—- Chapter 8 The island wasn’t large, especially not the section occupied by the stationed unit. Apparently, Leila and Vince didn’t care much about keeping things discreet. It wasn’t long before rumors began to spread across the island. But neither Blake nor I were the kind to indulge in gossip. He was kept busy day in and day out with drills and assignments, while I, not wanting to remain idle, decided to do something of my own.After discussing it with Blake, I obtained a proposal in collaboration with the military. I was planning to open a food processing plant on the island, using local coconuts and seafood as raw materials. It would not only provide extra revenue for the troops but also offer a source of income to the island’s residents. Ihadn’t expected to run into trouble so early. Full of confidence and ambition, I was ready to give it my all-until a typhoon hit, nearly destroying everything I’d worked for.
I stood in front of the —- wrecked factory, wind-battered and disheveled. Without hesitation, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work alongside the laborers. It was just a setback, that’s all. I’d weathered enough storms in the business world to know what starting over looked like. I wasn’t afraid of beginning again. Just as I was deep into work, a mocking voice rang out behind me. “Well, if it isn’t Joyce. What, already lost everything?” I turned. As expected, it was Leila.But this time, she looked different. Gone was the plainness from before. She wore a trendy dress, patent leather shoes, and matching jewelry, right down to the watch on her wrist. The storm had just passed, leaving the island in chaos, and she must have suffered to walk around dressed like that. Yet the look in her eyes was smug. “Know what a good life looks like?” she asked, —- spinning around in front of me like she was ona runway.”I used to be naive, thinking some meathead soldier like Blake was dependable. Now I get it. Men need power and money. Only then can a woman really enjoy life.” “Unlike you,” she added, “married and still running around like this, doing manual labor. What kind of happiness is that?” I scoffed and shoved her hard, sending her sprawling to the ground. “What’s wrong? Did the last slap I gave you not teach you a lesson? Or do my fists not look convincing enough?
You want to live off a man, that’s your problem. But don’t come flaunting your lack of self- respect in front of me. Even the greats have said women hold up half the sky. It’s parasites like you that give us all a bad name. “If I were you, I’d be too ashamed to show my face after everything you’ve done. But you? You walk around showing off. Honestly, with skin that thick, you should be used as a storm barrier during the next
—- typhoon.” My words turned her face a series of shifting colors- pale one moment, flushed the next. “You dare to humiliate me?” she shrieked. “I’m warning you, Vince won’t let this slide! Your little factory dream? Forget it. And tell Blake to pack his bags while he’s at it!” “Is that so?” I said coolly. “Then I’d really love to see how exactly you plan on shutting this place down.” Just as I was about to teach her a lesson, a stern voice cut through the air from behind us.
“Commander…” Leila’s voice quivered. I turned. It was Commander Trudy Brack, face grim and expression severe. Beside him stood Blake and-unsurprisingly- Vince. Without sparing Leila a glance, Commander Brack barked, “This factory was proposed for the benefit of the military and the islanders. Who do you think you are to shut it down?” —- “And you,” he turned sharply toward Vince, “what is your relationship with her?” Vince stepped forward, shaking his head.
” Commander, there’s nothing between us. I have no idea why this girl’s out there throwing my name around.” Leila stared at him, stunned. “Vince,” she said, voice trembling, “how could you be so heartless? I’m your woman, and now you say there’s nothing between us?”
