The entire cab ride home, I wondered what Joshua meant that one day we would have a home.

My definition of home was my baby sister and she's gone now. I'll never have another home again.

"Something wrong?" Joshua asked.

I took my eyes off the road and looked at him. I shook my head.

"No, nothing's wrong."

"You've been quiet since we left the beach."

"Nothing to say I guess." I went back to looking out the window.

I could feel his eyes on me but didn't look back at him. When we reached the villa, I went straight to my room. I spent the night lost in memories of Elena and didn't realise when it was morning. A knock at my door startled me.

"Amira, wake up. It's already 10 a.m." Elliot shouted behind the door.

I grabbed my phone off the bedside table and looked at the time. Sure enough, it read 10:01 a.m.

I got out of bed and walked to the door. Elliot was about to knock but stopped when I opened the door.

"Hey sleepy head." He smiled at me.

I smiled back and opened the door further to let him in.

"What's up E?" I asked as I walked to my suitcase.

"We're going swimming out back, want to join?"

"This early?" I mumbled as I ruffled through my clothes pretending to look for something.

"Well we all need to shower so might as well." He shrugged.

"Sure, I'll meet you guys out back. I'm just going to freshen up."

He nodded happily and walked off. I sighed and rubbed a hand down my face.
I honestly don't know how much longer I can do this. I was getting too attached and I can't let that happen. Elliot needed someone who would be there for him and that wasn't me. He sees a sister in me but I can't be anyone's sister anymore. I failed at it once and I can't do it again. Also, my right to be a sister was reserved for Elena.

Nonetheless, I quickly brushed my teeth and threw on a new bikini under my robe. It was hotter than yesterday so I applied more sunscreen. I grabbed my phone and a towel and walked off to the back.

The table had breakfast on it but I decided to eat after swimming. Elliot and Lucas were busy trying to dunk each other's head under the water while Johnathan and Ron were sipping on something and lounging on the swings. Joshua was propped up against the side of the deck and staring at his friends. I knew that he knew I was there because of his back muscles were tense.

I put my things down on a chair and removed my robe. I heard Elliot and Lucas stop fighting and Johnathan had a coughing fit. Ron and Joshua remained indifferent. Well Joshua hadn't even bothered to turn around.

"What?" I asked them.

"Ugh, its not fair that you're so hot." Lucas groaned.

Elliot hit him in the back of his head. "Dude stop being a pervert."

"Hey, you openly stared at her when we first met her." Lucas grumbled rubbing his head.

"That was before. Now she's A." He said smiling at me.

I gave a small grin and stepped into the water. Joshua hadn't moved an inch. I swam over to Elliot and pulled Lucas's head out of the water.

"Are you trying to drown him?"

He shrugged slightly. I rolled my eyes and patted Lucas's back.

"You asshole." Lucas said between coughs. When he stopped he tried to hit Elliot but I stepped in between.

"Alright tweedle dumb and dumber, enough rough housing."

They looked at each other and swam away to dunk each other's head. Clearly, they enjoyed being stupid.

"Ignore them, come swing with me." Johnathan called out.

I smiled and swam over. I jumped onto the swing and swung back and forth. I kicked some water onto Ron who actually laughed for once.

"Careful Amira, I will pull you under water."

"Oh I'm so scared." I laughed mockingly.

Ron smirked and pulled me into the water by the leg. A small yelp escaped my lips as I went underwater. I resurfaced and gasped. Apparently everyone thought that was hilarious because the rest came over and tried to splash me with water and pull me under.

I kicked Lucas away when he grabbed my legs and swam away.

"Enough. Swimming time is over, we got work to do." Joshua shouted.

The guys stopped swimming after me and headed back in. I followed after them but Joshua grabbed my hand. He pulled me towards him and twisted my arm around my back. My other arm shot out and landed on his shoulder.

"You know, your little ignorance games are really childish."

"I'm not ignoring you. If I have nothing to say, why bother talking." I said shrugging my shoulder.

He twisted my hand a little harder and pulled me closer.

"You were really chatty yesterday. At least until we took a cab back home."

