Alice decided to enjoy her time in the mansion as the wealthy daughter-in-law of madame Janet. It was going to be for three years and so she would make the most out of it. Madame Janet had already included her in receiving monthly allowance along side Kelvin. She had even given Alice her very first allowance for that month the day before her wedding. It was a huge sum of money that had shocked Alice. She was still in the dilemma of what to spend the money on. Her parents were not as wealthy as her in-laws and she had never seen such an amount of money before. She just sent her parents a little amount from it and kept the rest safe in her bank account, which, Madame Janet had opened for her immediately after her engagement to Kelvin.
Alice watched how Kelvin spent his own allowance in just the three days she had been there as well as the few times they spent together before their wedding. He would buy recklessly, anything that he wanted. And recently she saw how be lavished a handful of the money on his girlfriend, Anita. Alice would hear his phone conversation with her and would deduce that she had demanded for money in hundreds of thousands and Kelvin would instantly send her from his allowance. She would shake her head at his foolishness and wonder if living that extravagantly and carelessly would help him preserve his fortune after his grandmother would have willed everything to him. Well, she thought again, the wealth of grandma Janet was infinite. Alice was sure that Kelvin would never be able to finish it in his life time and that was why he had the laxity to spend recklessly.Alice had nothing to spend the money on, she was already eating fine in the house and she had a car given to her with a driver assigned. She was comfortable and so she just decided to keep the money safe in her account.****Soon, the need to use from the money came after Kelvin had given her the documents containing the agreement of giving her half of his inheritance. Alice was wise. She knew that Kelvin would never want her to get half of his money and he could fake the documents for her to sign them. She told him she would sign them later and give them to him which he agreed to with the thought that she would never understand the document's content.Alice had to confirm the contents of the agreement as she could not understand what she was reading. The next morning, she had her driver take her to one of the best law firms in the city. When she got there she requested to see an excellent lawyer who confirmed to her that the summary of the contents in the paper was that she would get nothing at the end of the day. Alice was not surprised. She simply asked the lawyer to draft another that would state that she gets half of Kelvin Sanders' inheritance and she paid him his fee. She got back to the mansion and found him in the balcony of their room, chatting online with a cup of tea and a plate of snacks on the table before him. Angrily, she walked to him and yanked the phone from his hand. He looked up at her instantly, irritated at her actions."You think you're smart, huh?" She asked him."What are you talking about? What the hell is wrong with you?" He asked her."You think you can fool me because I'm a villager, right? Well, you thought wrong. That fake papers you gave me to sign has been destroyed by me..." Kelvin was shocked to hear her call it fake. He was surprised and was at that moment dumbfounded.Alice continued, "I am having another document made and this time it is real. You will sign it when it's ready or you lose everything" she said and flung his phone on the floor, not minding if it got damaged and then she stormed out of the balcony.Kelvin was still surprised. He wondered how she got to know that the documents were not what she had asked for. He had thought, on his girlfriend, Anita's suggestion that she was an illiterate and would never be able to understand the content of the documents if the words were intelligently twisted and professionally written. Alice had once again proved to be indeed a smart woman and that had him wondering.He picked his phone from the floor where Alice had thrown it and dialled Anita's number. He wanted to tell her what had happened and to get advice on what next to do."Hey baby" Anita replied from the other end of the line."She found out" Kelvin quickly said."Who?" Anita asked."Alice of course. She found out that the documents were fake and she is having another document made as we speak. I don't know what to do babe. I can't hand over half of my inheritance to a villager. It's too much" He lamented."That bitch. How on earth did she find out?" Anita asked."I have no idea. She is a dumb villager that is not supposed to understand what was written in those papers." Kelvin sighed."Calm down babe. Can you come over? Let's think of what to do next" Anita said."Alright. I'll be with you soon" he said and hung up.Then hurriedly left the house for Anita's.Alice who was already on the bed watched him leave and knew exactly where he was going and she kissed her teeth.There was nothing he or his girlfriend would do to stop her. It was Kelvin's greatest mistake that he had to use her like that just because he thought her to be uneducated and a villager and naive. He would learn to never take advantage of someone's innocence ever again in his life.Kelvin was furious and at lost for what next to do. Alice's