CHAPTER 8

"Wow! What a magnificent landscape of light and darkness!" Grace exclaimed as darkness covered the sky, colorful lights from the suites, the dolphin-shaped pool, and the pathways of every corner embrace the whole Monaco Suites. Aside from the astounding view, the nature's harmonic silence complimented the colorful scenery.

The rest of them were in awe as they enter the Seaview restaurant located just below the reception area with exceptional view of the colorful lights leading to the beach, high-lighted by the shimmering blaze of the stars and moon. A buffet area was prepared for them and the other guests of the hotel at the corner. They served some Italian, Chinese, American and Filipino cuisine. Some of which are classically appetizers, entrees and delicious bowls of noodle soup, pepperoni arrostiti for pasta, a mixture of lettuce, tossed in garlic anchovy dressing with Parmesan croutons for insalata, mouthwatering porterhouse steak as a main course, and delectable dessert of fresh fruits and variety of cakes available. Just outside the glass wall, a reserved table was placed at the outdoor balcony exclusively for them, which is perfect to enjoy the cool sea breeze.

It was a great way to end a day, eating a sumptuous dinner with a bottle of wine to relax the body. As they were eating and drinking wine, Abby asked, "So what's the plan for tomorrow?" There was no plan yet on what to do during the following days. As they have talked about in the afternoon, this time would be the best to plan about it although they have already ask Kate to contact their usual second day tour guide.

Grace smiled, "I thought it would be the usual second day adventure."

"Ahem… I tried to contact Mahal (Love) but it's already booked." Kate explained and sipped wine.

Jeremy was confused and seems to be a little bit jealous so he asked, "Who's Mahal?"

The ladies laugh noticing that jealousy has taken over Jeremy.

"Don't worry!" Grace comforted.

"Mahal is the name of the cruise we had been renting for the past years." Abby added and they continued laughing. It was the biggest yacht available at the seaport in Boracay. They used to go island sightseeing with it and do some water adventurous like parasailing. This time, they were unlucky to reserve it before hand.

While they were enjoying the night, a young woman shouted, "frère," and ran towards them. She was with 6 men in suit. Jeremy recognized the voice. It was familiar. He suddenly stood up and turned around to look at her. When she reached them, she threw her arms around Jeremy so tight that everyone was speechless. Many of them are talking and asking one another silently, who is she? She seems to be a little younger to be a girlfriend. Maybe she is a fan of Jeremy.

While still being hugged by the young woman, Jeremy asked, "Why are you here?" He recognized her at once. She was supposed to be in thousand miles away from him.

Releasing her hands, she said, "Oh… I miss you! I have been trying to contact you but you weren't answering my calls."

"I'm sorry. I was busy."

Looking at Jeremy's companions, she asked, "Who are they?"

"Ah… Let me introduce you to them. Guys, this is my younger sister." Jeremy said. He introduced them one by one. After which, he looked at her and asked her, "Would you like to introduce yourself to them?"

She nodded and did a small curtsy, "Hello! I'm Princess Jazmin Gabriella Grimaldi, the…"

Before she could even finish her introduction as Princess of Monaco, Jeremy interrupted, "By the way, until when are you staying with us? Have you eaten?" It's been a month since the last time that Jeremy saw his sister. Of course, he misses her but he made a decision to be alone in order to condition himself. They were so close with one another even before their parents died. Due to the hectic schedule of their father as the heir, Jeremy stood up as Gabriella's second father.

As they both sat down, "Not yet. I will going back to Monaco the day after tomorrow." Gabriella answered.

Kate butted in, "You should eat." She stood up, "Come on. Let me help you at the buffet table," she added. Gabriella agreed and both of them together with the six men went to the buffet table.

"Hey Jeremy, she's so cute. Are you really siblings?" Grace asked while Gabriella and Kate was away. It was some kind of teasing question since he doesn't look like her.

"Yeah. Isn't it obvious?" He tried to angle his face from left to right to show resemblance.

"Hmmm. Just a little." May said. Everybody at the table laughed. Many people particularly their relatives in unison observed that both do not resemble one another. Jeremy look a lot like their father while Gabriella to their mother. Moreover, both exhibit the beauty and brains of their parents in their own way.

"Look at them," pointing at Kate and Gabriella who were chatting at the buffet line, "they're immediately getting close," Abby said.

Jeremy just smiled knowing that they are getting along well. Gabriella was particular with ladies close to him. Some of his former girlfriends were not in the same wave with Gabriella. Many of whom, she finds too self-proclaimed princesses in beauty.

When they reached their table, Gabriella sat next to Jeremy while Tobby, who had given his sit, joined the bodyguards at the next table. Gabriella was actually feeling the group, trying to find out who's who. She then suddenly asked, "So… Who among you is the girlfriend of my brother?" while looking at their reaction.

