows stared at me unbelievably as I hugged myself tight. 

"Qyxiella?" asked the owner of those blue eyes. His voice was full of mixed emotions as he stared at me intently.

My heart somersaulted and pounded quickly. My head spun like a tornado when my eyes locked on those blue irises. I couldn’t form any coherent words, and it was rendering my capability to talk. I was stunned and remained rooted to the ground. 

This man just got even handsome, gorgeous even. His black suit fits him perfectly. Absolutely dashing. But why is he here? The people who could step foot in here are only members of the island. 

Seeing him after eight long years filled my heart with joy, so much that it was overflowing. I miss him so badly. I wished I could throw my arms around him and hug him tightly.

The man caressed my face with his free hand to ensure I was real. What brings him here?

I closed my eyes when I felt the electrifying heat from the man's touch. Oh! How I yearned for his touch. I closed my eyes for a few seconds before hearing him speak again.

"Qyxiella..." his thumb caressed my lower lips, giving shivers to my nerves and suddenly heightening my body.

I closed my eyes tightly to prevent my body from reacting too much to his touch. This is not possible. No! I can't show this level of emotion because it will complicate things.

"Qyxiella... Talk to me. I know it's you. What are you doing here? Talk to me, please..." When I opened my eyes, I saw his eyes were begging for answers.

Qyxiella... How many years have I not heard that name? Ever since I came to the island, a year after I left his place, my name has become Camilla.

I blew a soft breath, forcing myself to adjust and calm my rapid heartbeat. I hardened my face and stared at the man coldly. He doesn't need to know why I am here!

"Mr. Walker, what I am doing here is none of your business. And I have nothing to say to you. So, if you'll excuse me, I must get back to my apartment before my husband arrives." When I replied, my voice was emotionless, and I looked at his eyes to see his reaction.

He was surprised, but I ignored it. I should not give in to my emotions, to what I truly felt towards this man. It's been nine years since I left him, so I shouldn't feel this way about Bryle. Yes! It was Bryle. The one in front of me is no other than my ex-boyfriend Bryle.

I took a step to the side to avoid him, and I was able to pass, but he quickly stopped me by holding my arm before I could even get away.

"Husband?" shocked, lined with pain was visible on his face while staring at me unbelievably. "You are married? Why?" Bryle asked bitterly.

I scoffed.

"What exactly do you mean by why?" I shook my arm to shake Bryle away before raising my brow to inquire. "What made me marry? Simply, because I want to and it has nothing to do with you!" I scowled and walked away, leaving him in the dust as I scuffled my way out.

I couldn’t let my husband see me talking to a man. I don't want to endanger Bryle’s life. So, if I had to choose, I would simply tell a lie rather than let my husband see Bryle and make him my husband’s target for his shooting practice.

Bryle called my name again when I walked just a few steps away.

"Qyxiella, wait!" He was already by my side, grabbing my arm and preventing me from walking further.

I gave Bryle an irritated look. Yes, I wanted to see him as well. I’d been missing him for the past nine years, but not at this moment. My husband was on his way home, and I didn't want him to hurt Bryle. Even if I wanted to talk to Bryle for hours, I couldn't.

 My husband has numerous people looking after me. If I did something wrong, they would immediately report it to my husband, and I would be punished again.

"What do you want, Mr. Walker? I have nothing to talk to you about, okay? Just f*ck off!" I irritably shook Bryle’s hand, but his grip on my arm tightened even more.

"Bryle, please let me go! Now!"

I exclaimed as I noticed two of my husband's henchmen approaching us. When I looked at the henchmen approaching us, my voice was tinged with anxiety.

"No!" Bryle was persistent. He did not only not listen to me but forced me to face him without regard for the two oncoming henchmen.

"No! You let go of me!" I struggled hard, and my eyes begged Bryle to let me go before the henchmen approached.