smartness seemed to be just too much for him. He sat with Anita in an open air restaurant and had not said a word since. Anita was equally shocked that Alice was that intelligent to see through their manipulations. Clearly, she was not like the typical villager they had thought her to be."I'm still wondering, baby, how that local girl was able to see through that fake contract that was intelligently drafted" Anita said."I feel she has someone who is backing her up and telling her what to do" Kelvin said."But who?" Anita asked. "She's new here and could not have met anyone" she said.Kelvin sighed and ran his hand through his silky hair. "I hate her" He said with disgust. His face was seriously frowned."I hate the fact that I'm stuck in this mess, married to an ordinary village girl because of my inheritance. Why would my grandmother do this to me?" He asked and threw his back on the chair's back rest."Hey, baby, calm dow
Alice got up early that morning and prepared to meet with her lawyer concerning the papers Kelvin was to sign. She took excuse from Grandma Janet and told her that she wanted to go to the church to pray and she would skip breakfast. It pleased grandma Janet that Alice loved God, being a religious woman and she was okay with it.Kelvin woke up and could not find Alice in the room and even at the dinning for breakfast. "Where is Alice?" Kevin asked his grandmother as they had breakfast."She went to the church" Grandma Janet said with a smile. "That girl is just too lovely and to think that she loves the Lord too" Kelvin sighed in his mind and continued with his food. At least he was spared the horrors of seeing her face that morning and he wished it would become a norm for Alice."Why didn't you go with her?" Grandma Janet asked him."I have things to do.....at the office" Kelvin replied."That is no excuse, son" Grandma Janet said, shaking her head."Next time, Grandma. I'll go with
Alice was all set for the party that evening. She was a bit nervous but toughened herself to mingle with the high and mighty. The party took place in the large event hall of the Sander's company and every affluent personality attended. Alice looked unexpectedly beautiful and grandma Janet applauded her, while Kelvin chose to disagree with his eyes to the fact that the local girl was looking like a beautiful, educated woman. Alice was beside grandma Janet and Kelvin as she was being introduced to every one present. Alice was struggling to keep up with her company, and to follow up with the light banter from each person they met. The high heels on her feet were killing and she was not comfortable with the too many jewelries she had on her. She was a simple girl born in and brought up with a simple lifestyle. She thought to herself, that it would take forever or even never to get adjusted to the high life of the Sanders. While Alice and her company were still making their rounds, she
"You know Anita?" Daniel asked, surprised. "Yes, though not in person" Alice replied. "I should have known they would try to make me look bad before grandma" she added. "They?" Daniel asked. It became obvious to him that Anita was not the only one with a desire to harm Alice and that Alice was already aware. "Yes, they." Alice replied and stood up. "Thank you Daniel, for everything" she said and left without Daniel stopping her. ***** They got home that evening and Alice faced Kelvin as soon as grandma Janet bade them good night and left for her room. They were still at the foyer. "So, you and your girlfriend laced my drink with alcohol to make me disgrace grandma and make her cut me off from the family?" Alice attacked. "You're lucky you got saved" Kelvin replied her in what was almost a whisper. "You really want me to tell Grandma the whole truth, right?" Alice said and a flash of fear swept through Kelvin's heart. "You won't dare!" he stepped closer to her, "I've
Alice was engrossed in her book when she heard a knock on the door. She stood up and walked to the door. She opened and saw Daniel. He wore a welcoming smile but Alice teeth-kissed and closed the door against him. Daniel quickly pushed the door open and came in behind her. "That's no way to welcome a friend" Daniel said Alice did not reply. She went back to her bed and continued with her book. "The welcome party has started" Daniel informed. Alice still said nothing. Daniel walked to the bed and snatched the book from her hand. "Hey! Give it back!" Alice stood up and tried to get the book back from him. Daniel dogged and took his hand which held the book behind him. "Get dressed. let's go to the party" Daniel instructed "You're not the boss of me" Alice eyes flashed defiance "Give me my book and get out of my room" she commanded "Not until you get dressed and come with me to the party." Daniel insisted "I'm not going to any party. I just want to read my book a
On the dance floor, Kelvin's eyes caught Alice, beautiful and charming, and in the arms of another man, dancing. He was disturbed. He never expected to see Alice in the party, but there she was, enjoying every bit of it. He was not sure how he felt. Was he angry? Was he jealous? He didn't know. Perhaps he was not expecting a girl of her status to be captivating men. He found himself being concerned and staring at her, though he tried very hard to ignore it. Daniel, who was dancing with Victoria, saw Alice on the dance floor with Lucas and his heart was filled with warmth. She danced effortlessly and graciously that one would think she was a pro. Alice occasionally smiled at Lucas words and Daniel's breath would cease. Gosh! she was very beautiful and very attractive to him. How was he going to survive six weeks with her on that ship without being tempted to at least give her a kiss? he wondered. Kelvin was equally confused at himself and his internal reactions to Alice on th
