It was 6:30 AM when Viktor came down with Umilia and saw Brad already in his casual clothes with a small trolley bag. He was sitting on the sofa talking with Taya when the two turned around to see Viktor and Umilia coming down.
Seeing how well prepared Brad was, Viktor couldn't help but wonder if Brad was planning to take this trip already since all the planning happened so fast.
Taya noticed the lovely scarf on Viktor's neck, and with a glance, she could recognize it was Umilia's handiwork, and just by seeing how Umilia's expression seemed bright and happy, she could tell that Umilia gifted it to Viktor and he liked it.
If it was any other woman, Taya wouldn't be feeling warm about it, but since it was Umilia, she couldn't help but be happy that Viktor was seriously considering things.
"So, Dorian, would you guys be returning in a few days?" Taya asked with a soft smile.
"Well, Uncle Brad is the one with the plan. I am just following his lead and honestly quite excited to explore the island," Viktor said with a bright smile.
There were maids and servants around, so all four had to act their roles.
After Taya asked some casual questions, Viktor said, "Tell Tia and Saya, I will be back with some goodies. Who knows, they might like some."
"I sure will," Taya smiled and waved the two goodbyes as they got in the car.
Viktor wondered why Taya didn't seem surprised with their sudden trip and felt that maybe Brad told her beforehand.
Meanwhile, Taya turned around to look at Umilia and held her hands as she asked, "Umi...are you in love with him?"
"Eh...I…" Umilia felt her pulse race as she panicked inwardly, wondering whether Taya might feel betrayed considering how Viktor and Taya had a long history between them.
She knew that Taya was not together with Viktor now but still felt bad about not telling her. The only reason she didn't tell was not only because she was embarrassed about it, but she felt that Viktor was only considering her as his maid and nothing more.
Umilia considered Taya as her sister as well, and these two, over all the years, always confided in each other. Thus Umilia couldn't help but feel guilty.
"Hey, why are you looking down? I only asked a simple question. Or am I being too prying? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I just was curious how you felt about him," Taya earnestly said.
Umilia raised her brows, thinking that she misunderstood Taya's intentions. But still, with Taya suddenly asking her this question, she didn't know how to respond since she had never been in love before and had no idea how to make sense of her feelings.
Taya softly smiled, seeing her abashed face, and asked, "Okay, let me make it more simple. Do you like him?"
Umilia immediately nodded without any hesitation, making Taya smile. Umilia was surprised to see that Taya didn't seem to show any signs of annoyance and asked, "You really don't mind?"
Taya cupped her hands and said, "If it's you, I can't be happier. He would be lucky to have you beside him and likewise."
Umilia's eyes brightened up hearing her words. But then she smiled wistfully as she said, "But I doubt Master would be interested in someone like me. I am just happy to serve him as long as he wants and to make him happy. I don't dare to expect anything else."
Taya inwardly sighed and said, "Umi, don't say that. You have the right to expect whatever you want, and he is not someone who differentiates between himself and mortals like us. Even if the existence of humans and other living beings as a whole is fleeting for him, he doesn't consider the ones he holds dear the same. In fact, once he loves someone, he will forever latch onto that person."
Umilia felt her heart lighten and then maintained her gaze with Taya as she asked, "Just like how he still loves you, right? You also still love him, right? So why are you distancing him?"
Taya's expression became difficult as she said, "It's complicated. And trust me when I say that everything will be alright soon. I have thought about certain things, and then once I settle everything, I will tell you."
Umilia could see that Taya was struggling with something and said in a reassuring tone, "It's okay. You don't have to tell me since you said that things would be alright. But...in case you need me, you will let me know, right? Because if I came to know that you have been going through some trouble all alone, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself."
Taya nodded as she smiled and gave Umilia a warm hug as she said, "Don't worry. You will be one of the first to know in case there is something I can't handle on my own."
Meanwhile, Viktor was dressed as Dorian as he and Brad walked through the airport in search of their terminal.
Viktor had a lot of other passports in his hand to support his various identities. If someone found the stash of passports he had, they would think he was some veteran international spy to have so many identities.
But Viktor was only planning to stay as Dorian till he lands at his destination, and after that, he decided to walk around as himself and enjoy the place.
Viktor was amused that Brad had bought some fake beards and hair to wear a disguise after they landed so that nobody will recognize him and he could enjoy it without attracting any unnecessary attention.
In the plane, as the two sat side by side, Viktor wanted to wink at some beauties who were none other than the airhostess' walking to and fro. But since he was Dorian right now, he could only give them a sweet smile as they passed by, and they also smiled back at him.
He knew people might have noticed him and Brad entering the VIP coach, so he had to keep up appearances.
As the plane took off, Brad asked in a serious tone, "I have been meaning to ask. That night, Taya said you took care of some tongue-less goons. They seem creepy and dangerous. I feel like whoever sent them is serious and way more dangerous than these goons. What do you think?"