All Chapters of The Two Of Us: Chapter 11 - Chapter 18

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 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

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

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