Alice made up her mind to keep herself within the confinement of her luxurious suite that day. She wanted to avoid Daniel by all means. The kiss was an indication of trouble for her. She was married and as customs were concerned, she is to be chaste in her marriage. Kissing Daniel was a taboo and her heart skipped for fear whenever she thought what the society would do should such an act be exposed before them.
Still, with all the negativity from Daniel kissing her, was a ray of sweetness. Daniel was her first kiss ever. A part of her wished that she was not tied down in a wicked marriage, then she would have probably enjoyed that moment with Daniel. Perhaps, she and Daniel would have been something more than just casual friends. Alice thought it prudent to stay completely away from Daniel. She was married and Grandma Janet would kill her should she ever indulge in anything romantic with Daniel, not to mention the ostracizing by her village and the taunts by the society. After getting ready that morning, she joined Kelvin in the living room who was about to watch a romantic comedy movie. Kelvin had earlier protested but later gave in. Alice ordered a medium-size bag of popcorn which came in few minutes into the movie. She sat on the comfy sofa, watching the movie and enjoying her popcorn, while Kelvin sat at the opposite end of the couch, his body angled slightly toward her. They were both simply dressed in indoor casuals, indicating that neither of them had any plans of leaving the suite that day. Alice, who was emotionally fighting the feelings of the kiss with Daniel, threw herself into the movie, laughing occasionally at the antics of the characters, her laughter genuine but brief. Kelvin stole a glance at her as she laughed, his chest tightening in a way he couldn’t explain. All he had even done since their wedding was to push Alice away, building walls between them, that he’d never thought what it felt like to simply be in her presence. And now, seeing her like this—relaxed, beautiful in her simplicity—he couldn’t help but notice the warmth she brought to the room. “Is it really that funny?” he asked, his voice breaking the silence. Alice turned to him, one eyebrow raised. “You don’t think so?” Kelvin shrugged, a small smirk playing on his lips. “It’s… okay. Predictable, maybe.” Alice rolled her eyes, tossing a piece of popcorn at him, involuntarily. “Oh, please. Like you’re an expert on movies.” He caught the popcorn mid-air, surprising them both. “Maybe not, but I know when someone’s overreacting to a bad joke.” Alice shook her head, unable to hide a small smile. “Well, excuse me for having a sense of humor.” Kelvin chuckled, a sound that felt foreign even to him. He leaned back against the couch, his gaze drifting to the screen but not really watching. Instead, his mind wandered to their dinner the night before. The image of Alice in her elegant dress, the way she moved with effortless grace during their dance—it all played in his mind like a movie of its own. Occasionally, he would steal a glance at her, admiring her beauty subtly. Alice was also stunned at the little familiarity and friendliness between them that noon. She wondered if it was the same Kelvin who had done nothing but hate her from their wedding night. For the first time in their marriage they shared a laugh. That was the miracle the absence of Anita could do. Alice thought to herself, if Anita could be completely removed from their lives, then Kelvin would probably be able to love her. As the movie reached its climax, Kelvin found himself studying Alice more than the film. The way her eyes lit up during the funny moments, the way she absentmindedly tucked her hair behind her ear—it all seemed so… human, so real. When the credits rolled, Alice stretched and stood, heading toward the mini-bar for a glass of water. Kelvin followed, leaning against the counter as she filled her glass. "Why are you indoors today?" He asked her calmly. "I could ask you the same" Alice replied. "You know I've been indoors ever since you had Anita out of the ship" He peered at her. Alice rolled her eyes, "And you see what good that is doing to you, can't you?" He hesitated a bit, "You tell me" he asked. "We can finally get to spend our honeymoon just the both of us, no third-party" Alice indulged him. "She's not a third-party. She's the woman of my heart" Kelvin said. Alice did not expect those words to sting her as it did but she swallowed the pain and replied him, "You're on a honeymoon with your legally wedded wife. You should at least honour that. After the cruise and definitely after the divorce, you can have your happily ever after with the woman of your heart" Kelvin felt the hidden pain in her voice and he felt a bit