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First of all, welcome to the world of Blossom. I hope you enjoy the story. Before you begin, just a few things to keep in mind.

Please don't skip the Disclaimer or Character Introduction. They contain important details. If you skip them and later say, “We didn't know,” I'm afraid that's on you. Consider yourself warned.

If you're waiting for it to be completed before reading, I'd suggest reading it while it's ongoing. There is a possibility I may delete the book after completion, so read it while it's here.

This story doesn't focus on sexual content. Even if such scenes appear later, there will only be one or two.

There are two fictional islands in the story. One is known to the outside world and appears on the map. The other is the remote island where the FL comes from unknown to most of the world and is absent from ordinary maps.

Please don't promote your favourite books in my comments. Keep this space for BOWL.

As for updates, they depend on the targets I set. If you complete them, I'll update as soon as I can otherwise, I'll take the time I need. Votes and comments genuinely help with motivation, so if you're enjoying the story, don't forget to leave one.

                  𐙚 Happy Reading 𐙚

________⋆.ೃ࿔:･𓇼🐚🫧･:࿔ೃ.⋆ _________

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Confidence or Conceit?

by : Henry Lawson / Pembroke Times

Ryan Mitchell has set his sights on Andaman island. Apparently, it seems there is no room left on the mainland for his ambitious. But the question is, why Andaman? With the world’s financial capital already within reach, Mr. Mitchell’s decision to look thousand of miles away is curious.

Perhaps the ordinary horizon now become simply too ordinary for him. Confidence is admirable until it becomes a foolish belief that nothing is beyond reach. Is it vision? or something rather closer to conceit a question only time can answer.

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Ryan lifted his espresso and took a quiet sip as his gaze drifted to the window. Beyond the glass of superyacht, the morning sun shimmered across the endless sea like countless golden sparks.

“Seems Lawson managed to plant a spy here as well… It’s quite impressive how he managed to find a way despite such tight security,” Aksat Sinha said as he folded the newsprint and laid it aside on the polished teak table between them.

A ship attendant quietly placed the breakfast plate with a polite smile before excusing herself.

“ There was a reason he stayed Pembroke’s top front-page columnist for four years,” Ryan remarked with quiet certainty, looking at his assistant who was staring the food as if a zombie had spotted a first human in town.

“ That’s one way to look at it. But I must admit, what impress me most is his consistency toward you.” Aksat paused before taking a bite of his prawn quiche.

“Following the trail of one of London’s most influential business magnate is hardly an ordinary pursu-mmm.” The last word dissolved into a muffled mumble, making his face glow in quiet satisfaction.

He wasn’t exaggerating, Ryan Mitchell, was a well-known name.

As CEO of Mitchell Corporation, London’s one of the most influential and prestigious publishing conglomerates, he was leading the family business inherited from his father and taking it to greater heights.

He had inherited the wealth that came with his name, but his reputation was built on what he did or how he did it.

With a finely chiselled face, thick blonde hair and a flawless jawline that even made danger look sinfully delicious and expensive. He was the city’s most elusive bachelor at the center of every high society column.

“ You look like you’re enjoying yourself a lot, “ Ryan drawled, watching Aksat eat with an enthusiasm that ridiculously he never showed for urgent work.

Aksat cut another piece and put it in his mouth with a smile, “Who doesn’t enjoy vacations after all?”

“ Care to explain when I gave you vacation?” Ryan raised an eyebrow. “ Because I certainly don’t remember it. “

“ You didn’t Sir, so I awarded myself one, “ Aksat said with a shrug, sounding too comfortable for someone who had just granted himself a leave without permission.

“ You can’t expect me to work all the time here. I also need a little time to enjoy myself too, I’m pretty sure that falls under my employee benefits. “ he added, putting his fork down.

Aksat had been working for Ryan for three years, and during that time, he barely knew what a full day of holiday felt like. Ryan was a workaholic, and working with him meant long hours, negotiations, meetings, and no proper vacation.

Ryan looked at him for a few seconds, then sighed with a faint smile on his lips. “Fair enough, enjoy as much you want. “ he said, and with that, they continue eating,

Ryan stood by the deck railing, a glass of chilled champagne in one hand and the other tucked into the pocket of his linen trousers.

