章 8: Vacation Part 1
ALANA POV
The sheer magnitude of this experience leaves me in awe.
I found myself standing on the wooden deck, gazing in awe at the majestic cruise ship before me. The vessel resembles a metropolis of exclusivity, compacted into a single entity. The air was filled with the lively hum of conversation and laughter, enveloping the nearby area in a warm and convivial atmosphere. The pool area was a flurry of activity as youngsters scampered about, clutching their inflatable floats with eager anticipation of taking the plunge. I had been informed of the pool's location on the fifth floor via a brochure that was handed to me upon entry.
My gaze was transfixed as I beheld the majestic vessels gracefully making their way to the harbor. As I stood there, a gentleman clad in a vibrant tropical shirt and crisp khaki shorts sauntered towards me, clutching a poster in his hand. He deftly flipped the sign over, catching the attention of every passerby. As soon as his eyes met mine, he swiftly gestured with a signal.
Dorothy Wyatt & Benjamin Wyatt.
Amusingly enough, I had suggested to Connor, during the process of making our reservation, that we adopt a pseudonym for the honeymoon, allowing us to indulge in the fantasy of assuming alternate identities.
Despite his initial reluctance, we managed to execute the plan by opting for the all-inclusive package with the highest price point. Additionally, the manager, who happened to have a fondness for Karina's sister, provided us with valuable assistance. Consequently, the Connor found himself unable to procure a reimbursement due to the fact that the purchase was not made under his own name and was completed with cash. Despite the initial anticipation for an exhilarating experience, the outcome was less than satisfactory. Now, it seems to be working in my favor.
With a subtle gesture, I extended my arm towards the gentleman and uttered, "It's me." Abraham introduced himself with a confident demeanor.
"Is it true that Mr. Wyatt will not be joining us today? "
Abraham's gaze swept across the deck, searching for any sign of "BENJAMIN".
"Oh, no…Our marriage has come to an end, as my former partner engaged in infidelity with both women and men. The experience was truly heart-wrenching, you see".
Abraham remained silent, his thoughts and emotions concealed behind a veil of quiet contemplation.With a deftly executed facade, I conveyed the impression of a year's worth of emotion, all while concealing my true feelings behind a veil of invisible tears. A sly grin crept across my face as I observed Abraham's panicked expression. One can only imagine the discomfort he must have felt while listening to all of this.
"I apologize for inquiring about his whereabouts, Ms. Dorothy," he said, smoothly transitioning to a more formal address. Determined to ensure my stay was unforgettable, he offered me a glass of champagne upon my arrival. With a deft hand, he maneuvered my belongings to the suite situated just beneath the Captain's quarters.
Today is a splendid day to revel in my singularity. As I sauntered into the opulent bar reserved exclusively for premium patrons, all eyes were immediately drawn to my presence.
As I downed my second glass of champagne, a sense of liberation washed over me. It was time to unleash my inhibitions and venture out into the crowd, perhaps even indulging in some playful banter with the opposite sex. I must confess, my flirting skills are woefully lacking. I have never quite grasped the art of it, and as a result, I have always been exclusively involved with Connor.
"Stop, Alana!" i exclaimed to myself, my inner voice echoing through my muddled mind. Connor once more?
As I reached for the last sip of my third glass of champagne, a warning signal flashed in my mind. The alcohol had begun to take effect, sending a pleasant tingle and buzz coursing through my body.
"Hey beautiful"
was uttered with a tone of admiration and affection.
I shifted my gaze towards the Ken doll positioned beside me, intermittently glancing back to ascertain whether he was attempting to initiate a conversation with me.
"Me?" I directed my finger towards my chest.
"You," he said, his voice low and deliberate.
The deep chuckle emanating from him filled the room. His teeth appeared to be set deeply within his gums, yet they maintained a straight and uniform appearance. One could surmise that he had developed a commendable habit of flossing. His eyes were a curious shade of green, set deeply within their sockets.
"I am Lou."
"Lou what?" i asked, my voice tinged with curiosity. The blaring music is proving to be a hindrance as I am struggling to catch his words.
"Just Lou"
Lou was the name by which this person was known, and it was the only name they needed. They were content to be simply Lou, without any additional titles or labels.
"Hi Just Lou"
He chuckled, thoroughly amused by my company. I cannot recall having made a joke. The peculiar nature of this individual is quite noticeable.