of regret. He watched her as she finished the glass of water in her hand and poured more water into the glass. "Why are you indoors today?" He asked her again. "I want a time to gather my thoughts, that's why I'm indoors" She replied and brought the glass to her mouth, downing the liquid. "Let's go out today. We can do something fun..... like swimming" Kelvin said. Alice dropped her glass down on the counter and peered at him, "You're joking, aren't you?" "I'm not. I'm taking your advice by honouring our honeymoon" He had a little smile on the corner of his lips. Alice blinked and chuckled, "Let me guess, Grandma is making you do this as another quest" "She's not." Kelvin denied. "Then why are you wanting us to go out today, of your own will?" Alice questioned. "Because.....you are my legally wedded wife" He said and Alice found her heart melting at his words. She was quiet for a moment, holding his gaze. Then she let out a soft sigh, "It wouldn't hurt to at least get to do something with you. I'll go change" she said and walked into the bedroom. Kelvin nodded, his gaze lingering on her as she walked away. ****** Kelvin and Alice made their way to the ship's pool area later that afternoon. They entered the open space, where lounge chairs surrounded the shimmering blue water. A few other guests were scattered around, some sunbathing while others enjoyed a leisurely swim. Alice walked slightly ahead of Kelvin, her modest swimsuit—a one-piece—fitting her perfectly. She had a light sarong tied around her waist and carried a small towel. Kelvin couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly graceful she looked, even without trying. They found a couple of lounge chairs side by side and placed their towels down. Alice glanced at Kelvin, who had already shed his t-shirt to reveal his well-toned physique. She quickly averted her gaze, focusing instead on tying her hair into a secure bun. "I forgot to ask...." Kelvin drew Alice's attention, "Can you swim?" his face showing doubts. Alice laughed lightly, "You're a joker. Why didn't you make sure of this little detail before getting me a swimsuit and bringing me out here?" "It escaped me" he smiled, "So, can you swim?" he asked again. "Yes I can." Alice replied. Kelvin nodded in surprise. He was not expecting that she would be able to do such recreational exercise as he had been so judgemental of her being a typical villager. "What would you do if I had told you that I can't swim?" Alice asked him. "It's easy. I'll have to teach you how to swim" he replied. "Nice" Alice said. “Ready for a swim?” Kelvin asked, his voice light. Alice nodded, slipping off her sarong and walking toward the pool's edge. The water sparkled under the sunlight, inviting and cool. She dipped her toes in first, testing the temperature, before easing herself into the water. Kelvin followed, taking a clean dive into the pool and resurfacing a few feet away from her with a smooth stroke. He ran a hand through his wet hair and grinned. “Not bad, right?” Alice chuckled softly. “It’s nice. Refreshing.” They swam leisurely for a while, occasionally exchanging light banter. Kelvin splashed water at her playfully at one point, and Alice retaliated with an unexpected flick of water that hit him squarely in the face. “Hey!” he exclaimed, laughing. “That’s unfair!” “Fair game,” Alice shot back, grinning for the first time ever. As the water cooled their bodies, the atmosphere between them began to relax. Kelvin found himself watching her more closely, not just because of her beauty, but because of the light in her eyes—the hint of a smile that had become so rare. After a while, they drifted toward the pool's shallower end, resting against the tiled edge. The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting golden hues across the water. “I didn’t expect you to agree to this,” Kelvin said, breaking the companionable silence. Alice tilted her head slightly. “And I didn't expect you to ask me out to this” "Yeah.....I don't even know why I did" Kelvin said. "I know why" Alice said and Kelvin faced her, waiting for an answer, "You're missing your Anita and this is one way to feel like you're spending the afternoon with her" Kelvin looked away with a little feeling of guilt. "You know, you never should have married me Kelvin" Alice spoke. "I had to. Grandma was going to cast off like I was a mere servant. I didn't want to lose my inheritance" Kelvin replied. "So, you selfishly married me to be the one to suffer, right?" Alice asked. Kelvin looked at her and she held his gaze, "I'm sorry.... I was selfish. I could only think of one thing then, getting my inheritance. And I also felt that you has suck up to my grandmother because you wanted the wealth of my family" Alice