Chapter Twenty Three

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, concerned.

Alice sighed, "I don't want to. I've dwelt too much on it these past days and I just want to get my mind off it"

“Alright, enough deep talk. Let’s do something fun.” Lucas said enthusiastically.

Alice raised an eyebrow. “Like what?”

Lucas tapped his chin. “Hmm… how about we go somewhere fancy? We are on a luxury cruise, after all.”

Alice smirked. “You are aware that we’re already at the pool area of a luxury ship, right?”

Lucas scoffed. “Oh, come on. This is basic luxury. I’m talking about next-level, jaw-dropping fancy. And I have just the place in mind.”

Curious, Alice leaned forward. “Where?”

He grinned. “The Sky Lounge.”

Alice’s eyes widened slightly. The Sky Lounge was one of the most exclusive areas on the ship—an elegant, glass-enclosed space at the highest deck with panoramic views of the ocean. It was known for its extravagant décor, private service, and, of course, the finest champagne.

“That’s ambitious,” she admitted.

Lucas stood, offering her a hand. “Come on, let's get your mind off those problems.”

Alice hesitated before placing her hand in his. “Alright. Let’s see what’s so special about this place.”

As they stepped into the Sky Lounge, Alice felt a wave of admiration. The space was breathtaking—floor-to-ceiling windows showcased an endless stretch of blue ocean, while plush velvet seating and crystal chandeliers gave the room an air of exclusivity.

Soft jazz music played in the background, adding to the elegant ambiance. A few well-dressed guests lounged around, sipping champagne or indulging in delicate pastries.

Lucas led Alice to a cozy corner booth near the window. A waiter appeared almost instantly, handing them a sleek menu.

“Pick whatever you want,” Lucas said, casually glancing at the options. “This is on me.”

Alice smirked. “Really?”

“Absolutely. I’m trying to impress you.” He winked.

She shook her head, amused, before settling on a strawberry tart and an iced tea. Lucas, ever the indulgent one, ordered a selection of gourmet chocolates and a glass of champagne.

As they waited, he leaned back. “So, what do you think?”

Alice glanced around. “It’s… definitely fancy.”

Lucas grinned. “Told you.”

Their orders arrived, and Alice took a bite of her tart, savoring the sweetness. Lucas, meanwhile, popped a piece of chocolate into his mouth, closing his eyes dramatically.

Alice chuckled. “You really do love your food experiences, don’t you?”

“It’s the little things, Alice.” He took a sip of his champagne. “You have to enjoy them.”

She nodded, watching him. He was making things feel lighthearted, as if nothing could be too complicated or heavy in the world.

“So,” he said, placing his glass down. “What does the beautiful Alice love doing for fun?.”

Alice thought for a moment. “I like reading and dancing.”

Lucas smiled, a little lost in her view. “That's beautiful”

She smiled back. “Thank you. What about you?”

"Well, I play games, from video games to arcade games" he replied.

"Okay....that's nice" Alice nodded

"That's why, I started my own gaming company and its doing very well, excellent even." he added.

"Congratulations. It's must be amazing doing what you love and making a living out of it" Alice commended

"It is. My passion for games drives me to give in my best, and make the necessary sacrifices without a sweat. In fact, I just love brainstorming a game idea and creating it" he smiled brightly.

"Maybe you should consider getting a career out of your hobbies" Lucas added after a second silence.

"How?" Alice asked, perplexed.

"You love reading, right? You can start writing about most of the topics you read. It can be a book, or even short articles. You can start a blog online and get followers. You'd make money too" he explained.

Alice was picturing it as a very good idea, "I have never thought of that before. Thank you. It's a beautiful idea and I know I'll start working on it" she smiled.

They stayed there for a while, sipping their drinks, talking about everything and nothing. Alice just enjoyed herself in that moment.

************

Alice stepped into the suite, shutting the door softly behind her. The weight of the morning’s events lingered—Lucas had been a pleasant distraction, a reminder that life didn’t have to be so complicated all the time. But the moment she entered the quiet space, reality pressed down on her shoulders once again. She did not see any sign of Kelvin in the suite and so she shoved off that unpleasant feeling.

She sighed, slipping off her fancy slippers and walked to the bedroom. She grabbed a fresh set of clothes and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

She finished showering, dressed in a casual loungewear set, and settled into the sofa in the living area with a book. The perfect escape from the disturbing thoughts and recent events.

A soft clicking of the suite's door knob broke the silence. She knew who it was before he even spoke but she ignored him and focused on her book, enjoying the story.

“Alice.” Kelvin’s voice was careful, almost hesitant. “Can we talk?”

She didn’t respond.

He took that as a sign to continue. “I am sorry, okay?.”

