Her Redemption

Chapter 69

After exploring the palace, the group headed to the National Museum, which was housed in an old Portuguese fort.

The museum was filled with all sorts of interesting exhibits, including ancient artifacts and artifacts from the country's more recent history.

"Look at this," Sarah said, pointing to a display of ancient Buddhist statues. "I had no idea Buddhism was once the dominant religion in the Maldives."

"Yeah, it's really interesting to see how much the country has changed over the years," Diana said.

After spending some time at the museum, the group decided to take a break and grab some lunch at a local restaurant.

They ordered a variety of dishes, including traditional Maldivian curry and grilled seafood, and sat outside on the patio enjoying the warm sun and the beautiful view of the ocean.

"This is so delicious," Jack said, taking a bite of his curry. "I'm going to miss the food here when we go back home."

"I know, right?" Sarah agreed. "I've never had anything like this before. It's so flavorsome."

As they ate, they chatted and laughed, reliving all of the amazing experiences they had had on the trip so far.

After lunch, they decided to go snorkeling. The Maldives were known for their crystal clear waters and abundant marine life, and

Diana was eager to see it all up close. They rented some gear and set off on a boat to a nearby coral reef.

"This is so cool," Diana said as they approached the reef. "I can see the coral and fish from the surface!"

Once they were suited up, they jumped into the water and started swimming around the reef. Diana was amazed by the colorful fish and the delicate coral structures.

She saw schools of bright yellow fish, giant sea turtles, and even a few sharks. It was like nothing she had ever experienced before, and she couldn't believe how lucky she was to be able to see it all firsthand. "This is unbelievable," Sarah said, swimming up to Diana.

"I know, right?" Diana replied, grinning widely. "I feel like I'm in a whole different world down here."

As the sun started to set, Diana and her friends reluctantly headed back to shore. They had had an incredible day exploring the old places and monuments of the Maldives, and they knew that they would never forget it.

"That was so much fun," Jack said as they walked back to their hotel. "I can't believe how much we packed into one day."

"I know, right?" Diana said, feeling a twinge of sadness at the thought of leaving this paradise. "I'm going to miss this place so much."

But she knew that she would always have the memories of this amazing trip to look back on, and that was something that no one could ever take away from her.

The next day, Diana and her friends spent the day exploring the capital city of Male. They walked through the charming streets, browsed the markets, and visited the Grand Friday Mosque, which was the largest mosque in the Maldives and had a stunning gold-plated dome.

"This is so beautiful," Sarah said as they walked through the mosque. "I've never seen anything like it before."

"I know, right?" Diana said. "I can't believe we only have one more day left in the Maldives."

In the evening, they went out to dinner at a fancy seafood restaurant on the waterfront. They feasted on grilled lobster and shrimp, and washed it all down with cold coconut water.

As they ate, they watched the sunset over the ocean and reminisced about all of the amazing adventures they had had on their trip.

"This has been the best vacation ever," Jack said, raising his glass of coconut water in a toast.

"I couldn't agree more," Sarah said, clinking her glass against Jack's.

"I will miss you". Daina heard a familiar female voice and smiled on seeing it was Emily. She jumped on her like a child while Emily screamed out her weight.

"Get down.." Emily screamed but Diana loved the smooth skin that belonged to Emily.

They settled down beside each other and Daina spent some quality time rattling out her adventures for the day.

"Woah! You guys had fun. Hi Sarah, Hi Jack". She waved at Daina's other friends.

"Micheal and I went on a date. I think I like him". Emily started and Daina adjusted herself properly to face Emily

"I didn't miss the constant glances you guys passed among each other. I'm not surprised but I still want to know more". Daina's enthusiasm amused Emily and she spent some seconds laughing. "Well, he didn't ask me out but he's almost there." Emily shrugged, chugging on her straw as she sipped the orange juice Sarah had offered her.

"Hmmm" Diana touched her chin with her thumb and other four fingers while looking at Emily in a funny way.

"Don't make me laugh, else I will choke on this juice. Tell me what's on your mind." Emily pleaded, trying to stop herself from laughing.

"I love you, okay but I don't think Mike is best for you. He's a nice guy but you should try Jack instead." Diana gave her a toothed smile. Emily rolled her eyes at her and turned to look at Jack who quickly looked away, making Emily understand what Diana was talking about. "He seems to like you." Diana shrugged and turned back to her phone to focus on the educational article she was reading.

"I will go talk to him". Emily whispered to Daina who signaled her, that she has her support.

"Hi" Emily began casually as she sat beside him. "Can I sit?" She asked, her eyes directly on him.

Jack chuckled "You're sitting already". His tone held a "don't be ridiculous stance" but Emily brushed it off

"I didn't realize." She stated and watched him laugh lightly.

"You're funny," He commented avoiding her steady gaze.

"I'm not. You are because you've decided to be shy and avoid my gaze".

"Woah.. woah, you serious? Your eyes are like blinding light, so I'm trying to shield mine."

"Lame attempt. I thought you were fun. Goodnight." Emily stood up, walked up to Daina, kissed her and walked away, leaving Jack with a what just happened expression.

Diana was kind enough to mouth a "Take heart" to Jack before jogging off into the night.