"Hey! Just eat." Jeremy said while everyone else was looking at Kate's reaction. Speechless, Kate became conscious since all eyes were on her as if waiting for her answer.

Jeremy felt the pressure of others towards Kate that is why to change the topic, Jeremy asked, "So what's the plan tomorrow?"

"We don't have a yacht," Kate reiterated.

"Is that a problem? Why not use the Monaco." Gabriella suggested.

Everyone was confused since the boat that they used from the main island going to Boracay was just small. They didn't see any bigger boat or yacht named after the hotel at the port or even at the private this afternoon. What they know is that the biggest yacht at Boracay is Mahal (Love), the renting yacht. However, they were already too late in inquiring about its availability. It was already rented out for tomorrow.

Before things get more complicated, Jeremy explained, "She meant that they have yacht but it's not here at the hotel." After which he immediately whispered to Gabriella that they don't know that he's from a royal family and he begged her not to tell them.

Everybody was suspicious of Jeremy and yet they settled this for tomorrow's activity by agreeing with the suggestion of Gabriella. They didn't know that the Monaco yacht was a private property of the Grimaldi docked at Manila Bay. They seldom use it when their father asked them to go fishing on a holiday. Jeremy called Spes for its availability and asked him to bring it for tomorrow.

As the night was dying, when they have polished out tomorrow's activities, Kate asked, "Where would you want to sleep?" while looking at Gabriella, "do you want to sleep with us in our room?" she offered.

"No. It's okay. She'll have the other guest room at our suite." Jeremy replied before Gabriella could answer.

"It's a long but wonderful evening," Grace said while yawning.

"Time to call it a night then." Abby added.

Jeremy accompanied them going to the royal suite while he asked James, the butler and Tobby to show Gabriella their suite and the other suite for the bodyguards. It was an exhausting day while at the same time, glorious as a rainbow after a rain. They were so quiet going to their room. It was only Jeremy and Kate who still had the energy of chitchatting while walking.

Jeremy apologized, "I'm really sorry! I didn't know that she will follow us here." Gabriella, on her own will, followed them to Boracay, the moment she arrived at the embassy. She was actually expecting that he would be in a concert or an event but when she asked Spes, hastily, she booked a flight going to Boracay.

"Oh it's nothing. You have a lovely younger sister. Will she spend Christmas with you?" Kate asked.

"No. She will be going back to Monaco after our Boracay adventure."

Concerned, "You won't be with her on Christmas Day?" Kate asked.

"Nah… I opted to celebrate Christmas here since it might be my last."

"You would be alone then" Grace, who was eavesdropping, interrupted. She bumped Kate signaling to something like invite him for Christmas. However, Kate didn't, but instead said, "Thank you for today. I had great time especially meeting your sister."

"Thank you!" the rest of them expressed.

When they reached their room, Kate and Jeremy were left alone at the door. Kate said, "Thank you! Good night!" then kissed him in his right cheek. She immediately went inside the room before he could say a word or react to what she did and slowly closed the door. When she faced the living room, everyone was smiling. "We saw that," Mark said and the rest were teasing her.

"I just said good night and thank you!"

"Really!" Grace said while they continued teasing her.

When she felt that they would not stop from bantering, she bid them good night and immediately went up to her room. While Jeremy who just entered their suite was still holding unto his right cheek in astonishment.

"Well?" Tobby asked.

"Well what?"

"How did it go?"

"Just fine. Where's Gabriella?" Jeremy asked.

"She's in her room," while pointing at the room, "I think she's already sleeping, maybe due to the travel," Tobby said.

Jeremy knocked, opened the door and saw that Gabriella was just lying in bed but was still awake.

"Hey," he said as he approached her and sat at her bed.

Gabriella sat as well and asked, "Do you like her?"

"Who?"

"Kate. Who else?"

"Of all of them why do you think it's Kate?"

"Because of how you looked at her and your smile."

"What's wrong with my smile?"

"Your dimples are floatingly bright," pointing at his dimples, "It's been a long time since I saw you like this since… you know… when mom and dad died."

"Yeah, I do like her."

"But have you told her about the truth of our future. She may get hurt you know."

"I know. I'm trying to find a good opportunity… Anyway, did grandpa and grandma say anything about me?"

"Ah… I almost forgot." She pointed at him. " He said that you should contact them soon." She recalled.

"Why? Is there a problem?"

"I don't know."

"Okay! Anyway it's already late and you should sleep now," assisting her in bed, he said, "Good night! Sweet dreams!" He then kissed her forehead and walked out of her room.