The summer sun in Grandbay burned softer on the sixth day, casting golden glows across the glistening sea. The past few days had been nothing short of memorable for the Hillwood Investment Club members. From spontaneous karaoke nights to lazy afternoons floating in shallow waters, laughter had filled every corner of the private resort Sebastian had booked for the group.
True to Maya’s twist, each pair took their day seriously, transforming mealtime into something more personal.
Kairo and Lana, ever the efficient duo, started strong with a tropical-themed lunch: grilled pork belly, pineapple salsa, garlic rice, and fresh calamansi juice. Their chemistry as teammates was effortless, matched only by their culinary coordination.
Next came Clint and Wendy. Their style was playful—a backyard-style brunch with fried chicken, waffles, and homemade syrup. Wendy added cute hand-drawn menus and flower garnishes, while Clint brought the energy, serving everyone like a cafe waiter.
Irene and Lucas, in their usual banter, turned their meal into a friendly cook-off. Irene handled a spicy seafood pasta, while Lucas insisted on trying his “experimental” squid ink risotto. The result? Surprisingly delicious chaos.
Then Maya and Clark followed with a serene Japanese dinner, complete with sushi, miso soup, and green tea. They reserved a platform over the water, lighting floating lanterns as their final touch. It was aesthetic, emotional, and almost too perfect.
And then came the final day.
Selene had woken up early, the resort still quiet. Her bare feet brushed over the cool wood floor of her cottage as she stepped outside, notebook in hand. Ideas had danced in her mind for days, but she hadn’t shared them with Sebastian yet. Not out of doubt—but hesitation. She still wasn’t sure where they stood.
He was already waiting near the kitchen gazebo when she arrived, a black linen shirt rolled at the sleeves, leaning casually over a counter, flipping through a recipe book.
“You’re late,” he said without looking up.
“You’re early,” she replied, smirking as she approached.
Sebastian glanced at her then, a faint grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I figured you’d want control of the menu.”
“I do,” Selene said, handing him her sketchpad. “I made a plan.”
He scanned it. “Seafood-based. Light flavors. Wine pairing… You planned this like an architectural project.”
“It’s what I’m good at.”
He looked at her, something flickering in his expression. “Let’s make it great, then.”
They worked in sync, surprising even themselves. Selene handled the seasoning, making use of the local ingredients—lime, lemongrass, chili. Sebastian, surprisingly precise with a knife, took charge of plating and grilling.
By early evening, their setup was ready. They chose the dock extending just beyond the cottages. With the help of the resort staff, they laid out a long table draped in white, decorated with shells and driftwood. Candles flickered in glass jars, and small lanterns hung from the wooden beams above.
The meal? Grilled herb butter lobster, chili-garlic prawns, lemon-pepper scallops, and a tomato-garlic pasta infused with seafood stock. Starters included fresh oysters and a mango-avocado salad. For drinks, a curated selection of fruit wines from their Brewery Town stop, each one paired with the course.
When the others arrived, awe washed over their faces.
“Wow,” Maya whispered. “This looks like a five-star restaurant.”
“I feel underdressed,” Lucas muttered.
“You are underdressed,” Irene laughed, elbowing him.
They dined with the sun setting behind them, painting the sky in orange and lavender. Conversations drifted from personal dreams to childhood stories. There was no talk of stocks or future projects—just life, laughter, and the comfort of shared silence.
Selene sat beside Sebastian at the far end of the table, eyes scanning the scene.
“They look happy,” she said quietly.
“They deserve it,” he replied, sipping from his wine glass.
She turned to him. “You too, you know.”
Sebastian met her gaze, unguarded. “I’m trying.”
There was something different in his voice tonight—not cold or calculated, just… honest.
And for the first time, Selene didn’t feel like she had to keep her guard up with him.
When dessert—coconut panna cotta with caramelized banana—was served, Lana raised a toast.
“To the best pair meal of the week,” she declared, smiling at Selene and Sebastian. “And to the memories we made in Grandbay.”
Glasses clinked, laughter echoed.
And beneath the stars, with sea water beneath their feet and warmth in their hearts, Selene realized this wasn’t just a vacation.
It was the beginning of something new.