scoffed, "That is so lowly of you to think about another. Your wealth mean nothing to a woman like me." Kelvin lowered his gaze, "I just wish that you hadn't brought me here to face all that I'm facing right now." "At least, you have secured for yourself half of my inheritance" Kelvin said "That is a compensation for the deceit and emotional pain you have put me through. But it doesn't actually cover up for what I'll face in the society, in my village, after the divorce. I'd rather not be married to you than to be a divorced billionaire" Alice said. Kelvin was quiet. Something stung his heart. He realized that he was unfair to have put her in such a situation. But he could do nothing. He was in love with Anita, he could not just leave her and his inheritance was his birthright, he could not just forsake it. They sat in silence for a moment, the gentle lapping of the water filling the gap. Kelvin broke the silence, “You’re… strong, Alice. Confident. I used to think that you were weak and fragile.......” He trailed off, shaking his head as though marveling at the realization. Alice gave a small, dry laugh. “That was your mistake, Kelvin.” "Yeah......" he smiled. "You are, after all, a perfect fit for the high society, Alice,” he said quietly, his gaze steady on her. She looked at him, startled by the sincerity in his voice. For a moment, she didn’t know how to respond. "Be careful now, Mr Sander, we don't want to risk you falling in love with me and breaking Anita's heart" She joked, chuckling. Kelvin realized himself and gave her a small smile. Alice’s breath hitched, and she looked away, unsure of what to do with the sudden tenderness in his words. Kelvin was also unsure as to what he was feeling. The sudden softness for Alice was something else. They stayed like that for a while, the silence between them not uncomfortable, but filled with unspoken thoughts. As they eventually climbed out of the pool, Kelvin handed Alice her towel without a word. She wrapped it around herself, her movements slow and deliberate. They walked back to their suite, in silence. Both of them struggling with the new bond trying to bind them together.The next two days, Alice kept herself indoors, watching movies, reading her books and spending an unexpected good time with her husband, Kelvin Sander. It was surprising to Alice how Kelvin was friendly with her in contrast to the disgusting look he would always give her. Kelvin wondered at the ease he had started feeling with Alice. That morning, Alice leaned back against the sofa, a small cup of tea in her hands as she and Kelvin shared a rare, casual conversation. The tension between them felt distant, replaced by a tentative ease that neither dared to fully acknowledge. The knock on the door startled them both. “I’ll get it,” Alice said, placing her cup down on the table. She walked to the door, smoothing her hands down her casual blouse before opening it. Kimberly stood on the other side, dressed in a summery outfit with a broad smile on her face. Her expression, however, quickly shifted to mock disapproval as she placed her hands on her hips. “Alice Sanders, where have
That same evening, the dance studio was alive with soft Latin music playing in the background as the instructor led the class through warm-up exercises. Kimberly had finished attending to her business and was with Alice for their usual dance class. They had just finished stretching when the doors swung open, and two familiar figures walked in—Daniel and Kelvin together, though they said nothing to each other. Alice's breath caught in her throat. Of all the times for them to show up, why now? She immediately tensed, her gaze darting between them. Kimberly, standing beside her, nudged her playfully. “Well, well, looks like we’ve got some new students and one of them is your husband.” "What's is he even doing here?" Alice asked rhetorically. Alice forced a small smile, though her mind was racing as they approached her and Kimberly. Daniel’s piercing gaze met hers briefly before he looked away, while Kelvin remained neutral, his usual composed expression in place. "I figured, I'
The night stretched across the ocean, the sky an endless canvas of inky black with scattered stars blinking like secrets whispered by the universe. The ship glided smoothly over the waves, the soft hum of its engines blending with the gentle rustling of the wind. Alice stood at the railing of the deck that same night after her fight with Kelvin, her fingers gripping the cool metal as she stared at the dark horizon. The salt-kissed breeze lifted the ends of her loose hair, brushing against her skin like a fleeting touch. But it was nothing compared to the lingering warmth on her arm—the place where Kelvin had grabbed her. And then, the way he had looked at her afterward, and tended to the wounds afterwards with his eyes laced with something that almost felt like regret, had left her reeling. It was as if, for the first time, he had seen her. And she didn’t know what to do with that. As she moved to the lounge chair, her heart was a battlefield—one side holding onto the pain Kelvin