I struggled to remove his hand. "As I said, I have nothing left to say. When I do, I'll talk. Until then, just let me go."

He releases my hand and pushed me back. "As you wish princess. That name is really befitting. You have the attitude and pride of a princess."

"And you have the egotism and arrogance of River Pearson." I shot back immediately.

He froze in mid swim and slowly turned to look at me. His eyes were daggers, superficially slicing me.

"I am nothing like that scumbag. Don't you EVER compare me to him again."

He swam back and pulled himself out of the water. He grabbed his towel and stormed into the villa.

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. Great job Amira. Of all the people to compare him to, you choose the guy who completely ruined his life.

I quickly swam back and grabbed my towel. Inside, I dried off and changed into a pair of high waisted jean shorts and a black crop top. While putting on my flats, I checked my phone and saw River had messaged.

River: Hey, just wondering if you're up to meet around noon? We could grab a bite to eat and go site seeing.

I shot him a quick text back that I would be up for it and went to tell the guys.

"Alright, we'll be with you the entire time. You record everything through the day and then we'll upload it when we get back. Go get ready." Elliot said to me as he and the guys started getting the equipment ready.

Back in my room, I put on the wig and contacts. I had to change my top to a floral design crop top so I could hide the mic in. I fastened my necklace around my neck and made sure the camera was unnoticeable. Grabbing my purse and a pair of sunglasses, I walked back out to meet the guys.

"Did he say where he would meet you?" Lucas asked as I entered the room.

"He wants to take me site seeing but wants to start off with lunch. You guys can just follow us."

They nodded and went to load the car. I was left alone with Joshua who was leaning on the counter.

"I'm sorry," I said as I went to stand in front of him, "I never meant to compare you to Pearson. I was just mad and didn't mean it."

He didn't respond. Just pushed himself off the counter and walked away. But I grabbed his hand before he could.

"Please," I spoke to his back, "I never meant to hurt you. I just said something that I didn't mean at all."

"I think that's our problem," he said as he turned around to face me. "We always do and say things that hurt each other."

I dropped his hand and hugged myself. "Well I guess we're just too different. But this is only until the deal is done anyways."

"Always talking about leaving. You really hate living with us don't you?" He asked crossing his hands.

"No," I shook my head, "I just hate the circumstances. Ron, Johnathan, Elliot and Lucas are all good guys."

"And me?"

I blinked at him. "What?"

"What about me," he asked as he uncrossed his hands and walked towards me.

I took steps back as he walked towards me. My back hit the wall and he put both hands on either side to cage me in.

"Am I not a good guy?" He asked.

"No, not particularly." I replied.

He smiled and moved in closer. "Well, that's a difference of opinion."

"To each their own." I mumbled as I ducked out from under his arm and moved away from him.

I walked out and got into the car before he could say anything else. Eventually he came out and got into the drivers seat. He looked at me through the mirror but I adverted my eyes out the window.

"Where to?" Joshua asked.

"That international beachside restaurant we went to the day we got here." I replied without taking my eyes off the passing scenery.

When we got there, I quickly got there and went into the restaurant. The guys thought it would be better to monitor from the car. I found River in the food line.

"Hey you." I put on a fake smile as I walked up to him.

He turned and smiled when he saw me. "Hello Juliet. You look exceptionally beautiful today, here take a plate."

He handed me a plate and I plied some food on it. I made sure we sat at the same table that overlooked the beach but also gave the guys access to see us from the parking lot.

"So what have you been doing since you got here?"

I looked away from my food when he asked me a question. "Oh just stayed in my hotel room. I would have gone site seeing but I'm no good with maps or directions. But I did get to swim. I got a water villa and its beautiful."

"Oh Collins hotel again?"

"Oh, I suppose it is. Say what you want about that man, but his hotels are amazing."

He nodded in agreement. "That they are. It would be nice to have such a successful line of hotels. He makes billions I'm sure."

I was instantly reminded of his offer to purchase the hotels and what he did to everyone's families to obtain them before.

"Stab him with that fork right now." Joshua spoke through the mic.

Tempting. But I had a better idea.