His pale blue shirt hung loosely over his fit frame, making him look effortlessly attractive and at ease.

“ I honestly didn’t expect you to accept my invitation, Mr Mitchell,” Nakul Suri said, standing beside Ryan with a glass of his own drink in hand.

“Mr Suri, I don’t turn down a deal that benefits me the most. You made a good offer, and I saw fit to accept,” Ryan replied, his tone straightforward, without any sugar-coating or pretence.

Nakul Suri was the head of Suri Group -a global real estate and hospitality giant.

In the southern Andaman’s, he was developing a luxury resort on Azure Island, designed for guests accustomed to the finest experiences.

To celebrate its upcoming launch, he hosted a private party on his superyacht, inviting just about thirty of the most influential figures from around the world. It aimed to be an exclusive preview of his project.

Ryan was among the attendees, but he wasn’t there for the resort itself. He was interested in the offer.

As Nakul’s real estate and hospitality ventures grew, he aimed to establish a new media and publishing division for his expanding brand.

He needed someone with a strong reputation and international influence, and Mitchell Corporation was the ideal partner.

His proposal was simple, he would invest in the new venture, while Mitchell Corporation would manage the marketing and media aspects.

In return, he would gain a minority stake in the division…since not everyone can secure a partnership with Ryan Mitchell, this was the only way to collaborate.

Nakul let out a quiet, polite laugh. “That’s one of the things I like about you,” he said. “You always get straight to the important point. No unnecessary talk.” He lifted his glass slightly, his gaze settling on Ryan.

“I hope you’re having good time here. “ He tipped his drink in a subtle invitation for a toast.

Ryan raised his glass in return. “ Of course, “ Their glasses touched with a soft clink. They both took a sip, the moment brief but easy, as the noise of the party carried on around them.

He stood alone now, Nakul had left a few minutes earlier, disappearing back into the party. He took a slow sip of his drink and looked out at the sea.

The water stretches endlessly toward the horizon, a deep, clear blue broken only by the gentle movements of the waves.

They rolled quietly against the yacht, their soft rhythm blending with the distant sounds of conversation and music behind him.

A cool breeze touched his face gently, as if mesmerizing him. He felt the soothing coolness and the scent of salt and water.

It was an ordinary sea, really- beautiful, but nothing he hadn’t seen before. Still, something about it felt a little different.

Maybe it was the quietness of the water. The waves seemed to carry a soft, almost distant murmur, rising and fading in a rhythm that was strangely compelling. He watched for a while.

For a man who rarely allowed himself to linger over anything other than work, he found himself standing there a little longer than he intended.

Then a sudden wave caught the yacht from the side.

It wasn’t particularly large, but it struck with enough force to send a sudden jolt through the vessel. A few people nearby paused, steadying their drinks as the decks shifted beneath them.

He felt it too. He shifted his weight and reached for the railing beside him. “What the heck?” he whispered.

The metal move slightly beneath his hand. He annoyed, looking down. The second railing he had been holding had loosened from its fittings, moving just enough to make him straighten.

Another movement passed through the yacht. The railing jerked outward. He tried to step back from it, but his balance was thrown off, and before he could recover, he fell into the sea.

The impact with the water took his breath away, but he quickly tried to surface, instinctively fighting his way back up.

Just as he was about to reach the surface, a strong current caught him and swept him sideways, pulling him beneath the water.

The shock left him disoriented, and for a moment, everything became blurry. Then darkness enveloped him as he lost consciousness.

𓆞𓆟𓆜𓆝

Ryan lay motionless on the sand, feeling the cool sensation of seawater gently touching his feet. His body felt heavy, and his mind still lingered between unconsciousness and waking.

Then he sensed warm air brushing against his lips.

He frowned faintly, and slowly his eyelids fluttered open. Everything was blurry at first, then he blinked once, then again. Only to find a pair of lips suspiciously close to his own. For a moment, his still-groggy mind refused to process what he was seeing.

His gaze moved upward.

Aksat, frozen in place, stared back at Ryan, caught mid-attempt as someone had hit pause at the worst moment of his life.

Ryan’s eyes widened, he immediately shoved Aksat aside and stood up. “What the fuck are you doing? Sinha, “ he demanded, equal parts horrified and furious.

