Chapter 79

CHAPTER 79:

AERIAL EXCURSION

Diane’s P.O.V.

I didn’t expect that as soon as Liam and I went to the helipad, we would immediately board his private jet. It was indeed my first time, and until now, I still couldn’t believe it. My heart was fluttering out of fear and excitement. Who would have ever thought that I could be in a few-kilometer altitude above sea level?

In addition to my fear of darkness, I also had this fear of heights. I couldn’t stand any high places while seeing the bottom. I could feel that I would be falling at all. It was called acrophobia. It usually caused me significant anxiety and panic attacks.

“Diane, wake up! We’re here. Look,” Liam slightly patted my shoulder while telling me to look down.

The truth was I didn’t sleep at all. I wouldn’t be able to sleep in this situation. I just wanted to turn a blind eye and squeezed myself into his hard chest so that I could never feel that we were both in a high place—not to mention that it was a moving jet.

“No, I don’t want to! I’m s-scared, Liam.” I shook my head.

“Hey, don’t be. When you’ve had your fear of darkness, you were also with me, right? Trust me, you can do this. Remember what I told you earlier? Let’s face all your fears together, Diane. I’ll protect you no matter what.” Liam smiled with assurance.

The smile that he was giving me right now was so beautiful that I couldn’t help but smile too. It was remarkably contagious, and his enticing dimple made my heart race even more.

In the end, Liam was able to finally persuade me to look at what was waiting for us at the bottom. It felt like everything was moving in a slow-motion manner, and I was exceptionally in awe.

It was a picturesque island destination that forms a ‘heart’ symbol when in an aerial view. The formation of the island itself was a green ‘heart’ surrounded by a wide array of white sand and blue-colored seawaters. Augmented by an iconic shape, it was in-line with trees and a paradise for divers.

Wow! I was slack-jawed.

It felt like I suddenly lost my fear of heights! Who would get scared in this spectacular view? I undoubtedly loved what my eyes were seeing right now because I totally knew where we were today. I couldn’t be more grateful, and my heart was literally jumping because of it.

“Bonito Island,” I meekly stated the name of the place as mixed emotions tried to overpower me.

“D-Did you know this island?” Liam asked in astonishment.

“Of course, why wouldn’t I? Mabini, Batangas was my father’s hometown and—” I cut off my sentence. I suddenly felt crestfallen when I remembered his death. Tears immediately welled up my eyes, but I tried not to let them stream down my face.

I missed him so much! It has been a while since I last saw him, when will I be able to visit him again?

“And?” Liam curiously asked me.

“Nothing.” I tried to be happy, so I just smiled and glanced at him. “Anyway, how did you know about this place?” I asked while still looking down. I could not even restrain myself from looking at the neighboring areas.

“Well, I’ve known this place since I was fourteen. You know what? We have a private resort on this island, and I used to dive here. I also promised myself to bring here the woman that I’m going to marry someday. I wanted to surprise you, and yet, I got surprised!” A look of regret flashed on Liam’s face, thinking that his surprise for me had failed because I already knew the place.

“It’s okay, Liam… and hello? I’m still surprised, really! Batangas might be our province, but I haven’t been here on Bonito Island, and I had never seen this in this view. Thanks for letting me experienced this one-of-a-kind aerial excursion! I’m so happy and it was even more special because I am with you.” I beamed before I quickly kissed him on his right cheek.

“Seriously, just on my cheek? How about here?” Liam pouted his lips while closing his eyes, signaling that he wanted me to kiss him on the lips as well.

I only laughed at him. “I don’t know about you, Mr. CEO! Can’t you remember that I already cupped your face and kissed your lips before we climbed in here together? And also, you’ve been kissing me a lot since earlier. You even sucked my cleavage!” I placed my palm on his still-pouted lips, then kiddingly pushed his face away.

Liam gently held my wrist and opened his lips. “But seriously, Diane… if I would ask you to m-marry me someday, w-would you say yes?” he seriously asked. Liam was so cute while stammering in front of me as if a teenager was stuttering in front of his crush.

“Hmm, let me think about it…” I replied while looking upwards before I smiled at him foolishly. But deep inside, what he said sent shivers down my spine, and butterflies flew around my stomach so quickly. The ambiance was too elated that I couldn’t ask for more.

