Chapter 22: Double-date Cruise
** Back to the present **
I woke up in bed. I was in my nightgown and my body felt stiff. The maids probably changed me when I
came backtest night. Too much went on yesterday with Zak and the shock of meeting his
arranged-date, Annie, made me forget that I had something to tell Zak.
I grabbed my mobile phone and dialed Zak via my favorite speed dial. He picked up almost
immediately as if he’d been waiting for my call. I just love Zak.
“Hey! How about going on a cruise with me this weekend?” I asked with over-the-top excitement,
intentionally leaving out all the caveats.
“…with your old man and his new fiancé?” Zak answered back with a knowingugh. Fuck, he caught
on fast. There’s no way I’m going on a cruise as a third wheeler and no way I’m going to enjoy my time
with big-boob Ang.
“Please…who knows? His fiancé might fall for your charms and back away from Lucien,” I teased.
“Hell no. I don’t like fucking bitches with fake boobs. I’ve had enough of that in the industry,” Zak
replied. How did he know though?
“Why do you think she’s got fake boobs? You know her?” I asked curiously.
“I’ve met her around. No, I’ve never slept with her but words do travel fast when you’re rich and your
father is trying hard to marry you off,” Zak exined. He is so full of gossip. The amount of intel he has
on people in our high-society is amazing and he does have a lot of connections with people.
“Enough about her. Be a prince ande on a cruise with me. Please?” I pleaded in my cute voice.
Zak has never been able to resist me pleading like this before.
“Ok. Condition: blindfold,” Zak agreed while stating his condition. Sex on the cruise with a blindfold on.
Not a bad bargain considering he could have chosen something more daring.
“Deal. See you! Have I mentioned ittely?...I love you!” I said and hung up.
That settles it. At least I will have my “brother” on the cruise with me. Knowing Zak, he will probably
help me deal with Ang as well. I will survive this cruise no matter what.
…
Natalia hung up. She’s clearly happy that I’m going on the cruise with her. I would have volunteered
anyways even if she didn’t ask. I found out about the cruise already through one of my maids who
always loves to gossip with maids from Lucien’s mansion. The perks of living next door, indeed. Letting
Natalia go on a cruise with Ang and an unsuspecting Lucien is a dangerous idea. Ang is anything
but nice and innocent. She may seem like an angel on the outside but there are ugly rumors
surrounding her and her father.
The fact that out of all the promising candidates, the elders chose her to marry Lucien is proof enough
that she will hurt Natalia somehow. This arranged nuptial is not purely for simple business gains; it was
designed to use Ang to hurt Natalia specifically as well. I’m going to have to dig up some dirt on
Ang to use as my secret arsenal in the case she threatens Natalia. Wee to our fucked-up lives.
…
Finally, the day of the apocalypse, I mean the cruise, has arrived. I’m packed and well prepared
mentally and physical for this battle, I mean cruise. Running ast-minute check on my mental checklist
of my packing list: sunscreen, bikini, towel, camera… Seem like I’ve got everything on the list. I head
down from my bedroom to the living room downstairs to meet up with Lucien and Zak.
The three of us will be driving together to the dock and Ang will be meeting us there to board the
cruise. Zak has volunteered to drive like a good boy in the ce of his uncle, who seems to be tired
from a long week of stressful work. Peering over at Lucien, I could see dark circles under his eyes.
Perhaps he’s been having trouble sleeping? I thought with concern before switching to think about what
I could do to relieve him of his stress.
Sitting in the driver seat next to Lucien, Zak seemed to be in a good mood as he drove for us. He was
all smiles and full of energy, the total opposite of Lucien. I’m so happy and thankful that he’s here with
us. Leave it to Zak to save my day…or in this case my weekend. Wearing a loose white shirt with
sleeves folded up to show his tan and muscr forearm…he’s so hot.
“Thanks foring along to keep Nataliapany. I was afraid she would be bored spending time
with her good old dad,” Lucienughed self-depreciatingly.
“Lucien, don’t say that. You’re not old at all, you’re at a handsome and ripe age of 38. You’re still so fit
and sexy too!” I defended Lucien much more actively than I intended leading both men to look at me
with raised eyebrows. Ok, I’ll just shut up now.
“Don’t go calling your father sexy; it gives me the creeps,” Zak eximed jokingly while acting like he’s
shivering from disgust.
I peered at Lucien’s face and saw that his face was slightly red. Perhaps he does like being
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sexy…and I love him so much.
We arrived at the dock and Ang greeted all of us with a big and warm smile.
“Hi, this is my cousin, Zak. His mother is Lucien’s older sister,” I introduced Zak to Ang as he bowed
slightly in a perfect gentlemanly manner.
“I see. So, you’re Madame Francesca’s only son,” Ang said as her eyes narrowed. She’s heard of
his fame many times before. Born as the first grandson of the family with looks resembling a Greek god
with rays of the sun in his hairs and eyes. Rumors for once are extremely urate. This is the first time
she’s seen Zak up close and was frankly startled by his good looks. Zak is famous for his contribution
to art, fashion and film and also heads his family’s marketing and branding arm, all at such a young
age.
--To be continued...