"Exactly. Daddy and I were thinking that we invest in his company and do some kind of merger." I innocently took a bite of my food.

I saw him freeze with the spoon halfway to his mouth. I tried to hide my smirk but knew I was failing. I sobered up when he looked at me.

"Invest? You want to make a deal with him."

I nodded. "Yes, I think it would be good for my company and my parents agree."

"But what about what he did with you?" He grabbed his glass of water and took a sip.

"Oh, I'm a professional if anything. I won't let my personal feelings effect a wonderful business opportunity. Besides, no woman can deny that he is easy on the eyes."

He choked on his water and started having a coughing fit.

"Oh my god, are you alright?" I asked faking alarm.

He wiped his mouth on a napkin and nodded. "Yes, I'm alright. Sorry, I just didn't peg you as that kind of woman."

"What kind of woman?" I asked interested.

"The kind that falls for superficial good looks." He blurted out.

"Relax River, no need to be rude. I never said I wanted to marry the guy. Just that he's what people would call good looking." The best way to piss of a man is praise the looks of another. Especially if one is as egotistical as River Pearson.

He grabbed my hand and held it between his. "Forgive me Juliet, I never meant to offend you. It's just your such a wonderful and beautiful woman, I feel a little jealous."

"We aren't exactly dating River. Besides, Joshua Collins is a such a man that any woman would find attractive."

His grip on my hand tightened. I was seriously considering stabbing him with a fork if he didn't let go soon.

"As attractive as he may be, his personality ruins everything." He said he played with my fingers. "Don't you agree?"

"Well I'm not so sure about that."

He froze again and I could actually hear him grinding his teeth when he spoke. "What?"

I smiled a little. "I suppose I may have been too quick to judge him. I believe in second chances and want to get to know him better."

"No." His eyes darkened and his grip on my hand was now too painful.

"Excuse me?" I asked trying to wrestle my hand free.

"He is worthless. Scum like him don't deserve anything good."

"Scum like him? What did he ever do to you."

He went silent and just looked at me. I matched his gaze, not backing down.

"You love the truth right? You want to give him a second chance? Well perhaps you should hear some of the things he has done."

I sat there quietly as he explained the the horrible things "Joshua" had done.

"Fucking kill him! How dare he try to pass off his crimes as mine?!" Joshua yelled through the mic.

"Josh, sit the fuck down!" Lucas yelled in the background.

I heard them fighting to keep Joshua from coming here and killing River. I quickly muted the mic to stop the ringing in my ears from their shouting.

"Joshua Collins did all that?" I asked feigning shock.

River nodded sadly, putting up a nice act. "He ruined my life, it took years to get to the position I am in now."

"Why didn't you have him arrested?"

He smiled sadly. "He's too rich. He has all the money and alibis to back him up. I decided it was better to just move on. It's not like I would get back those I lost."

I nodded in fake understanding. What a complete asshole. He was a even bigger lowlife than I thought. I don't know how much more I could hate this man.

"Anyways Juliet, lets not ruin the mood by talking about him," he said as he instantly turned normal again, "I was thinking he could just walk around. We could site see and do some shopping. Then at night, we'll go to Vaadhoo Island."

I said yes and was finally able to pull my hand free. There were angry red marks on where he gripped too tight and some areas were starting to bruise.

River seemed to be so happy for someone who had such a "terrible" life. He truly was a good actor.

We quickly finished up and he went to pay for lunch. I quickly un-muted the mic so I hear the guys again.

"Hello?"

"Oh finally! What the hell Amira, we have been trying to communicate with you forever. Anyways, we have to be mobile as you're both apparently walking. Ron will stay in the car and drive around so the mic and camera stay in the recording range. The rest of us will discreetly follow you around, cool?" Elliot asked after telling me the plan.

I nodded my head before realising he couldn't see me. "Sounds good. Just don't follow too closely."

"Don't worry, we won't." Lucas was going to say more but I quickly turned my attention to River when he came back.

"Ready?" He asked as he held out his hand for me.

Cringing internally, I hooked my arm through his and we walked out of the restaurant.