Who wouldn’t get captivated by my boyfriend’s handsomeness? I feel like melting butter just by looking at his stares.

“It seems like you’re not fair at all,” Liam whispered, almost sulking on his seat.

Little did you know that I would have never wanted to let you go, Liam. I will stay with you until the end, and I am more than willing to marry you anywhere you would like… even right away!

Liam’s private jet aircraft had been propelling above for quite a few hours, whether near or far from the island, for us to have perfect angles. It was a good thing that my cellular phone was only placed on my blazer, and for that, I was able to capture a lot of different views.

Of course, Liam and I also took some selfies together. But since his cell phone’s camera was much better, we used his phone the entire time. He promised that he would send me the copies later on. Liam instructed Eric to go much closer to the island then my boyfriend opened the clear glass windows. Liam operated a drone and even taught me how to capture some perfect photos.

It took a while before Liam stood up and went to the back part of the jet. When he returned, I was surprised because he was pushing a stainless trolley full of Japanese foods. We have rice, sushi, ramen, Yakiniku, Takoyaki, and Karaage. Yakiniku is grilled meat, Takoyaki is an octopus cake, and Karaage is crispy from the outside but yummy chicken from the inside.

As we were setting up the table, Liam told me that his chef also flew with us, but he wanted to serve me personally. I looked at my watch, and I didn’t even realize that it was already one-thirty, but time indeed flew faster when you were enjoying every bit of it.

The blazing midday sun shone radiantly, making me reminisce about the beach during my childhood years. The azure sky was sprinkled with fluffy white clouds that floated lazily in the gentle breeze, reflecting on the crystal blue sea.

Liam knew how I used to eat a lot, and I was able to show my talent one more time with all these mouth-watering Japanese foods in front of me. It was the first time I had ever experienced this—to dine in while we were flying above, overlooking the beautiful Bonito Island. It was also a blessing to have experienced this with the one I loved.

Today, I conquered my fear of heights, and I couldn’t be more blissful. I just hoped that Mom and my two siblings were also with me while seeing this magnificent view.

It was already four in the afternoon when we decided to get back to the helipad of the EGC. Liam thanked Eric as we entered the glass door and headed straight for the elevator to return to our respective offices.

We were inside the elevator when I broke the silence. “Thanks for making me feel special again, Liam. My heart is so full of gratitude, and it was all because of you. I appreciate everything you’ve always been doing for me.” I adoringly cupped his face before pressing my lips on his. I didn’t care anymore if we would be caught by the CCTV.

“Anything for you, Diane. I’m glad that you enjoyed it. Next time, we will bring Mom, David, and Denise so they can see that too.” Liam kissed me on the forehead. “I just want you to promise me one thing, Diane. Just one thing—please don’t talk to Leandro when I’m not around. Please?”

He was clearly pleading at me with his mesmerizing dark-gray eyes. For that, I couldn’t say no to him. I would grant him every wish as long as I could do it.

Due to my great joy with what happened today, I didn’t ask why. I seemed to have already forgotten what Leandro wanted to tell me this morning. I just looked at Liam intently and nodded charmingly.

“Okay! For you, I will avoid Leandro… promise!” If avoiding Leandro would make Liam at peace, then I would do it.

Liam held both of my hands and serenely kissed my knuckles while his eyes never left me. We filled the gaps of each other’s fingers until we heard the elevator sound that we were already on the right floor.

The elevator door opened after we reached the fifth floor. We were sharing delightful smiles, and Liam was silently signaling me to get back to the office, but before I could even do that, we were already surprised to see his brother.

Leandro was with a very beautiful, gorgeously sophisticated, and extremely sexy woman in her red fitted dress. She was a brunette with snow-white skin and was clearly showing her sultry cleavage.

She had a tantalizing pair of blue eyes, prompting me to think that she came from a foreign country. She was even whiter and taller than me. I could say that she was liberated based on how intimidating her looks were.

“Hi, babe… I miss you!” All of a sudden, that girl, or should I say, that whore, haughtily kissed Liam’s lips as if no one else was here in the elevator.