Clara walked out of the room giving them time to gather themselves. Jonah walked in first and poured them cups of coffee. Elliot walks in with a summer shirt and simple shorts. Clara clears her throat, "Now that I have your attention.
I believe I have some information you may like to know." Jonah looks to Elliot his hands trembling and beads of sweat gathering at his forehead. He didn't understand Clara's sudden change of attitude and support.
Elliot noticing Jonah clears his throat awkwardly and says, "Umm don't keep us in suspense. What is it?" "Well, I looked at all the tabloids, made a few calls and discovered the pictures came from one source." Clara replies "What source? And how did the person get their hands on those pictures?" Elliot asks "I can answer only one of those questions. The source?- Elaine Woodward an editor at a tabloid company.
How those images got to her?- I have no idea. You should have been more careful with your forbidden romance." Clara said snidely. Elliot with pleading eyes turned to Clara," So what happens next?" A clang fills the room as Clara drops her coffee mug in the sink, "Like I said I'm here to help. We need to stop Elaine in case she has more pictures in line." "Hhhoww are we going to stop herrr?" Jonah stutters
"Jonah calm down like I said I'm here to help you." Clara reassures him taking his hand in hers. "Elaine is currently on vacation, probably with the money she made from selling tabloids." Clara told them. "Where is she currently?" Elliot asked his jaw clenched. "Well pack up, we're going to the Maldives." Clara says. Elliot and Jonah look at each other in surprise. "That's too far especially at this point in time." Elliot says "Can't we wait till she returns?" Jonah asks.
"Well that would be a risky move, she'll definitely be low on cash when she returns. Then she'll turn you and Jonah's relationship into a cash cow. Releasing pictures whenever she's low on cash or even something worse." Clara explains.
Elliot's Adam apple bobbed as he gulped, " So how are we doing this and when are we leaving?" "Well if you care about your reputation so much. You'll travel with me, we'll call it a couple get away. While Jonah flies separately then we'll both meet." Clara explains. Walking towards the entryway she puts on her coat about to leave. "See you tomorrow night." She reminds them then leaves.
The business of the commercial airport was a stark contrast to the peace and quiet Elliot and Clara enjoyed in the private airport.
Jonah sat anxiously fidgeting with his boarding pass. Awaiting the boarding announcement. He wondered if he was doing the right thing. He was happy that the pictures were exposed and the truth was close to being out.
But he was also worried about Elliot and what the damage to his reputation would do to him. He had promised to stay by Elliot and do anything to make him happy. He just hoped this would be one of those.
Camera lights flashed and Elliot and Clara walked into the airport. Despite it being private, the media never lets the couple catch a break. Elliot pulled her into a kiss just for the media's sake. Clara smiled awkwardly and waved.
They were immediately ushered into the private jet where they settled in. The roar of the plane's engines as it prepared for takeoff was in the background. Elliot turned to face Clara, " Thank you so much, for everything. I really appreciate it. I don't know how I can ever repay you." "It's fine, it's the least I can do to help. I want you to know that I care about you and love you no matter who you choose."
Clara said her hand resting on the side of his face. His breath fanned her face and Clara leaned in with her eyes closed. Elliot pecked the side of her cheek and pulled away. Clara sighed, "I'm so sorry I don't know what came over me." Elliot short for words just nodded. The air was tense.
"Mr. Jonah?" Jonah turns around to see a man in a black suit holding up a sign. "Pick up for Clara." The suited man says. Jonah nods as the man helps get his bags and ushered him out of the airport. He's placed into a black sleek car with tinted windows and is driven off into town.
Jonah turns on his phone to see if he has any messages. He sees just one message from an unknown number.
+1 569342
Hi
It's Clara
We'll be meeting at the Soneva Fushi hotel as I've gotten information that we'll meet Elaine there tomorrow night.
We can discuss plans later on.
Hope you enjoyed the service of the drivers and guards.
Thank you so much Clara.
Alright then.
Jonah replies Clara and shuts his eyes to rest. His phone vibrates. He turns it on to see news of Elliot and Clara sharing a kiss at the airport. The grips the phone so tightly that his knuckles turn white.
He throws the phone on the seat and runs his hands through his hair angrily.
"We are close to the hotel sir. Welcome to the Maldives. It's a great place with many places for tourists we have amazing beaches, hiking trails...." The driver droned on as Jonah frowned him out still simmering in anger and jealousy.
Elliot and Clara sat at the hotel bar, the gold chandelier reflecting on their glasses. "Jonah still hasn't come down." Clara tells Elliot. "I know I don't know what the issue is, I've already called multiple times."
Elliot sighs "Anyways I'll give you the breakdown for this trip and you explain to Jonah tomorrow." Clara says. Elliot nods as they go over their plans.
"I do not appreciate you ignoring my calls especially at times like this." Elliot scolded Jonah as he stepped into the room. "Well I don't appreciate you kissing the girl who's supposed to help you." Jonah sneered
"So that's what this is about." Elliot said sighing. "Look Jonah you know that had to happen we had cameras in our faces."Elliot tried to explain. Jonah walked closer to Elliot till his back hit the wall. Elliot's breath grew shallower as Jonah trapped. "Look I'm tired of you trying to keep up appearances. And if you've not noticed, I don't like sharing and I'm tired of sharing." Jonah whispered violently. Jonah plants a rough kiss to Elliot biting his lips till the draw blood. Jonah wipes it clean stares Elliot in the eyes, "You are mine. Just mine" Jonah tells him