Lucas settled down with Alice by the pool, he joined her in drinking coffee and just chatting casually and laughing. ".....I can't believe you would do a thing like that" Lucas said, chuckling. "I had to" Alice replied, "the man would have gone straight to my father and I would have been severely punished" "Then you would have known better than to steal someone's fruit" Lucas admonished jokingly. "Oh come on. It wasn't stealing. He was just being stingy. Everyone in my village were liberal people, he was the only different one. And in my defense, I was starving" Alice replied. "Were you always this mischievous back home?" he asked her. "I wasn't. That was just one time" Alice said, "I am a very sweet soul" she smiled at him. He was stunned by her beauty for a brief moment, "You are indeed sweet" he said admiringly. Alice trailed off, "Perhaps too sweet for people to take advantage off" her expression saddened. Lucas noticed, "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked,
Dim lighting, soft music, and a half-empty bottle of wine and a glass of wine in each person's hand set the mood as Alice, Daniel, and Kimberly settled onto the couch. Alice had made up her mind to have fun and forget about Kelvin or the rules of her being married, after all her husband was not worth it. Kimberly spoke, "We're starting with the game, Never have I ever...." "Nice" Daniel smiled. Kimberly turned to Alice, "You do know how to play, right?" "Of course, I do" Alice smiled "Perfect" Kimberly leaned forward with a mischievous grin. “Alright, let’s get this game started. I’ll go first.” She picked up her glass, eyes gleaming with amusement. “Never have I ever… kissed someone and regretted it.” Alice’s fingers tensed around her glass. The memory of that night on the deck with Daniel resurfaced. The way she had allowed herself to be drawn in, the warmth of his body so close, the whisper of his lips against hers before she had pulled away—before reality had come cras
A heavy silence hung between them as Alice stared at the bouquet in front of her. Alice inhaled slowly, then exhaled, forcing herself to remain composed. She could feel Kelvin’s eyes on her, silently pleading, silently challenging. Then, with a measured calm, she reached for the bouquet. She didn’t hold it close or smell the flowers, but the mere act of picking them up was enough of an answer. “Alright,” she said, her voice even, betraying nothing. “Let’s have breakfast.” Kelvin, however, looked relieved. Without another word, he pulled out her chair as she stood, an uncharacteristically chivalrous move that did not go unnoticed. As they sat, the waiter immediately brought over another tray of breakfast for Kelvin, as if he had already placed the order in anticipation of her agreement. Alice arched a brow at him, but he only smirked. “You were that sure I’d say yes?” she asked. Kelvin leaned back in his chair, his smirk turning into something softer. “No. But I wanted to b
Alice sat by the poolside, her thoughts tangled in a whirlwind of emotions. The kiss with Kelvin had left her restless, confused, and questioning everything she thought she knew about him—and herself. She felt a surge of romantic emotions flowing through her. He was her husband and it was right before men and heaven that she would weave fantasies about him. She thought to herself, maybe Kelvin was sincere about making the three years of their marriage worth it. Maybe he was being sorry for deceiving her into the marriage and making her to suffer. She remembered how he had apologized to her by the pool, showing regret and remorse.The only thing she prayed earnestly in her heart was for love to bloom in his heart for her, so strong that he would never want to divorce her after getting his inheritance. And she would be able to forget Daniel and his love. “A penny for your thoughts?” she heard and glanced up to see Daniel standing beside her, his usual easy smile in place. His presen