Aksat quickly stood up, brushing sand off his clothes. “You weren’t waking up, I tried everything, so I was trying to give you CPR. “

“ Damn, Aksat, you should’ve just let me die rather than trying this. I swear, if Lawson gets even a single hint of it, you’ll be dead, “ Ryan grumbled, pulling a few strands of seaweed from his sleeve.

“You think I want people calling me your mistress again?” Aksat looked offended. He still hadn’t recovered from the humiliation of that particular rumour.

Henry Lawson, who had a talent for appearing at exactly the wrong moment in Ryan’s life, once caught Aksat and Ryan in a very complicated situation and decided to write his own version of the event.

Henry’s column about their forbidden love, which was his own spicy imagination, made the topic the hottest piece of gossip, even in the royal palace.

The rumour spread like wildfire. This led to Aksat being seen as Ryan’s secret mistress.

Because of it, Ryan and Aksat went through the most ridiculous times; everyone almost believed. It took an entire week for them to dispel the rumour.

“ Relax, he won’t find out. Look where we are. There’s no one else around,” Aksat gestured around them.

Ryan looked around, taking in the peaceful scene. The shore was odly quiet, with a few shells scattered across the pale sand and tangled seaweed lying in long, twisted strands that resembled shed snakeskin.

The beach extended far in both directions, feeling untouched and empty, while just ahead, tall coconut trees and ancient, towering trees created a lush, green canopy that looked like a dense, impenetrable forest.

“Where is it?” He asked. He knew they were on an island, but which one? He was certain it wasn’t Azure Island, nor any other he had heard of.

The place looked empty and abandoned -there were no resorts, hotels, ships, or people, nothing that connected it to their world.

“Looks like an abandoned island. I guess we got lost,” Aksat said, staring out at the empty ocean.

Ryan followed his gaze. Behind them, there was nothing but open water, with waves gently rolling onto the shore. The yacht was nowhere to be seen.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The island’s silence settled around them, broken only by the gentle sound of waves and flying birds.

He turned to Aksat, brows furrowed in confusion. “ How did you also end up here? “He asked. “ I remember falling, but you?”

He hadn’t seen anyone fall with him, Aksat certainly hadn’t been at the party… and there’s no way Aksat would jump to save him since he doesn’t know how to swim.

Aksat gave a small shrug, still catching his breath.” The moment I realised you’d fallen, I came looking for you, “he said, glanced at the sky before continuing, “ I was in a hurry, my foot slipped, and the next thing I knew, I was here with you… Luckily, I got saved. “

Ryan exhaled slowly, reaching into his pocket and glancing at his phone -only to find nothing. He closed his eyes in frustration for a moment before asking, “Do you have a phone?”

“I tried, but there’s no signal,” Aksat replied, holding up his own phone.

Ryan shook his head, frustration tightening in his veins. “Great, how the hell are we going to get out of here now? No one even knows we’re stuck,” he muttered.

They had no idea where they were, no signal, and no way to contact the yacht. They were standing on an island they couldn’t even identify, surrounded by endless water and a dense forest.

At this point, he couldn’t think of anything that might make the situation worse.

“ First, let’s head out from here, it’s starting to get quite warm. “ Aksat squinted against the blazing sun, feeling the relentless heat on their skin.

“ Maybe we’ll find someone or something, at least…if we look around in there,” he suggested, motioning towards the wall of trees where the lush greenery offered the only way through.

Ryan nodded in agreement, and together they moved on from that spot.

They ventured further into the island, surrounded on all sides by towering trees with twisting branches overhead and tangled vines hanging between the trunks like overgrown veins.

The ground beneath was soft and damp, layered with fallen leaves and patches of algae. Scattered here and there were small flowers, clusters of mushrooms emerging from the soil and decaying wood, while enormous coconut palms towered above, their fronds gently swaying in the humid breeze.

Deeper into the forest, they spotted a weathered stone amidst the overgrown vegetation, bearing strange carvings.

They stopped beside it. Aksat leaned forward slightly, narrowing his eyes to decipher the faded writing. “ M-a-ra-ki, Maraki,” he muttered.

“ What is this?” Ryan asked, gazing at the inscription.

