While speaking, Winnie walked to the couch with Xavier and sat down.Lucas subsequently took his seat opposite them.The grim look on Xavierâs face told him that he had somehow imposed himself on them.Nonetheless, as someone who never minced his words, Lucas spoke unabashedly.âWinnie, how can you forget your friend just because you have a husband? Canât I drop by for a casual visit anymore? Have you forgotten how we used to always chat late into the night? We even talked about our hopes and dreams while admiring the stars and moon in the night sky. I didnât expect you to have forgotten me after being consumed by love. Iâm so hurt!âWinnie was rendered speechless. âWhy are you being so melodramatic? Have you been reading too many trashy novels? Do you know why youâre so annoying?ââWhy?â Lucas was indeed clueless.Winnie didnât hold back her tongue. âItâs all because of that blabbermouth of yours. You had better stop trying to sow discord in front of my husband.
Otherwise, I wonât be able to save you if he beats you up.ââDoes our friendship not mean anything now that youâve found love?â Nonetheless, Lucas was just teasing her and knew when not to cross the line.Hence, he quickly brought up the real reason why he was there. âI just came from my sisterâs. She told me that youâre done with your business here and will be going back soon. Since I figured that you havenât had the opportunity to unwind recently, why donât you spend more time in Rodunst? Thereâs no need to hurry home. Anyway, I rushed over because I was worried that you would leave overnight. I just wanted to volunteer my services as a tour guide since I know the place like the back of my hand.
Also, Iâll be the most attentive guide youâll ever have. Iâll be by your side when you need me and happily let you toss me aside when you donât. So, what do you think?âXavier was at a loss for words, for he wanted to kick Lucas out at that very moment.Little did he expect Winnie to agree. âSure. Actually, my husband and I were just discussing what to do next. We did intend on spending a few days visiting the nearby island. Now that the King of Ships is coincidentally sitting right opposite me, you have to get us a yacht. That will save my husband the trouble of having to arrange for one.ââOf course. Your wish is my command,â Lucas readily agreed before changing his tact. âHowever, can you stop mentioning your husband at every turn? Who are you trying to show off to?ââYou, obviously. Youâre the one whoâs still single. I have a husband, while you donât.â Winnie flashed a mischievous smile as she hugged Xavierâs arm tightly and leaned against him.She was getting back at Lucas for mentioning in front of Xavier how they chatted late into the night under the stars.As for Xavier, the tension in his brows gradually eased after hearing Winnie mention him repeatedly. By the time Lucas and Winnie discussed the details of the trip, his initial hostility had already dissipated.Lucas was also sensitive to the situation. Having no intention of getting in Winnie and Xavierâs way, he wrapped up the discussion quickly and left.Upon his departure, the impatient Xavier pulled Winnie onto the couch.Biting her lip gently, he nuzzled his head against hers. âWhat did you just call me just now? Hmm? Can you say it again?â âYou enjoy hearing it?â
Cognizant that Xavier was talking about the word âhusband,â Winnie refused to satisfy his request.
âNo.ââWhy not? In that case, donât blame me for doing this.âBoth of them fooled around for a while before stopping to catch their breath.Winnie subsequently pulled Xavier into her embrace and explained earnestly, âDonât take Lucas seriously, as he was just teasing you. Both of us are good friends, and our relationship has always been platonic. I even got to know Lisanne through him. Heâs actually someone who knows where to draw the line.ââMmm-hmm.â Xavier tidied Winnieâs messy hair for her as he replied, âIâm well aware that he was joking just now and the fact that heâs a good friend of yours. Thatâs why I didnât reject his suggestion. Besides, his presence would be helpful when we sail out to sea. I donât have to worry about you being alone on the yacht when I go diving. I would have concerns if it were anyone else.ââIâm glad to hear that.â Winnie gently massaged Xavierâs head. âLucas is a good man. I hope that both of you can become friends, just like how Josiah and I are now. Heâs both a friend of yours and mine. That said, Iâm not forcing the issue. Weâll just let it develop naturally.âAfter grunting in acknowledgment, Xavier got up and lifted Winnie in his arms. âTime for bed.âThe next morning, even though it was past the agreed time to depart, Lucas waited till Winnie emerged in the dining room before speaking to her.That day, the three of them set sail for a small island nearby.There wasnât any particular activity on the first day. Thus, they simply walked around the island to familiarize themselves with it.It wasnât until the second day that they sailed out to fish.While Xavier went diving, Lucas commandeered the yacht and fished at the same time.Winnie, too, hooked up a bait, hoping to catch something bigger than Lucas.By using the line method to fish, there was no need to keep an eye on the buoy. One could feel the tension the moment a fish had taken the bait, making it easy enough for Winnie to pick up quickly.In the end, Lucas didnât catch anything, while Winnie caught two fish. This was despite both of them having thrown out their lines at the same time.Lucas couldnât help feeling frustrated. âThis doesnât make sense. There are probably no fishes on my side of the ocean. Iâll move to the bow and try my luck there. Call me if you need anything.âWinnie was naturally in a good mood. âThereâs no stopping Lady Luck once sheâs with you. Go on ahead. Iâll be staying here.ââJust you wait.â Lucas declared confidently, âIâll beat you soon enough!âWith that, both of them fished on different sides.A short while passed before Winnie suddenly heard a phone ring beside her.She recognized from the ringtone that it was Xavierâs phone. He had left it in her care before going diving.Now that they had a habit of picking up calls on the otherâs behalf, Winnie answered it without any hesitation.âHello, this is Xavierâs phone. May I know whoâs on the line?âAfter a brief pause, an irritated voice rang out. âIâm well aware that this is Xavierâs phone. Who are you? Is that you, Winnie?â