The Third Wheel

Once everyone had arrived, lunch officially began.

As Irene listened to Britney and Edward talk, she slowly pieced together what had happened after they got off the plane. Someone had been there to pick them up and take care of everything, so she hadn't needed to think at all. No wonder she couldn't remember any of it when she woke up.

They took their time enjoying lunch.

She casually picked up the newspaper the butler had left in the living room.

"When my movie first came out, I had to search the entire newspaper just to find a review of it, tucked away in a corner. And now, not long after that, my face is plastered across the front page. We have our superstar Britney's selfless generosity to thank for that."

In the middle of the newspaper, Irene was smiling, but Britney—crying her eyes out—was the real star of the page.

The headline read: "A Look at Hollywood's Cross-Industry Besties."

It described many touching stories about Irene and Britney's friendship, using such heartfelt language that it warmed the reader's heart.

"Let me see." Britney took the newspaper.

"Damn, what kind of photographer made me look this ugly!" She slapped the newspaper down on the table as soon as she saw the picture.

"Let me see. You could never look ugly, no matter how they photograph you!" Edward quickly put an arm around her shoulders and gently comforted her. At the same time, he took the newspaper from Britney and turned it around to look at the front. He couldn't stop himself from snorting with laughter.

"Ah, even you're making fun of me!" Britney flung Edward's arm away.

Edward hurried after her. "I'm not making fun of you. You're adorable, really. Look at you—your eyes and nose are all red from crying. You look like a little bunny. How cute is that?"

Irene narrowed her eyes as she watched the two of them flirt as if no one else were there, and began to wonder whether inviting Britney on vacation had been the right decision.

She tried to get their attention with a couple of coughs.

Unfortunately, neither of them even glanced her way.

Irene got up to head back to her room. Only then did Britney quickly rise and ask, "Irene, where are you going?"

"I saw there's a pool downstairs. I want to go for a swim."

"I'll come too! Do they have swimsuits here?" Though she didn't mention anyone by name, everyone knew who she was asking.

Edward quickly chimed in. "They do. Everything's ready. Can you swim? Want me to teach you? I was captain of the swim team in high school."

"Really? Then let's see how good you are."

"I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

Irene walked toward her room with a blank expression. Let the world end. Do I really have to be the third wheel?

After changing into her swimsuit, Irene followed the butler to the pool. White tiles lined its edge, making it appear to flow into the ocean, as though she were swimming out at sea.

On the way, she'd spotted a nearby island that looked much like theirs, but was clearly larger and more populated. The butler had told her it was Maui, home to Hawaii's most popular resort, the Grand Wailea Resort.

The Grand Wailea Resort was a legendary destination on Maui, Hawaii, renowned for its unparalleled scale, artistic atmosphere, and innovative amenities.

The hotel was built in the style of a grand Tuscan palace, and was practically a vast art museum in its own right. It housed millions of dollars' worth of art and antiques, including works by masters such as Dali and Botero.

Most impressive of all was its "Canyon Activity Pool," along with Hawaii's largest and most luxurious spa. Both were well worth experiencing.

Irene was curious why the other woman spoke so highly of the hotel.

It turned out Edward's father was friends with one of the investors in the Glenvaria Hotel. That was how they'd managed to buy an island near the hotel.

Not only that, but when their chef wasn't serving them, he worked at the hotel. Even the temporary staff they'd arranged had been borrowed from there.

Irene was once again stunned by the wealth of Edward's family. She wondered when she might reach that level herself.

She slipped off her cover-up and dove into the water like a silver fish. Her slender body stretched out in an elegant curve beneath the rippling surface.

She'd swum two full laps before Britney and Edward finally arrived.

"If you get bored, boss, you can ask the butler to arrange an at-home spa treatment. You could also go deep-sea fishing or snorkeling. Oh, and there are jet skis and seaplanes too—they're all great options. Don't hold back. Just make yourself at home."

Edward was clearly worried Irene might feel left out on her own, but in Hawaii, there was no shortage of ways to have fun.

At four in the afternoon, the sun had only shifted a little toward the west, with no sign of setting anytime soon.

Sunlight scattered across the sea like glittering shards of silver.

The butler hired a jet ski instructor. After taking Irene around twice, the instructor showed her how to use each of the controls, and she was ready to ride on her own. She put on a life jacket and goggles, then sped off by herself.

The waters here were a shared jet ski zone for several nearby islands, so Irene wasn't the only one racing across them.

It was summer vacation, too, and plenty of families had brought their children along on trips. There were many beginners still wobbling along on the water, which made a young, beautiful woman like Irene stand out even more.

The salty sea breeze gently brushed Irene's short hair. She straddled the jet ski, her damp hair clinging to her cheeks, and lifted her head to take a deep breath, savoring the peaceful moment.

Just then, another jet ski cut through the blue water and glided toward her, finally stopping beside her.

The rider removed his goggles, revealing a sharply defined face. His deep blue eyes looked at her with a hint of apology.

"I hope I didn't startle you," he said, his voice low and warm. "I just saw someone out here alone and wanted to say hello. I'm Henry. I'm vacationing here with my family."

Irene looked at him and nodded, a faint smile on her face. "Hello, Henry. I'm Irene."

He looked young. The boyishness hadn't quite faded from his face, and his broad shoulders were still a little lean, as if he hadn't fully grown into them yet. Seawater trickled from his slightly wavy black hair onto his sun-kissed chest. He looked just like the most popular quarterback at school.

He was handsome and had an amazing physique, exactly her type. He also seemed a little familiar, but Irene didn't dwell on it.

His gaze was open and direct, filled with genuine curiosity and admiration. It made her feel a little pleased. She immediately thought of how noisy Britney and Edward's little world was. Maybe she should find herself some company these next few days and enjoy Hawaii with someone.

"The waters around here are beautiful, especially the reefs near the Grand Wailea Resort," Henry continued naturally, as though they'd been friends for years. "There's also a pretty good antique exhibit at the hotel. It has some interesting shipwreck artifacts and old ship models. If you're interested..."

He paused, his eyes bright as he extended an invitation.

"If you're interested, I'd be happy to take you there tomorrow."