Cruise In Love: Revenge On My Cheating Ex-boyfriend

Into the Dark

“Are you okay?” a voice called out the moment I blinked awake.

The harsh glare of the overhead lights forced me to shut my eyes again, but the hum of activity around me coaxed them back open. My gaze darted to the speaker, and my breath caught.

“Paul?” I croaked, wincing as a sharp pain surged through me. My body felt heavy, like it was aflame. “What are you doing here? Did you find me?”

Paul offered a quick, reassuring smile, though it faltered soon after. “I wish I could say I did,” he replied softly. “It was Jane who found you. She heard your voice while leaving one of the rooms and stepped in to help.”

His words drew my attention to the woman standing quietly beside him. “Thank you,” I murmured weakly, my voice barely audible.

Jane gave a kind nod, her tone gentle. “It’s nothing. I’m just glad you’re safe.”

Before I could respond, the doctor walked in, clipboard in hand. His focused expression sent a ripple of unease through me as he checked my vitals and jotted down notes. My head swam with exhaustion, but I managed to ask, “What’s going on? Am I… okay?”

The doctor’s gaze softened. “You’ll be fine,” he assured me. “The snake was venomous, but the first aid you received prevented the venom from spreading. We’ll need to monitor you for a few days, just to be safe.”

A quiet sigh of relief escaped my lips, but Paul’s question quickly pulled me back. “Should I call your boyfriend? He should know what’s happened. Why isn’t he here?”

“Zachary’s on a business trip,” I explained, shaking my head slightly. “He just left. I don’t want to bother him with this.”

“ This is important. No matter how busy he is, he would want to know. Besides, how on earth did snakes get on the ship? I thought animals were forbidden on the ship?” Paul asked.

It was my question too. Why was a box with a massive snake just waiting for me? It was obvious that someone was really after me. Worst, this person seemed to be closer than I thought.

The dizziness and fatigue seemed to get worst. Closing my eyes for a second, I inhaled and exhaled sharply.

“ You don't look well. You should rest,” Paul murmured, sitting down before he dismissed the doctor and Jane, “I’ll stay here, just in case you need anything.”

I wanted to argue, to tell him it wasn’t necessary, but the words wouldn’t come. Instead, I let the warmth of his presence pull me to sleep.

By the time I woke up again, I jolted awake as the memories of the incident slipped into my dream. The huge snake. The ones that had also been in my room. I opened my mouth screaming, tears filling my eyes but no one came. Glancing around the empty room as I panted, sweat beading my forehead. The faint light from the corner of the room was the only thing lighting up the room. Paul who was asleep stared awake because of me.

“ Are you okay? Do you feel discomfort?” He asked as he stared at me worryingly.

“ I'm okay. Just a bad dream.” I said staring around.

For the next few weeks, the cruise tour continued and Zachary had made no contact at all. No calls, no messages, nothing. I tried to continue with my life. Our deal was only limited to the ship. Fake dating, that is. A part of me was extremely worried but I knew I had no rights. Was he really just busy or was he enjoying his time with Chloe? I watched them on the news every day. He was my boss, the CEO of the company I worked for.

“Are you done? There is a new movie premier tonight. Everyone says it's going to be great.” Paul said as he walked up to me in the cafeteria.

For the past week, I had been investigating what happened to me. The mysterious box. Apparently the ship organizers had sent a free box of supplies to each room. The box was supposed to be full of items such as stickers and decorative materials for the kids section but mine had a snake. I complained to the organizers and they had no clue.

“ I had no idea that it was this packed.” I said as we stood in the bustling theater lobby. Paul chuckled softly, leading the way through the crowd.

The grand theater hummed with anticipation, the air buzzing with the chatter of passengers settling into plush seats. A faint scent of popcorn and cologne lingered in the air as the house lights dimmed. I sat beside Paul, trying to push aside the unease that had followed me since the snake incident.

“You’re going to love this,” Paul said, leaning closer as the screen flickered to life. “The reviews are fantastic.”

I offered him a faint smile before shifting my attention to the massive screen as the movie began. The faint buzz of my phone in my pocket broke my focus. My chest tightened when I saw Zachary’s name glowing on the screen. After weeks of silence, the sudden call felt far from coincidental.

Murmuring an apology, I slipped into the hallway, cradling the phone in my hand. “Zachary?” My voice barely escaped as a whisper.

“Charlotte, I just got here. My parents are with me. Where are you?” His voice was calm but edged with urgency.

“Char, the movie’s starting!” Paul’s voice rang from the theater, pulling my attention back momentarily.

“I have to go,” I said, my voice tight with guilt, barely meeting his gaze before rushing away. My heart raced as I darted down the hallway, the phone pressed to my ear. “Where are you?”

Suddenly, the ship lurched violently, sending me crashing into the wall with a gasp. The lights flickered, casting everything in an eerie, dim glow. The groan of the ship echoed through the halls, and I could hear distant shouts and frantic footsteps. My heart hammered in my chest as the floor swayed beneath me. Before I could steady myself, another jolt sent me stumbling straight into someone's arms.

“ Paul?” I asked staring at him as he held me in his arms.

“ Are you okay? Are you hurt?” Paul asked as he checked me.

“ I'm fine” I replied before glancing around. “ My phone. Where is my phone?” I asked as I moved slowly.

I fumbled for my phone, the lights flickering again. My heart pounded as I finally grasped the device, only to find it dead in my hand. I cursed under my breath, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me.

“Paul?” I called out, my voice trembling. But there was no answer.

Suddenly, the ship lurched once more, even harder than before. This time, the lights didn’t just flicker, they went out completely, plunging the hallway into an oppressive, suffocating darkness. I gasped, disoriented, my pulse quickening as I strained to hear anything above the deafening silence.

“Charlotte!” Paul's voice rang out loud.

Just then, I heard Zachary's voice ring out of the phone again. “Stay with Paul, Charlotte. Make sure you stay safe. I will come and get you.”