"Will you not be introducing yourself?"
He propped his hand against his cheek, fixing me with a gaze that was both eerie and inscrutable. Although he possesses striking features, I cannot help but perceive a hint of femininity in his appearance. There is no denying his physical appeal, but alas, he fails to captivate my interest. He did not fit my preferences.
"I politely declined, sir," I said with a flash of my pearly whites. The friend who accompanied him erupted into boisterous laughter, the sound reverberating amidst the music.
As I observed his evident state of disarray, a thought crossed my mind - had he never experienced rejection before? The process of dating and flirting typically involves the possibility of rejection, as one party may decline the advances of the other.
The question was posed with a hint of defiance, as if daring the listener to provide a compelling reason to the contrary. He remains steadfast in his pursuit to discover my name.
As a result of the absence of a certain condition, Lou demeanor appeared flustered as his companion gently tapped him on the shoulder, prompting him to shift his position between our seats at the bar.
"Excuse me, may I address you as Miss?"
With a courteous bow, he attempted to bridge the gap, though it remained uncertain if his gesture would prove effective.
As the music pulsed through the air, I nonchalantly remarked, "Feel free to address me by any name that suits you." My gaze drifted across the room, observing the crowd as they lost themselves in the rhythm and movement. As the sun begins its descent, it seems to be bidding farewell to a long day of illuminating the world with its radiant glow. Its tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, and now it appears to be preparing for a well-deserved rest. There is an inexplicable allure to the sunset that captivates me. It is not a matter of philosophical contemplation, but rather a pure and simple adoration. The impending arrival of bedtime is imminent. The rigors of university life, with its demanding clinical and laboratory work, as well as the endless stream of papers to be written during the day, have instilled within me a deep appreciation for the tranquility of the night.
"Miss whatever that suits you" I am Rio. He extended his hand, patiently waiting for mine.
A small chuckle escaped my lips, finding the situation quite amusing. I extended my hand in a gesture of generosity and rewarded him with a firm handshake. With a sense of pride, he displayed his face. My eyes were drawn to the intricate tattoo adorning his sleeves - a tribal design that wound its way around his arms, culminating at his elbows. Just Lou bears an identical tattoo. It is possible that they belong to the underworld organizations, commonly known as the MOB.
Regrettably, I must convey unfavorable tidings.
From the accounts of Jake and my own observations at the veterinary clinic, I have gained a certain level of familiarity with Doberman owners and their beloved pets. There are those who are proud owners of mastiffs, having acquired them from a reputable breeder who conducted genetic testing on their canines.
Interesting,
The situation at hand appears to be fraught with potential complications, and regrettably, I cannot bring myself to become involved. My presence is solely for the purpose of enjoyment, and should they seek a plaything, they may look elsewhere for a suitable female companion.
Immediately following the handshake, I rose to my feet. Observing the sour expression on "Just Lou's" countenance, it was clear to me that the two of them were destined for a night of quarreling.
With a courteous nod, "I bid you adios gentlemen."
As a former taekwondo champion, I am well-versed in the art of combat. However, the sheer strength and size of two towering six-foot individuals would undoubtedly prove to be a formidable challenge, one that could potentially result in a hospitalization were I to engage in a physical altercation with them.
Our father is diligent in ensuring that both Jake and I are adequately trained to defend ourselves. The ownership of a bank carried with it the perilous risk of being subjected to kidnapping and the subsequent demand for ransom. At the tender age of seven, I found myself perilously close to being abducted. The experience left an indelible mark on my psyche, one that continues to haunt me to this day. Yet, as a result of this harrowing encounter, I have become acutely attuned to my surroundings, ever vigilant and watchful for any potential threats.
To my surprise, both individuals received my farewell with a rather positive demeanor. As they bid me farewell, their figures receded into the distance, making their way towards the deck hallway. I caught a glimpse of their retreating backs from the corner of my eye, marking the end of our time in the bar area.
The day had an unusual air about it.
For a brief period, I refrained from consuming alcohol in order to regain my sobriety. As someone who tends to be a stickler for control, I found that being under the influence impeded my ability to manage both myself and my surroundings. However, I must admit that on the rare occasion when Jake, Karina, and Connor were present, I allowed myself to indulge in a state of complete inebriation. I shall exercise restraint in my consumption of alcohol.
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