The gentle knock at the door stirred Alice from her restless sleep. She blinked against the morning light filtering through the curtains, disoriented for a moment before the events of the previous night came rushing back. She sat up slowly, running a hand through her tousled hair. The knock came again, firmer this time. “Who is it?” she called, her voice still groggy. “It’s Daniel,” came the familiar voice from the other side. “I brought breakfast.” Alice’s stomach twisted—not from hunger, but from the complicated emotions his presence always seemed to stir. She glanced at herself in the mirror across the room, noting her rumpled appearance, but decided she didn’t care. “Come in,” she said, her tone guarded. The door opened, and Daniel stepped inside, carrying a tray laden with a steaming pot of coffee, a plate of croissants, fresh fruit, and a small vase with a single rose. He looked effortlessly charming in a crisp white shirt and dark slacks, his easy smile softening as
Alice stepped into the ship’s grand lobby, the rich mahogany walls and sparkling chandeliers giving the space an air of opulence she still hadn’t gotten used to. Guests milled about, chatting in clusters or strolling leisurely, their laughter blending with the soft piano music playing in the background. At the concierge desk, Alice picked up a copy of the ship's glossy brochure, its cover showcasing a serene image of the ship cutting through turquoise waters. She turned away from the desk and settled into one of the plush armchairs nearby to flip through the pages. The brochure was packed with information: dining options, scheduled events, and an intricate map of the ship. Alice’s finger traced the pathways and staircases, her curiosity piqued by the variety of activities available—dance lessons, cooking classes, trivia contests,..... and even a sprawling arcade tucked away on the lower deck. As she read, the faint sound of familiar footsteps caught her attention. She looked up
Alice sat on the edge of her bed, a towel wrapped around her damp hair and the soft cotton of her robe warming her freshly showered skin. She had just returned from her dance class that evening, and though the session had been enjoyable, her thoughts weren’t on the lessons or the other participants. Instead, they lingered stubbornly on Daniel. Her mind replayed the scene on the deck—the way he had looked at her, the warmth in his touch. And that dance. It had been silly and awkward at first, but when the music shifted, it became something else entirely. Something that made her heart race in a way she hadn’t expected. Alice exhaled sharply and shook her head, as if that would rid her of the thoughts. No, this isn’t right, she told herself. He’s just a friend… nothing more. Kelvin pushed the suite door open, stepping inside with his usual air of entitlement, startling Alice out of her thoughts. As he entered the bedroom, his presence immediately shifted the atmosphere, and Alice’s
The sun hung high in the clear blue sky, casting a warm glow over the ship’s deck. Alice sat in her favorite spot, a secluded corner overlooking the endless expanse of ocean. The gentle sea breeze teased at the hem of her yellow floral gown, and she closed her eyes, letting the calm sounds of the waves lull her into a peaceful state. This was the only place on the ship she felt truly herself—away from the charade, away from the tension. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t notice the soft footsteps approaching. Daniel stood at a distance, leaning against the railing as his eyes fell on her. The sunlight seemed to frame her perfectly, the yellow of her dress complementing the golden tones of her skin. Her serene expression tugged at something deep within him. He had gone there to escape the noise of the day, but finding her there felt like fate - the second time that day. Gathering his courage, he walked toward her. “Mind if I join you?” Daniel asked, his voice low but ch
The ship glided smoothly away from the Italian coastline, the city lights twinkling in the distance as night fell over the water. Alice returned to her suite after the dance class, her body slightly tired but her mind alert. The day had been eventful, but now she had to face another task: the video call with Grandma Janet. When she stepped into the suite, Kelvin was already there, pacing back and forth with his phone in hand. He glanced up when she entered, his expression taut. “You’re late,” he said curtly. Alice sighed, setting her bag down on the chair. “Relax. I’m here, aren’t I?” Kelvin didn’t respond, instead tapping furiously on his phone. A few moments later, he turned the screen toward her. The familiar face of Grandma Janet appeared, her sharp eyes narrowing as she looked at the couple. “There you are!” Grandma Janet exclaimed, her voice tinged with both delight and suspicion. “I was beginning to think you two were avoiding me or that something wrong was going on.”
