A Splash Of Chaos

“I don’t know how I’ll manage ten days without my laptop and the internet,” Xavier muttered to himself, stepping onto the cruise ship. His custom-made Italian leather shoes, polished to a high gloss, clicked against the gleaming deck.

'But you’ve got to do this, Xavier. For your health. No more sleeping pills.' He kept up a steady stream of self-talk as he walked, eyes scanning the horizon. 'You can handle this. Just ten days. No screens, no stress. Focus on the here and now.'

Xavier had argued with his psychiatrist and childhood friend, Dr. Logan Pierce, suggesting he’d be better off on a private yacht where he could stay isolated. But Dr. Pierce had insisted that Xavier needed the social environment of a cruise. Xavier couldn’t understand why. To him, isolation was a luxury all its own, and he could afford the best—Ferraris, personal jets, everything money could buy.

The ship’s deck stretched out before him in a stunning sweep of blue. The sky was a wide, clear canvas, with only a few fluffy clouds drifting by, while the ocean sparkled under the sun, its waves glittering like a field of diamonds. Luxurious loungers were scattered across the deck, and elegant white cabanas offered shade for those looking to relax.

Families and groups of friends were scattered around, their laughter blending with the gentle sea breeze. Kids splashed in the pool, their happy squeals mixing with the soothing sound of the waves. Couples sipped cocktails at the bar, their conversations filled with genuine, relaxed laughter.

Yet Xavier’s gaze remained cold and distant. 'Why do people have to be so cheerful?' he thought, scowling as he took in the joy around him. The warmth and camaraderie seemed to mock him, a stark contrast to his solitary existence.

Xavier felt a pang of resentment. Surrounded by this sea of contentment, he felt completely alone, his life consumed by work and the pursuit of money.

The cruise’s beauty seemed lost on him; it was just a backdrop to his inner turmoil. 'I shouldn’t have come here,' he thought, his gaze drifting over the scenic splendor while his mind dwelled on missed opportunities and the cost of his forced break from work.

“Hey, Mr. Xavier.” A guy in a sharp black suit popped up out of nowhere, his voice buzzing with excitement.

Xavier glanced at him, irritation flickering in his eyes. Before he could ask who the man was, the suited figure spoke up again.

"I'm Stephen Greg, the manager of this cruise."

"Oh… so, you're Mr. Stephen," Xavier replied, letting out a sigh.

"Yes, Mr. Xavier," Stephen said with a wide smile.

"I was informed about your arrival, and I’m here to assist you. Let me just say how honored we are to have you on board. We’re confident your ten-day tour with us will be nothing short of delightful."

Stephen was talking without pause, and Xavier's annoyance grew.

"Thank you, Mr. Stephen," Xavier said, cutting in. "Could you please show me to my room? I need to get some rest."

"Yes, of course… but don't you want to see the beautiful view when the cruise departs from the shore and heads out into the open ocean?" Stephen asked excitedly.

"I'm not interested in that sort of thing," Xavier replied curtly, moving forward.

He glanced at the excited faces around him and thought, ‘Why is everyone so happy?’ His brow furrowed as he navigated through the crowd. 'Is it the escape from their mundane lives? Or just the thrill of being away, even for a few days?' Xavier wondered silently.

“Mr. Xavier, you should book a ticket for our upcoming fifteen-day tour! We’re heading to the Bahamas and Florida. I promise, once you see Princess Cays and Nassau, you’ll forget everything else!” Stephen, clearly a good salesman, was trying to lock Xavier into another trip before he even got settled.

Xavier stopped and looked at him coldly. "I’ll pass. I’ve got my yacht and plan my trips. I don't need your cruise to see the world." His voice dripped with arrogance as he dismissed Stephen's pitch.

"My business empire demands my attention constantly," Xavier said, his tone sharp with arrogance. "I don’t have the luxury of taking time off, not even for a weekend. The only reason I’m here is because my friend insisted I needed a break—one I didn’t want or need. And I’m not interested in this trip, or the one you're planning in the future. So don’t expect me to be excited about any of it."

“Hey, Carla, stop splashing water!” A high-pitched voice giggled nearby, catching Xavier’s attention. He glanced over, spotting a group of girls in bikinis by the pool, laughing and playfully splashing each other. Their sun-kissed skin and carefree energy were undeniably seductive, drawing the attention of many onlookers.

Stephen noticed Xavier's lingering gaze and quickly jumped in, saying, “Sir, this cruise offers plenty of activities for our guests—swimming pools, dance parties, a casino, bars, a spa, and much more. You’re going to enjoy your stay with us.”

Xavier’s expression didn’t change. "I'm not interested," he said bluntly. "Just show me to my room."

“As per your request, we’ve given you the most comfortable and lavish room on the cruise,” Stephen said proudly. Xavier quickly realized the man couldn’t stay quiet for more than a minute, always buzzing with conversation.

As Xavier walked alongside the pool, something blurred in his peripheral vision. Before he could react, a young boy came darting across the deck and crashed right into him. Xavier stumbled backward, arms flailing uselessly as he tried to regain his balance. But it was too late.

With a loud splash, Xavier fell straight into the pool.

“Oh my god!” one of the girls squealed, while the others moved aside with shocked expressions.

Laughter and gasps filled the air around him. One of the girls whispered to her friend, “He’s even hotter soaked like that.”