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** 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 back late last 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 knowing laugh. 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 Angela.

“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 explained. 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 and come 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 it lately?…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 Angela 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 Angela and an unsuspecting Lucien is a dangerous idea. Angela 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 Angela to hurt Natalia specifically as well. I’m going to have to dig up some dirt on Angela to use as my secret arsenal in the case she threatens Natalia. Welcome 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 a last-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 Angela will be meeting us there to board the cruise. Zak has volunteered to drive like a good boy in the place 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 muscular forearm…he’s so hot.

“Thanks for coming along to keep Natalia company. I was afraid she would be bored spending time with her good old dad,” Lucien laughed 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 digitalbahis yeni giriş 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 exclaimed 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 complicated once in a while? I do mean it though, to me Lucian is far from old. He’s so beautiful and sexy…and I love him so much.

We arrived at the dock and Angela 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 Angela as he bowed slightly in a perfect gentlemanly manner.

“I see. So, you’re Madame Francesca’s only son,” Angela 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 accurate. 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.

We boarded the cruise where we will be cruising to fish and relax for the weekend. The cruise belongs to our family so this is not the first time that I’ve been here with Lucien and Zak. First off to our rooms. Thank god the cruise was luxuriously huge and had enough rooms for everyone. Being rich has its perk for sure this time, I thought, otherwise I’ll surely be sharing a room with Angela. If that was the case, I’d rather sleep out in the open…

After freshening up and changing into my white bikini I headed up on deck where Lucian and Zak were busy preparing our barbecue lunch. There were maids around on this cruise but I guess Zak and Lucien wanted to the experience of cooking our lunch themselves.

“Hi, boys!” I greeted them cheerfully with the brightest smile I could put on.

Their faces lit up with smiles as well as they greeted me. At times like these, I try my best to forget the mess of my life and just enjoy the moment as it comes. I decided to help them prepare the barbecue.

Angela soon came on deck wearing a very revealing red bikini. She looks like an adult magazine model, which is smoking hot. I have to give her fair credit where it’s due. I wonder how Lucien feels seeing her like that. Their engagement was sudden and although Lucien never explained it to me, I can sense that the elders probably had a big say in it. I wonder if Lucien loves her…

…

“Lucien, we have decided that it would be in the company’s and the family’s best interest if you marry Angela Woodwick. Her father’s business in energy and his tight ties to powerful politicians is what we need to further grow the family’s business. Her family is also wealthy and well recognized in foreign circles. Having you marry her will be for the best,” Elizabeth declared in a commanding voice.

Elizabeth is currently the chairwomen of the company and the head of the elders.

Lucien looked up from where he knelt on one knee on the deep red carpeted floor at the 3 elders. Our company and therefore, family, is run by the “elders”. The elders are chosen by vote from family members to take on management of the company and also of family affairs with the sole purpose of making decisions that would be best for the company’s and family’s interests. Strictly business and void of any human emotions, they view family members merely as resources to expand the business. Each family member’s path in life is destined by the elder group from a young age including: education, training, career, dating, marriage, etc. However, in the end the elders are human and if you please them well enough, there will start to be room for negotiations.

Today, Lucien is here to make the second big negotiation of his life with the elders and for that to go through, he must make big sacrifices.

“I will agree on two conditions,” Lucien said in a monotonous voice.

“So, you want to make a deal? Sure, what are your conditions?” Elizabeth asked without any surprise in her voice. She knew that Lucien would not agree to a loveless marriage without placing conditions.

“One, I will divorce her when the business deal has gone through and the set-up is complete or in two years, whichever comes first. Two, Natalia will become digitalbahis giriş my lover and next marriage partner. You all will acknowledge her immediately as such and treat her so,” Lucien stated the conditions that he had prepared.

Lucien wants Natalia as his wife? Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed as she glanced to the other elders on either of her side. To acknowledge Natalia as Lucien’s lover and future wife would mean that we won’t be able to touch her or arrange any marriage prospects for her. Is this what Lucien is going after? He’s married her mother before and now he wants to marry the daughter, what does he aim to gain?

“Fine. We, the elders, agree to this proposal. You will announce your engagement to Angela as soon as possible. However, if Natalia does not wish to become your lover or marry you, we will not force her in the matter,” Elizabeth agreed to Lucien’s proposal. Future problems can be dealt with later, for now, the business contract comes first. Angela’s father is trying to cover up many of his daughter’s scandals and is willing to invest so much money in the company if that means he can marry his daughter off. The fact that Angela is smitten with Lucien is making this deal much easier for both sides.

The elders got up from their seats, signaling the end of their conversation. Lucien got up and turned to leave the cold hall.

“Wait for me, Natalia…” he whispered under his breath to none other than himself.

…

It’s not often that we’re on a cruise, so I am determined to enjoy myself. Zak and I went for a dip in the pool on the ship’s deck. The weather is so nice and sunny today, the wind in my hair feels refreshing, the birds flying up above seemed to be enjoying themselves as well.

“Feeling better? You’ve been feeling down for a while now, right?” Zak asked in a soft tone as he moved to sit even closer to me in the water.

“Might as well enjoy ourselves while we can. Are you ok though? You know, about Annie…” I trial off.

“It doesn’t bother me, to be honest. I’ve always known that I wouldn’t be able to choose who I marry. As you know, I’ve spent most of my life negotiating with my mother and the elders to pursue my career. They wouldn’t let me model outright but I eventually could get involve in fashion, arts, film and I could lead marketing for our family business. If dating Annie is the price that I have to pay to keep those things, I guess it isn’t so bad,” Zak explained his viewpoint passively.

“I guess it’s fine if you’re really ok with it…” I replied. Not knowing what else to say.