The ship docked smoothly at the Italian port just as the sun reached its zenith, bathing the coastline in a golden glow. The city spread out before them, a picturesque blend of cobblestone streets, terracotta rooftops, and vibrant markets bustling with life. Alice stood on the deck, leaning against the railing, her gaze fixed on the enchanting view. Despite the beauty, a heaviness hung over her, one she couldn’t shake as Kelvin approached her from behind. “We're set,” Kelvin said, his tone curt. “Anita is heading to the airport.” Alice turned to face him, her expression neutral. She had insisted on seeing Anita leave herself to avoid any form of treachery. A huge part of her relished the closure it promised. Within the hour, they disembarked the ship and entered a sleek black car waiting at the port. Anita was already inside, her sunglasses covering most of her face but not the bitterness that radiated from her like a second perfume. Alice slid in beside Kelvin, maintaining
That evening Alice headed for the dance class. The dance room was alive with energy as she stepped in. The polished wooden floors gleamed under the soft glow of the lights, and the air buzzed with laughter and music. Several people were already present, some practicing basic steps while others chatted amiably. Alice was a bit overwhelmed, being in the crowd was never her thing, but her love for dancing gave her the courage. Kimberly spotted Alice first and waved enthusiastically, her vibrant smile a stark contrast to Alice’s reserved demeanor. “Alice! Over here!” Kimberly called, motioning her over. Alice crossed the room, feeling slightly out of place among the people. She was dressed in a simple attire of a fitted blouse and trousers, just as most of the people there were. “Hi, Kimberly,” Alice greeted, her tone warm but tentative. “You made it!” Kimberly said, beaming. “I was worried you’d bail on me.” “I almost did,” Alice admitted, glancing around the room. “This… isn’t ex
Alice entered the massage room, her senses immediately enveloped by the soothing ambiance. The space was dimly lit, with soft, golden light emanating from small sconces on the walls. The gentle sound of a waterfall played in the background, mingling with the faint aroma of essential oils—lavender, eucalyptus, and hints of citrus. The masseuse, a serene woman with a calming presence, greeted Alice with a warm smile. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Sanders. My name is Lila, and I’ll be your masseuse today. You’ve selected a full-body relaxation massage, correct?” “Yes, that’s right,” Alice replied, her voice softer than usual as the tranquil environment began to lull her into ease. “Perfect. Please change into this robe and lie face down on the table. I’ll step out for a moment while you get comfortable.” Once Lila left, Alice slipped out of her clothing and into the plush, white robe provided. She settled herself onto the massage table, lying face down with her head resting on the cradle
Alice stepped into the suite, the quiet click of the door behind her marking her arrival. The cool air of the room greeted her, a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the ship’s lobby she had just left. She longed for a moment of solitude, a chance to collect her thoughts after the strange mixture of lighthearted games with Daniel and the lingering bitterness of her marriage to Kelvin. But as she moved further into the room, she froze. Kelvin was there, standing by the window, his back to her. He was stiff, radiating tension, a half-empty glass of whiskey clutched in his hand. “You’re finally back,” he said without turning around, his voice clipped and tight. Alice narrowed her eyes but said nothing, moving toward the small sitting area and perching on the arm of a chair. Kelvin turned to face her, his expression hard. “We need to talk.” “Do we?” she asked coolly, folding her arms. “Don’t start, Alice,” he snapped, taking a step closer. “I just got off the call with Gr
Alice stepped into the ship’s grand lobby, the rich mahogany walls and sparkling chandeliers giving the space an air of opulence she still hadn’t gotten used to. Guests milled about, chatting in clusters or strolling leisurely, their laughter blending with the soft piano music playing in the background. At the concierge desk, Alice picked up a copy of the ship's glossy brochure, its cover showcasing a serene image of the ship cutting through turquoise waters. She turned away from the desk and settled into one of the plush armchairs nearby to flip through the pages. The brochure was packed with information: dining options, scheduled events, and an intricate map of the ship. Alice’s finger traced the pathways and staircases, her curiosity piqued by the variety of activities available—dance lessons, cooking classes, trivia contests,..... and even a sprawling arcade tucked away on the lower deck. As she read, the faint sound of familiar footsteps caught her attention. She looked up
The gentle knock at the door stirred Alice from her restless sleep. She blinked against the morning light filtering through the curtains, disoriented for a moment before the events of the previous night came rushing back. She sat up slowly, running a hand through her tousled hair. The knock came again, firmer this time. “Who is it?” she called, her voice still groggy. “It’s Daniel,” came the familiar voice from the other side. “I brought breakfast.” Alice’s stomach twisted—not from hunger, but from the complicated emotions his presence always seemed to stir. She glanced at herself in the mirror across the room, noting her rumpled appearance, but decided she didn’t care. “Come in,” she said, her tone guarded. The door opened, and Daniel stepped inside, carrying a tray laden with a steaming pot of coffee, a plate of croissants, fresh fruit, and a small vase with a single rose. He looked effortlessly charming in a crisp white shirt and dark slacks, his easy smile softening as