There were beachside shops set up all along the path and we went into nearly all of them.

I tried to pay for my things but River wouldn't let me. If he thinks that will impress me, he's terribly mistaken.

But hey if he's paying, might as well buy everything in sight. Smiling at the thought, I picked up anything and everything. I'd probably donate all this to charity but I'm having fun spending his money.

The bags got too much to carry for him and we had to fire a cab to take the bags back to the villa I was staying in.

"Wow, you sure do love shopping." River stated as the cab left.

"Yeah, it's my favourite pastime. Oh that store has some cool thing." I ran off into the store to get away from him.

"Getting revenge by making him go bankrupt?" Joshua voice came through the mic pulling my attention away from the jewellery in front of me.

"Shut up." I smiled despite myself.

"But I didn't say anything."

I froze and whirled around to face River. He was looking at me confused and a little suspicious.

"Oh not you shut up," I laughed nervously, "shut up as in these accessories cannot be these cheap."

He laughed and nodded in understanding. He gestured for me to continue and boy did I. By the time we had to head to Vadaahoo Island, I had spent over $30,000.

"You sure did buy a lot of stuff," River breathed a sign of relief as he put the last of the bags in the cab, "are you even going to use this stuff? I mean you bought baby clothes and men's shaving razors."

"All this stuff isn't for me, it's for my employees. We treat our employees as family and I want to gift them all something."

"Oh, but will this be enough then? I mean you have many companies."

"Well no, I supposed I'll have to do some more shopping."

"Here," he pulled out his wallet and handed me a credit card. "It has an unlimited limit so you can buy whatever you want."

"This is sweet but I have my own money," I tried to hand the card back but he wouldn't take it back.

"Oh I insist, I just want you to be happy. Besides, money's no problem."

I smiled and put the card in my purse. I'll hand to the guys to spend as much as they can and the rest will be done from online shopping.

We grabbed a cab to take us to Vaadhoo island. The beach was just as breathtaking as it was yesterday but being with Pearson just ruined its charm.

"Beautiful isn't it?" River asked me.

I didn't say anything, just nodded. He linked his hand with mine and I fisted the other hand. It took everything I had not to rip my hand free.

I let him pull me closer to the water. He let go to get a closer look at the blue water. I took a look around and saw the guys hiding in the distance.

"What do you think makes this glow?"

I snapped my attention back to River. He was looking at me.

"It's bioluminescent phytoplankton. They get electrical charges and illuminate blue." I explained.

"Beauty and brains." He smiled and stood up. Walking closer, he cupped my face.

"Joshua where the hell are you going?!" Johnathan shouted in the mic.

However I couldn't focus on that. River was staring into my eyes. I could see the devious look hiding behind the smiling facade as he closed his eyes and started to lean in.

Instantly I pulled back and ran over to a garbage can. I threw up almost everything I ate and continued retching until I took taste stomach acid.

"Are you okay?" River asked as he patted my back.

I nodded my head and wiped the sweat from my forehead.

"Water." I asked breathlessly.

"I'll go get some." He took off running as I stood back up and rested my back against the tree.

I took deep breaths to calm my nerves. A bottle of water was in front of my face when I opened my eyes. I looked to see Joshua holding it out for me.

"Drink." He uncapped the bottle and held it to my lips.

I lifted the bottle higher and drank until the bottle was empty.

"Thank you." I said.

He put the cap back on and threw it away in garbage can. He looked at me before he burst out laughing.

"What?" I asked confused.

"First time someone threw up at the thought of kissing someone else. You for sure just killed his ego." Joshua said between laughing.

I cracked a smile at that before I joined him in laughing. Joshua stopped laughing eventually and was looking at me.

"What's wrong now?" I asked.

"First time I heard you laugh. It's nice." He was smiling until he noticed my hand. It was slightly bruised from when Pearson had grabbed it to tightly.

Joshua lightly took hold of my bruised hand in his and traced over the bruises.
"How many more times are we going to let that man hurt us before we get some kind of retribution?"

However I didn't get to respond because I heard River returning.

"If he tries to kiss you again, just kick him in the balls." Joshua whispered before