Zak squeezed my hand under the water.

“Will you stay with me?” Zak asked while looking deep into my eyes. His hazel eyes with those light blond long lashes are so beautiful like eyes of a golden lion.

“Forever…as long as you still want me around,” I promised. As long as Zak needs me, we will always be together. Our relationship will never fade; just like the scars he bears for me.

…

Evening came much faster than I thought. So far, I’ve been able to avoid Angela by sticking to Zak. Angela spent her time sitting around Lucien, who spent most of the day working on his laptop. It was plain as day that this cruise was not Lucien’s idea and he would rather be spending time working this weekend away in his study.

Dinner with the four of us was awkward at best. Angela tried to make small talk but today Lucien was very taciturn and unfriendly. Zak on the other hand didn’t jump in to help and I obviously did not want to talk to her.

“This cruise is simply amazing. Isn’t it? We should spend more of our weekends on holidays like this. Small getaways are good for relaxing too, right?” Angela said encouraging while beaming her best smile.

Lucien didn’t reply not even bothering to look up from his mobile screen. Whatever joy he presented when he first introduced Angela to me at our house was now gone. Did they get into a fight?

“Usually I just go out with Natalia or Natalia with Lucien. We don’t usually go on group gatherings much, unfortunately,” Zak replied before guiding my attention to look at some newly launched fashion collection on his mobile. Ultimately excluding Angela from our conversation entirely.

The atmosphere was so tense that the good food lost all of its flavor. I feel bad for the chef for cooking up all this.

“I think I’m going to excuse myself. The sun was hot so I’m feeling a little tired and dizzy,” I smiled weakly as I excused myself.

“Oh…let me take care of you then. I’ll digitalbahis güvenilirmi bring some champagne along too,” Zak quickly picked up on my queue and left with me.

Lucien looked up to watch us leave then returned his gaze back to his mobile.

…

I woke up from my nap and it was already night out. I should shower and change for bedtime. Entering into the bathroom, I could see that the maids have prepared the bath with scented aromatic candles and laid out my nightgown. I should thank them when I get the chance, I thought to myself as I slid into the warm bath water.

The warm water feels so relaxing and I was on the verge of dozing off when I heard my bedroom door open. Is it the maid? I should tell her I don’t require her assistance anymore tonight so she can retire for the day.

“Who is it? I won’t be needing your support anymore for today. You can go rest, no need to worry about me,” I called out to her from the bath, my eyes still closed as I continued to enjoy the warm bath. The lavender scented candles doing its job of calming my nerves very well.

I didn’t hear her reply. That’s odd…

The next moment, the bathroom door slowly opened. Maybe she didn’t hear me and came to help give my back a wash or to massage me, I thought sleepily. She didn’t need to, although I wouldn’t mind a back scrub, I thought lazily as I turned towards her.

Mesmerizing green eyes met mine.

Lucien. Why is he here? Oh god, I’m completely naked!

“Lucien…? Do you need something?” I asked in a small quivering voice as I tried to hide my body deeper into the water and foam. Conscious that I’m not the only one lacking clothing, Lucien was naked except for the white towel he has wrapped around his waist. This is not good, he might not be thinking anything along those lines but I am starting to feel…

His body is beautiful, his skin white and smooth like marble. His whole body muscular and firm, his biceps, his chest, his six packs. The hair starting at the base of his stomach and trailing down to his…

Our eyes were still locked and silence hung in the air.

“I do,” Lucien finally replied as he walked slowly over to the bathtub. He’s getting closer and closer. What is he going to do? I wondered.

Lucien came right to the edge of the bathtub before crouching down so his face was at my level. He kept on staring into my eyes and it was making me even more nervous. I hugged my legs to my chest protectively.

“You said you were feeling a bit sick and tired. Are you feeling better?” Lucien asked as he dipped one arm into the water.

“Yes, I took a nap and now I’m feeling much better. You don’t need to worry,” I replied mustering up a smile. You can leave now, Lucien.

“I see. I’m happy to hear it,” Lucien replied softly. His voice was low, his spirits seemed low as well. He was no longer looking at me but down into the foamy water where his hand played with the warm water and bubbles. He seemed depress and very stressed out, I was starting to worry about him. He always worries about me but never complains or shows me his weaknesses.

“Are you feeling down? Is there something I can help you with?” I asked with worry in my voice. Afterall, he did tell me that he needed something when he came in.

“Give me your hand,” He instructed and I complied, stretching out my hand to him. He took my hand in his and kissed the palm of my hand softly. I soft gasp escaped my lips at the shock of what he just did. Lucien did not stop as he flipped my small hand in his larger one and kissed the back of my hand. His lips and breath are so warm even against my warm skin. Then he placed my open hand against his right cheek as he leaned his face into my palm and closed his eyes.

“Lucien…” I didn’t know what to say to him. Whatever it was that was bothering him must be worst than I can possibly imagine. I have never seen him like this before in our ten years living together. He looked like a wounded beast that needed comforting. Strange but very adorable at the same time.

I wanted to help him in anyway that I can. I wasn’t sure what was troubling him but I could sort of guess that it probably had something to do with the business he had with the elders. He has to visit the elders at least once a month and whenever he came back, he would seem a bit down. Perhaps this is one of those episodes but just way worst than ever before this time around. I wish he would confide in me but I’ve never pressured him to tell me anything he didn’t want to.

While those thoughts were running through my head, Lucien had let go of my hand and has stood up. He is leaving? Already? I wasn’t sure if I was happy or disappointed at the thought of him leaving. I never got to find out because the next moment, he was getting into the bathtub with me!

–To be continued…

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