Chapter 17

Felicity had been gone for three days, and I still hadn't heard from her. I kept trying to call his phone number since the day he vanished, but his number wasn't ringing. When I went to their house, Aunt Eugene didn't seem concerned about his son's disappearance. Their actions appeared normal—as if nothing unusual had occurred—which made me suspicious. I apologized to Lea for what I had said during my previous visit. I gave them the same explanation I gave Felix, and they assured me that they understood my situation and why I acted the way I did. I was glad they didn't hate me for criticizing the girl Felix adored. During those three days, I attempted to rebuild my shattered social life, which I had lost when I got married. I went to a private club to socialize and have a good time. I also decided to get a driver's license and join a well-known gym in Metro Manila for a one-year membership. One step closer to my goal of independence and healing. I also started looking for condo units to buy outside of Manila and checking out some locations that would be ideal for my dream coffee plantation with the assistance of a new friend. Well, that new friend was Quintin. When we dated, I had no idea that would be so beneficial because he offered me advice and assistance. He was very accommodating. There was no hidden agenda. We both knew our interests, goals, and dreams, which is why we agreed to stay in contact and be just friends. I haven't told my parents about my plans yet. They did, however, inquire about my plans every time they called. I wanted to keep all of those plans as secret as possible, and I was aware they would object if they ever found out. Let's go back to Felicity. Yes, I still couldn't call, but whenever I had free time, I tried calling his number in hopes that it would finally ring. I just turned on the loudspeaker every time I did, but on that third day, his phone surprisingly rang, but no one was answering. I was very eager to hear from him. I felt some relief. I left him a message asking him to call me back when he had time. For a few days, he made me anxious and curious about his whereabouts, and if I were his mother, I would scold him when I got a chance. I simply set the phone on the side table and returned to choosing what to wear to the pool party I got invited to when suddenly, I thought of going to Felix to tell him Felicity's phone was already ringing. I ran downstairs after grabbing my car key, phone, and pouch. I drove by myself to their company, and right after the guard saw me, they asked right away if I was heading to see their boss, Felix. 'Yes, I'm here to see him," I replied with a smile. 'Sir Felix is not here, ma'am. He went out of town and used his private helicopter yesterday afternoon," one of the guards informed me after the two glanced at each other. That was surprising. ‘There must be something so important for him to use their helicopter.' I thought. 'I-Is his secretary with him?" I considered asking the same guard. 'No, ma'am. Sir Felix left all alone with the pilot," he answered right away. Because they mentioned the secretary didn't come with Felix, I decided to see his secretary instead, and I found out that Felix was in Aklan—in Boracay. 'Business related?" I was just curious. 'Y-Yes, ma'am. There is a small island that he will be developing soon, and sir went there to have his initial inspection and planning." Her answer made me think for a few seconds, and I suddenly realized something that made me grin. Felix told me Pretzel was currently residing on an island. That same island she was currently developing using money coming from her pocket. There was a great possibility that Felix went to the same island to help her with planning and sorting things. ‘It seemed like things were getting more exciting.' I left their company. My next destination was Aunt Eugene's house to get more information. At first, all I wanted was for them to confirm something, but I never expected anything more from them. Lea and Aunt Eugene seemed unwilling to speak. They kept gazing at each other, and they couldn't look me straight in the eyes. I was astounded, as I had been the day Felix asked where his twin was. I was not sure why they seemed to be keeping it a secret, but if there was a serious reason, I already had a clue. 'They're just somewhere else fixing some things, Elyana. They'll come back soon," Aunt Eugene assured me, looking uneasy with my sudden visit and questioning me when I was just worried about Felicity. 'M-Mom is right, Elyana. Just wait for them. It's too far away," Lea agreed, and just like Aunt Eugene, she also could not look me in the eyes. 'Is that so? I wonder where that is. I also want to go to faraway parts of the country that I haven't been to before, and I also think it's my chance to travel and enjoy it while I'm not busy with my plans." I responded. I watched Aunt Eugene's reaction to my words; she appeared to be thinking about what I had just said. She appeared to show sympathy for me, and later on, she told me exactly where I could find the Martincu twins. I bought a ticket right away and went home to pack my belongings, making sure I had enough cash because the island was semi-isolated. The flight was scheduled for the afternoon. It was already dark when I arrived in Aklan. I checked into the hotel in the city, where one of the twins would pick me up. It was time to face Pretzel. I honestly couldn't believe how close she was to them already, even though it had been less than a year since they met her. She took over my position. We wouldn't have had a problem if it was only Felix, but my best friend—my entire second family, which I brought back here—was so fond of her.