The next morning, Alice made her way to one of the ship’s finest restaurants, her emotions still raw from the previous night. Dressed in an elegant yet simple blue dress, she tried to compose herself as she stepped inside, already spotting Grandma Janet seated at a prime spot by the window, where the sea stretched endlessly in the background. Kelvin was already there, seated beside his grandmother, his posture relaxed, but Alice could tell that he was on edge. Across from him sat Daniel, looking effortlessly handsome in a crisp white shirt with the top button undone. His eyes briefly met Alice’s as she entered, but he looked away just as quickly. Standing behind Grandma Janet was Simi, her ever-efficient personal assistant. Simi was a tall, slender woman in her forties with a composed demeanor, always dressed impeccably in professional yet stylish outfits. She was rarely seen without her tablet, always ready to take notes or handle whatever task was required of her. "Alice, my d
After lunch, Kimberly decided it was time for an outing. “You need a change of scenery,” she declared, already grabbing her purse and keys. Their first stop was a luxurious spa nestled in the heart of the city, a place known for its serene ambiance and top-tier treatments. As soon as Alice stepped inside, she was enveloped by the soothing scent of lavender and the gentle strains of instrumental music playing in the background. The tension in her shoulders began to ease almost immediately. “You need to relax,” Kimberly insisted as they changed into plush, white robes. “And nothing does that better than a full-body massage.” Alice sighed as she lay face-down on the massage table, her body sinking into the soft padding. The skilled hands of the masseuse worked their magic, kneading away the knots of stress and worry that had built up over the past few weeks. Beside her, Kimberly chuckled softly. “Admit it, you needed this,” Kimberly teased, her voice muffled slightly as she rested her
The dining hall of the Sanders mansion was as grand as ever, bathed in the soft, golden glow of the chandeliers that hung like glittering constellations above. The long, polished table was set with an extravagant feast—crystal glasses filled with wine, silver platters laden with delicacies, and fine china that gleamed under the light. Yet, despite the opulence, the atmosphere was unusually light, almost cheerful. For the first time since returning from the cruise, Alice felt a semblance of ease. Conversations flowed effortlessly, drifting from business matters to travel anecdotes, and even lighthearted childhood memories as Grandma Janet indulged in her favorite pastime: storytelling. Kelvin sat beside Alice, his presence a constant reminder of the life she was still tethered to. He was as composed as ever, his sharp features softened slightly by the warm light. But Alice noticed the way his eyes flickered toward her occasionally, as if he were studying her. He pretended to focus on
Alice's heart had finally made its choice. It was Daniel, not Kelvin, who had captured her affection. For years, she had clung to the faint hope that Kelvin might change, that he might one day treat her with the respect and love she deserved as his wife. But time and time again, he had proven himself to be a man of little integrity—selfish, cold, and utterly unworthy of her devotion. The realization had settled deep within her, like a stone sinking to the bottom of the ocean. She could no longer deny the truth: Kelvin was not the man she had once believed him to be. He was, in fact, the worst kind of person—someone who took without giving, who demanded loyalty but offered none in return.Her decision was final. She would no longer waste her days yearning for Kelvin’s love, a love that had never truly existed. Instead, her heart had turned toward Daniel, a man who had shown her kindness, warmth, and a love that felt genuine and unselfish. Daniel’s presence in her life had been a beacon
The ship docked yet again. The sun blazed overhead as Alice, Daniel, Kimberly, and a handful of other passengers from the ship wandered through the bustling streets of the coastal town. The port was alive with energy—street vendors hawked their wares, the air thick with the scent of sizzling food, and the chatter of locals and tourists mingled into a lively symphony. For a moment, Alice allowed herself to forget the tensions aboard the ship, the tangled emotions surrounding Kelvin and Daniel, and simply breathed in the freedom of the foreign town. But then, she made a mistake. She had paused at a small shop, captivated by a display of handmade jewelry. Kimberly was deep in negotiation with a vendor, and Daniel had wandered off to inspect something across the street. Not wanting to disturb them, Alice decided to explore on her own. She ventured down a narrow alley, drawn by the charm of the old architecture and the quiet respite from the market’s chaos. But as she turned a corner, he