“It seems like the name of this place, “ Aksat replied.

Ryan watched him for a moment, a mix of curiosity and confusion crossing his face. “ Do you know anything about it?” he asked, hopeful, as if expecting Aksat to recognise the place.

Aksat shook his head slowly, frowning. “ I don’t know. I’ve never heard of it, “ he said, then paused to look back at the stone. “ I checked the map once, and there was no place with this name. “

A look of disappointment crept over Ryan’s features. He gazed into the forest ahead. If even the map had no record of this location, neither of them knew where they were or what they might discover deeper inside.

They both moved further inside.

Aksat lifted his phone, searching for a signal, while Ryan followed closely behind, trying to stay calm despite his growing frustration and anger. Usually quite patient, he found it hard to keep his composure in this moment.

Just then, Ryan caught a faint sound of movement nearby. He gently turned his head to the side, eyes sweeping around, eager to find where the sound was coming from. But the area was quiet, with no one in sight.

Again, the soft and distant sound reached his ears, coming from somewhere among the trees.

He paused for a moment, listening intently. Meanwhile, Aksat, busy trying to find a signal, kept walking ahead without noticing anything.

Yet, Ryan’s focus stayed on that gentle sound. There was something calming about it that made him feel a little curious. Carefully, he took a slow step toward it.

Then another, each step making the sound a little clearer, pulling him in further with a sense of wonder. As he followed the sound, the trees gradually parted, revealing a small waterfall nestled in the heart of the forest.

Water gently flows over a rocky ledge, cascading into a clear pool below. The crystal-clear water catches the soft daylight, rippling across the surface.

Smooth rocks encircle the pool, darkened by the continual flow, while thick green foliage frames the little cascade from all sides.

Near the pool’s edge, delicate water jasmine plants thrive among the greenery. Most blooms are pure white, with some in subtle shades of pink and pale violet.

Wildflowers sprout sporadically between rocks, adding touches of colour to the lush greenery.

The air is cool and fresh, carrying the gentle scent of the flowers and clean water.

But his focus was elsewhere, his gaze shifting towards the edge of the pool where a woman crouched near the water, her back turned to him. She appeared unaware of his presence, gently running her fingers through the cool, clear water.

Her long, dark brown hair flowed freely down her back, sleek and straight until it softened into gentle waves at the ends. A delicate shell tie was woven into her hair.

He paused. He didn’t know who she was, nor could he see her face. Yet, something about the stillness of the moment made him hesitate before taking another step.

Then the woman rose, but suddenly her foot slipped on the wet rock. She stumbled and nearly fell into the water.

He immediately rushed over, grabbing her wrist -her back still facing him. Then, he quickly pulled her towards him, one of her hands landing on his chest while his other hand grips her waist.

His breath caught in his throat as his winter-blue eyes met a moss green pair, evoking a time where the cool, distant season of frost first touched a muted, rainy forest.

Like a moment when the sky and earth forget where one ends and the other begins, almost as if their boundaries disappear.

For a moment, everything around them seemed to pause, as if time itself held its breath. She froze, as though her mind and body had momentarily forgotten what to do next.

He, too, stayed completely still, unable to look away or find a single word to break the silence. As he looked at the unfamiliar woman, her caramel-brown skin radiated with the gentle, warm glow of the sun-kissed sand.

Neither of them moved or looked away. Slowly, her gaze drifted upward, curiosity shining in her eyes. He watched her eyes shift, she was looking at his hair, as if seeing something new and marvellous.

She seemed lost in the moment, then her lips parted just a little.

“ Eil Saenoum, “ a soft, almost absentminded whisper slipped gently from her lips.

Translation : A Goldfish.

For a few seconds, he just looked at her in confusion. “What did you say?” he asked, staring at her blankly, as he didn’t understand a single word.

Her eyes widened suddenly, and her heart pounded like thunder. “Nou Eil Saenoum,” she screamed, her voice thick with shock and surprise.

Translation : A Talking Goldfish.

Before he could react, she pushed him with all her might, causing him to tumble to the ground with a loud thud.

________⋆.ೃ࿔:･𓇼🐚🫧･:࿔ೃ.⋆ _________

Marai Word Of The Day

Goldfish - Saenoum

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