When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 126: Curiosity and Calm

Chapter 126: Curiosity and Calm

Timmy watched in stunned silence as the woman he’d been observing approached a familiar figure. His eyes widened in disbelief when he recognized who she was walking toward.

Victoria Chen, the Branch CEO of Lily Oceanic Industries, stood there, a commanding presence that made people stop and take notice. Timmy hadn’t expected to see someone as important as her at a resort, of all places.

Victoria’s expression softened only slightly as she addressed the beautiful woman. "Miss Aquila," she said, her voice carrying the weight of authority, "are you finished with today’s inspection?"

The woman—Miss Aquila—met Victoria’s gaze with calm confidence. "Not yet," she replied. Her voice was steady but carried a warmth that caught Timmy off guard. "I’d like to join the island hopping tour. I want to see firsthand how our staff serves our guests."

Victoria’s eyes narrowed just a bit. "Is that necessary?" she asked, her tone tinged with surprise.

"Yes," Miss Aquila replied without hesitation. Her expression remained kind but firm. Victoria looked like she wanted to argue. Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she stopped herself. Instead, she let out a resigned sigh and gave a curt nod.

"Up to you, Miss Aquila," Victoria conceded. Her professional demeanor wavered, revealing a hint of exasperation. "Just make sure you’re safe out there."

Miss Aquila’s demeanor didn’t waver. "Don’t worry. I can handle it," she assured. "Sorry for pulling you away from your work. You can return to the office. I’ll make sure to give you a detailed report later."

Victoria shook her head, a rare smile tugging at her lips. "I won’t disturb you any longer, then," she said. "I’ll be waiting for your report."

Miss Aquila gave a small nod. "Thank you, Victoria," she said. Her voice held genuine appreciation. As Victoria turned and walked away, Miss Aquila’s eyes were already assessing the surroundings.

Timmy watched their exchange, feeling a sense of quiet satisfaction. Miss Aquila was going to be part of his group for the island hopping tour. It made him strangely happy, and he couldn’t quite figure out why. He saw her step gracefully onto the boat, her movements elegant and deliberate.

It was finally their group’s turn to board. Timmy found himself drawn to her composure, and he couldn’t help but feel impressed.

Unknown to Timmy, the woman he admired was none other than Lily Aquila—Zinnia’s best friend. He’d once seen a picture of Lily during a shopping trip with Zinnia, but even if that image was fresh in his mind, he never would have made the connection.

The Lily he remembered had a vibrant, outgoing personality. She’d been the life of the party, with a playful, carefree spirit. But this Miss Aquila seemed like an entirely different person—serious, focused, and professional. Her aura was so distinct that Timmy wouldn’t believe she was the same person.

He settled into his seat across from her, trying not to make his curiosity too obvious. No matter how hard he tried to look elsewhere, his gaze kept drifting back to her. She sat with perfect posture, her eyes never straying from the water ahead. There was an air of discipline about her that made Timmy’s respect grow.

The boat’s engine roared to life, and soon they were off. The ocean breeze carried the scent of salt and adventure, and Timmy felt a burst of excitement. They were heading to the first island, and he couldn’t wait to see what lay ahead.

Their guide gave a cheerful explanation of the tour, outlining the day’s activities. The first stop was a small, picturesque island known for its snorkeling spots. As they arrived, Timmy eagerly joined the others in donning his gear. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt so exhilarated. The water was crystal clear, and colorful fish darted around him as he swam. He couldn’t help but grin.

Miss Aquila, as he reminded himself—remained on the shore, clipboard in hand, watching how the resort staff assisted the guests. She seemed unfazed by the beauty around her, her focus solely on her job. Timmy marveled at how she could be so disciplined, even in a place like this.

The next stop was a larger island, where they participated in a guided nature hike. Timmy found himself panting as they climbed a steep trail, but Miss Aquila kept pace effortlessly. He glanced over at her several times, wondering how she managed to stay so composed. Even as sweat dampened her forehead, she remained graceful, jotting down notes whenever something caught her attention.

Their guide pointed out rare birds and native plants, and Timmy couldn’t help but be drawn into the experience. He laughed with the others, feeling a camaraderie he hadn’t expected. Every so often, his gaze would drift back to Miss Aquila. She seemed untouched by the joy around her, yet there was a quiet determination in her eyes that fascinated him.

The final island was the largest, and they had the chance to relax on the sandy beach. Timmy sprawled out on a towel, exhausted but happy. He watched as Miss Aquila spoke with the staff, her tone polite but firm. She didn’t seem to relax, even here, and Timmy felt a surge of admiration. He’d never met someone so dedicated.

As the day drew to a close and they returned to the boat, they stopped in a particular area of the ocean known for being great for swimming and diving. The staff gave everyone permission to swim and enjoy themselves, and Timmy couldn’t wait to dive in. He ran to the edge of the boat and slipped into the water with a graceful splash, the cool waves immediately refreshing him.

The ocean was perfect, and he relished the feeling of gliding through the gentle swells. Laughter and joy echoed around as others splashed and played. He swam further out, feeling free and weightless, diving beneath the surface to explore the deeper shades of blue.

As he swam back toward the boat, a sudden pain shot through his calf, seizing the muscle. Timmy gasped, his leg cramping so badly he couldn’t move it. Panic flooded his mind, and he struggled to stay afloat, but the pain only intensified. His arms flailed as he tried to call for help, water splashing around him.