Still, she said nothing, but focused on her book.

Kelvin sighed and stepped further into the room and beside her on the sofa where she was “So, your just going to keep ignoring me?.”

Alice flipped a page in her book, continuing to be absorbed in the words.

He exhaled sharply, pushing a hand through his hair. “What the hell, Alice?” he raised his voice, getting frustrated.

Still, she remained silent.

He got angrier, "What the hell is wrong with you?" he yanked the book from her hand.

Alice glared at him but said nothing.

"Grandma has set up a video call with us for this

evening. You better stop your annoying childish behavior and get ready for it" He spoke.

"Can I have my book now?" Alice demanded, stretching her hand to him.

He wondered at her lack of concern for the information he had given her.

"Didn't you hear me?" he asked her.

"Yes, I did. Now give me my book" Alice demanded .

He placed the book in her hand and she took it, continuing from where she was before she was rudely interrupted. She found it futile answering him. He was a horrible human being to her and she had decided to treat him as one without any value. She would not answer him or even give him the dignity of engaging in any form of conversation with him. And as for that video call with Grandma Janet, Alice had planned to miss it. She doesn't care whether Grandma ends up finding out the truth about their relationship or not. She was already tired of all the emotional pain.

Kelvin remained there for a moment, watching her, battling with something deep within himself. Then, with a quiet exhale, he stood up and left the room, entering into the bedroom.

Alice soon paused her reading and went out for lunch with Kimberly. Daniel was not there and she was grateful of not having to deal with that tension. She enjoyed her afternoon with Kimberly and they spent the rest of the day together.

Evening came and both ladies were in the dance studio waiting for their instructor to begin. Alice and Kimberly were having a light chat. Daniel and Kelvin were also there in their respective positions. The focus of both men were on Alice. While Daniel was admiring and wishing the beauty for himself, Kelvin was wondering what she had up her sleeves being that she had not engaged in a decent conversation with him since the previous night. She wouldn't even argue with him.

Alice completely ignored the presence of both men. She was not going to let the tension bother her. She needed to breathe and ignoring them completely would help, as it was helping her.

"You know, your husband's eyes has been on you from the moment we stepped in" Kimberly started.

Alice teeth-kissed, "He's probably planning another scene to cause after this class"

"He is really something you know. He doesn't know

how to treat a woman nice" Kimberly spoke and casted a quick irritating glance at him

"That's because he hates me. You should see how he worships Anita, his girlfriend" The sound

of her name pained Alice.

Kimberly looked at her with sympathy and affection, "Hey, it's his stupidity that he doesn't see how much of a angel you are"

"I know.....but sometimes I wish he would forget about this Anita and you know.... accept me" Alice sighed, "Maybe it's foolish for me to pray that he falls in love with me"

"It's not foolish. You are being human. I wished so too with my husband before he went overboard and I had to choose myself over us" Kimberly said.

"I really want to live my life for me" Alice said, "I'm not going to care about Kelvin or even his grandma finding out about the state of our marriage. I want to start something for myself and focus on it"

"That's very good Alice. What do you plan on doing?" Kimberly asked.

"I want to start a blog" Alice said.

"Nice. I can help you with everything you need." Kimberly beamed, "Do you have a laptop?" she asked.

Alice shook her head, "I don't"

"Not to worry. We'll get one on our next stop" Kimberly said.

"Thanks" Alice said with gratitude.

"What are friends for?" Kimberly replied her with a hug.

"I have another favour to ask" Alice said after they had hugged

"Sure, what is it?" Kimberly asked.

"Can I spend the night at your suite?"Alice asked.

"Sure. You can even stay for the rest of the cruise. I'd really appreciate your company" Kimberly smiled.

The dance instructor interrupted their conversation and commenced the class for that evening. As it was not a paired dance, Alice was at ease to express herself and let go of every tension.

The dance ended and Alice immediately left with Kimberly to her suite before Kelvin could notice to miss the video call with Grandma Janet.

Realizing Alice's absence, Kelvin was frustrated and angry. She was at another quagmire and did not know what excuse to make for Alice's absence to his grandmother. He knew she did it on purpose and was furious. He tried calling her but it was not going through as Alice had put her phone on 'Do not Disturb'.

After dinner, Alice, un-bothered was chilling with Kimberly in her suite, watching the television. Then a knock came on the door.

"I'll get it" Kimberly stood up and went to the

door.

To Alice surprise, Daniel walked in with her. Daniel could read the 'I'm not comfortable with you around' look on Alice's face but maintained his cool.

"Hi Alice" he greeted but Alice did not respond.

"I wanted us to hang out together tonight and maybe do something fun" Kimberly said, ignorant of the tension between Alice and Daniel.