Torn Between Twin Brothers

Unfortunately, no matter how much Ashton pleaded, even threatened, his uncle Kai, nothing worked.

Unknown to Ashton, James had already asked their Uncle Kai that no matter what, not to let Ashton come home or let him go to the Philippines. So it seemed James already knew that his cover would be blown. 

Kai also received a call from Tanaga to make sure to keep Ashton on a tight leash making sure he doesn't escape and sneak out. He promised to do his best. He didn't want to upset his cousin, afraid that he might do something drastic if he did, like take away his position as CEO of THJ Entertainment. 

However, Ashton was determined to go no matter what. So he sneakily booked a ticket on his own, without his group members and uncle Kai knowing. He waited when everyone was busy with their own things, then sneakily left. 

However, just as he was about to board the plane for the Philippines, CEO Kai arrived with bodyguards in time to stop him from leaving.

"Uncle Kai, please!!! Just let me go there for a couple of days; I promise I will behave." He pleaded, almost in tears. "I just wanted to spend some time with my family now that they're together. I can't help it that I'm missing them terribly." His acting was impeccable, but it was no use.

Unfortunately, Kai was a hard case to crack; he was not easy to give in and, without causing too much attention, dragged Ashton back to the vehicle waiting. While inside the car, Kai had a talk with Ashton.

"Ashton, I love you! You know that, right? But, as much as I wanted to let you, I can't. Your father just called, and he told me that if you show up in the Philippines right now, you can forget about your career in show business and my position as CEO." Kai said very seriously. 

"I don't mind giving up my position, but how about you? Are you willing to give up being an idol? Your choice, I can let you go, but you will never come back, or you stay and forget the whole thing?" Kai's face was serious, and Ashton knew better.

There was nothing he could do but sulk on the way back to the base.

===

Meanwhile, back in the resort...

It was already late, and Tanaga and Ashley were preparing to leave to stay with Ashley's parents. As they were getting ready to bid everyone goodbye, Akira asked to stay at the resort.

Tanaga was hesitant since he missed his daughter and wanted to spend time with her, but he could do nothing when Ashley said yes without any hesitation. James wanted to stay as well, but he couldn't find the courage within himself to ask his parents, especially when Tanaga was glaring at him from the corner of his eyes. 

It was hard for him to ask for permission from his mother, knowing that he might get sent back to Stonasia. He wanted to spend some time with Ava before they started college. He was afraid that she would be famous among students since she would attend college at such a young age. When they were about to leave, all he could do was let out a heavy sigh as he bid her goodbye.

Old Ron, Ronald & Lea didn't stay either. Instead, they left as soon as the party was over, saying they had an early flight to Las Vegas to visit Lea's family. 

The rest of the family stayed at the resort except for Eva and Ethan. As much as Eva wanted to stay, she had to leave ASAP. She had a commercial to shoot the next day, and she couldn't stay up too late.

Ethan offered to take her home, which she declined with the excuse that someone was coming to pick her up. That earned a raised brow from him.

It's been more than three years since their wedding was annulled. They were married for less than five years before they finally decided to separate and file for annulment. It took five long years before it was finally approved and finalized. They stayed cordial whenever they ran into each other, but that's about it.

Grandfather Go and Grandmother Tan didn't stay up too late. Don-Don and Bentong took them back to their villa so they could rest early. After that, they will be flying back to America, where they now reside with their adopted children.

Albert Tan and Sophia also went back to rest early. They were planning to leave first thing in the morning. Sophia had just recently retired as the President of Mega World Entertainment, and she and Albert were planning on going on an extended tour around the world.

Ann had finally finished shooting her last movie and will now be the new President of Mega World Entertainment, replacing her mother. At the same time, Lea, her manager, will be promoted as the Vice President. 

===

"James, we need to have a talk." Tanaga's face was solemn as he asked him to sit down next to him on the plane on their way home to Japan. James was nervous, knowing what he had done. However, Ashley took his hand and patted it, "don't worry, son, we just need to discuss your future." She said with a sweet smile on her lips, wanting him to feel at ease.

Seeing that, James felt relief and sat down on the seat opposite his parents.

Tanaga was the first to speak. "We can see that you have grown some feelings for Ava. But, are you really serious about pursuing her now?" He asked, looking straight at him.

James couldn't answer his father right away. He needed to check himself, making sure it was what it was.

Then after a moment of deep thought, "Dad, Mom, to be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about her. All I know is that I have grown to enjoy our conversations, and I like being around her. But, pursuing her, I'm not sure about that. We are both still young right now, especially Ava. So, I don't really know the answer to your questions." His face was solemn while sincerely looking straight at his parents.

Tanaga and Ashley looked at each other, unsure of what to say....