Chapter Twenty Eight

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 made him look even more dangerously irresistible.

"Maybe it's because you're following me," she said, her voice quieter than she intended.

Daniel took a step closer. "Or maybe it's because, something wants us to get close to each other"

Alice clenched her fists, not trusting herself to speak. He wasn’t wrong. She had thought about the same thing too because, every time she tried to avoid him, he kept appearing.

Daniel studied her, his eyes darkening with understanding. He took another step, and she backed up until her spine met the cold metal of the ship's railing. "You can tell me to leave, if you don't want me. Look me in the eye and tell me you don’t feel anything when I’m near you."

Alice swallowed, her heart hammering against her chest. "Daniel… just go."

His lips twitched, his eyes searching hers as if trying to find the lie. "Say it like you mean it."

Her breathing was uneven. She couldn’t look away from him, from the way his presence seemed to wrap around her, drowning her in warmth and danger all at once. And then, before she could stop herself, the words slipped past her lips—the confession she had been burying deep inside.

"Fine, I think about you all the time, Daniel," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Even when I shouldn’t. Even when I tell myself it’s wrong, I still—I still want to be with you. In your arms. I wish you're my husband. Sometimes I wish I was yours".

The weight of her confession hung thick between them.

Daniel’s entire demeanor had changed. His breathing had turned heavier, his jaw clenched as though he was holding himself back from something dangerous.

"Alice," he murmured, voice strained. "Do you even know what you’re doing to me?"

She bit her lip, guilt and desire warring within her. "I know… but I don’t know how to stop. You tell me all those sweet things, and make me dream, dream about you, about your love. Daniel why did you come into my life at this point? Why?"

Daniel’s hands twitched at his sides. "I can't explain it. I just see myself loving you so much."

Her breath caught. "Daniel…"

His fingers ghosted over her arm, not quite touching, but enough to make her skin tingle. The tension was unbearable, the air thick with everything left unsaid. For a moment, it felt like he might just close the distance, might finally take what had been threatening to consume them both.

But just before he could, Kelvin's voice echoed from the hallway.

"Alice!"

They both snapped out of it, breathing hard, the spell broken.

Alice jerked away from Daniel, her body trembling. She had to go. She had to leave before Kelvin would see her in a compromising position with Daniel. Without another word, she turned and left.

Daniel watched her go, jaw tight, fists clenched, wishing that she was his.

*********

Alice tried staying away from Daniel. She had blurted her feelings to him and who knew what was going on in his head. She thought of what would happen should Grandma Janet catch her together with Daniel. It would not be as light as she imagined. The only way to stay safe was to avoid him.

But no matter how hard she tried, fate seem to keep being Daniel her way.

And so it was that night, after having an early dinner with Kimberly, Alice took the elevator to her suite and it got stuck.

Alice sat on the floor, her back against the wall, trying to steady her breathing. The emergency lights cast an eerie glow, and the air felt heavy. She had tried everything—pressing the alarm, shouting for help—but no one had come.

Till she heard a familiar voice, "Hello? Alice? Are you there?" Daniel called from above. It was deep and calm, cutting through her panic.

"Daniel? Yes! I'm stuck!" Alice shouted, jumping to her feet. She craned her neck, looking up at the ceiling of the elevator. "Please, help me!"

"Hold on, I'm coming down," Daniel said.

"Okay" Alice said, her voice trembling. "It's so tight in here."

"Alright, Alice. I need you to stay calm. I'm going to get you out"

She nodded, then realized he couldn't see her. "Yes. I'll try."

"Good. I'm going to open the hatch on the top of the elevator. Stay back, okay?"

Alice stepped to the side, her heart pounding. She heard the screech of metal as Daniel pried open the hatch above her. A beam of light pierced the darkness, and she squinted as dust rained down.

"Almost there," Daniel muttered. With a final grunt, he pulled the hatch open completely. Alice looked up to see his familiar face against the light, his presence instantly calming.

"Hey," he said, offering a small smile. "Ready to get out of here?"

Alice nodded, her throat too tight to speak. Daniel lowered a rope ladder, securing it to the top of the elevator. "Climb up slowly. I've got you."

She hesitated, battling the fear within her, "I... I don't know if I can."

"You can," Daniel said firmly. "Just focus on one rung at a time. I'll be right here."

Taking a deep breath, Alice grabbed the ladder and began to climb. Her hands shook, but she forced herself to keep moving. When she reached the top, Daniel reached out and pulled her up, his grip strong and steady.

"You're safe now," he said, helping her onto the narrow platform at the top of the elevator shaft.

Alice looked around, her eyes wide. The shaft was dark and cramped, with cables and machinery looming in the shadows.

"How do we get out of here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Daniel pointed to a maintenance ladder bolted to the wall. "We climb. It's not far, I promise. I'll go first and guide you."

Alice nodded, her heart trusting his every word. Daniel climbed onto the ladder and reached back for her hand. "Ready?"

She took his hand, her fingers trembling but determined. Together, they began the ascent. The climb was slow and nerve-wracking, but Daniel kept up a steady stream of encouragement.

"Almost there," he said as they reached a service door. He pushed it open, and cool, fresh air rushed in. Alice nearly cried with relief as they stepped onto the deck, the night sky stretching endlessly above them.

"Thank you," she said, her voice breaking.

Daniel smiled, his eyes warm. "You don't need to thank me, Alice. I'll always be here for you"

There was a moment silence with Alice taking in his words

Then, she asked, "How did you know I was in the elevator?"

Daniel ran a hand through his hair. "You do know it's very impossible for to stay away from you"

"So, you were following me?" she asked again.

He simply nodded.

Alice said nothing and slowly looked away.

"I wasn't stalking you.... It's just that seeing you always give me peace. And, I enjoy it" he said.

Alice didn't look at him but simple said, "I should be going now. Good night"