The ship was lively that evening, guests scattered across different entertainment spots, enjoying the luxury the cruise had to offer. Alice, however, had no interest in the grand dinners or the glamorous social events. After spending most of the day forcing smiles beside Kelvin for Grandma Janet, and her mind centered on Daniel and his feelings for her - she subtly excused herself from their company. Soon, she found herself in the dimly lit corridor leading to the deck—a place where she could be alone. Or so she thought. Just as she reached for the railing to steady herself, a voice stopped her. "Why do we always end up being alone?" Alice froze. She didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. The familiar depth of Daniel’s voice sent an immediate shiver down her spine. Taking a slow breath, she composed herself before facing him. He stood a few feet away, arms crossed, his sharp gaze never leaving her. The ship's soft lighting illuminated his face, casting shadows that m
The next morning, Alice made her way to one of the ship’s finest restaurants, her emotions still raw from the previous night. Dressed in an elegant yet simple blue dress, she tried to compose herself as she stepped inside, already spotting Grandma Janet seated at a prime spot by the window, where the sea stretched endlessly in the background. Kelvin was already there, seated beside his grandmother, his posture relaxed, but Alice could tell that he was on edge. Across from him sat Daniel, looking effortlessly handsome in a crisp white shirt with the top button undone. His eyes briefly met Alice’s as she entered, but he looked away just as quickly. Standing behind Grandma Janet was Simi, her ever-efficient personal assistant. Simi was a tall, slender woman in her forties with a composed demeanor, always dressed impeccably in professional yet stylish outfits. She was rarely seen without her tablet, always ready to take notes or handle whatever task was required of her. "Alice, my d
Alice sat by the poolside, her thoughts tangled in a whirlwind of emotions. The kiss with Kelvin had left her restless, confused, and questioning everything she thought she knew about him—and herself. She felt a surge of romantic emotions flowing through her. He was her husband and it was right before men and heaven that she would weave fantasies about him. She thought to herself, maybe Kelvin was sincere about making the three years of their marriage worth it. Maybe he was being sorry for deceiving her into the marriage and making her to suffer. She remembered how he had apologized to her by the pool, showing regret and remorse.The only thing she prayed earnestly in her heart was for love to bloom in his heart for her, so strong that he would never want to divorce her after getting his inheritance. And she would be able to forget Daniel and his love. “A penny for your thoughts?” she heard and glanced up to see Daniel standing beside her, his usual easy smile in place. His presen
A heavy silence hung between them as Alice stared at the bouquet in front of her. Alice inhaled slowly, then exhaled, forcing herself to remain composed. She could feel Kelvin’s eyes on her, silently pleading, silently challenging. Then, with a measured calm, she reached for the bouquet. She didn’t hold it close or smell the flowers, but the mere act of picking them up was enough of an answer. “Alright,” she said, her voice even, betraying nothing. “Let’s have breakfast.” Kelvin, however, looked relieved. Without another word, he pulled out her chair as she stood, an uncharacteristically chivalrous move that did not go unnoticed. As they sat, the waiter immediately brought over another tray of breakfast for Kelvin, as if he had already placed the order in anticipation of her agreement. Alice arched a brow at him, but he only smirked. “You were that sure I’d say yes?” she asked. Kelvin leaned back in his chair, his smirk turning into something softer. “No. But I wanted to b
Dim lighting, soft music, and a half-empty bottle of wine and a glass of wine in each person's hand set the mood as Alice, Daniel, and Kimberly settled onto the couch. Alice had made up her mind to have fun and forget about Kelvin or the rules of her being married, after all her husband was not worth it. Kimberly spoke, "We're starting with the game, Never have I ever...." "Nice" Daniel smiled. Kimberly turned to Alice, "You do know how to play, right?" "Of course, I do" Alice smiled "Perfect" Kimberly leaned forward with a mischievous grin. “Alright, let’s get this game started. I’ll go first.” She picked up her glass, eyes gleaming with amusement. “Never have I ever… kissed someone and regretted it.” Alice’s fingers tensed around her glass. The memory of that night on the deck with Daniel resurfaced. The way she had allowed herself to be drawn in, the warmth of his body so close, the whisper of his lips against hers before she had pulled away—before reality had come cras