Cruise In Love: Revenge On My Cheating Ex-boyfriend

Date Gone Wrong

I stood before the mirror, my fingers brushing the smooth fabric of my dress as I wrestled with the storm brewing inside me. My cheeks warmed, betraying the memory of Zachary’s touch. The heat, the certainty, and the way it awakened something in me I hadn’t known was there. The moment replayed over and over in my mind. Intense. Reckless. Consuming. Zachary wasn’t just any man. He was my boss. And being around him felt like walking a tightrope over flames that threatened to engulf me.

A sharp knock at the door jolted me from my spiraling thoughts. Turning toward the sound, my breath caught as Zachary appeared in the doorway. His gaze was steady, tinged with dangerous confidence, and a mischievous spark danced in his eyes.

“Ready?” he asked, his voice smooth and inviting, laced with an unspoken promise.

I inhaled deeply, silencing the voice of caution screaming in my head. Forcing a smile, I met his eyes. “I’m ready.”

His smile widened, devastating and utterly disarming. Extending his arm, he added, “Let’s make today unforgettable.”

As I slipped my hand into his, a shiver coursed through me, and every nerve in my body seemed to hum with anticipation. I didn’t know what lay ahead, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was stepping into a whirlwind I wasn’t prepared for.

Zachary led me off the ship to where a sleek black convertible gleamed under the Miami sun, its polished surface reflecting the city’s energy. It screamed luxury, yet the way Zachary casually opened the door for me to enter the passenger softened the car’s intimidating aura. It looked like it was just the two of us.

“Breakfast first,” he said as he slid into the driver’s seat, his tone light yet decisive. “I know the perfect spot.”

The drive along Ocean Drive was a sensory feast. The wind tugged at my hair as pastel-colored buildings, swaying palm trees, and the lively hum of Miami Beach unfolded before me. Zachary seemed perfectly at home, blending effortlessly with the city’s rhythm, while I felt every inch the tourist.

Our destination was a quaint café tucked in a quiet corner of South Beach. Its patio overlooked the water, offering a breathtaking view. Zachary chose a shaded table and handed me a menu, his movements confident and unhurried.

“This is one of my favorite spots,” he said, his tone easy, as if he’d done this a hundred times before.

I glanced at the menu and then at the way the staff greeted him. Familiar and warm, as though he were a regular. A teasing smile curved my lips. “Do you bring all your fake girlfriends here, or am I special?” I asked, trying to sound lighthearted, though my voice carried a nervous edge.

“Fake girlfriends?” He arched a brow, his tone laced with amusement. “You’re the only one I’ve ever had.”

His words caught me off guard, leaving me uncertain how to feel. Did this mean he wasn’t the playboy type? Or was there another meaning behind his admission? My eyes dropped to the menu, but my thoughts swirled with questions I wasn’t ready to answer.

Before I could say more, his phone buzzed, drawing his attention. His expression shifted, his brows knitting as he glanced at the screen. “Excuse me,” he said, standing to take the call.

Left alone, I scanned the menu and quickly chose something, my eyes occasionally wandering to the sparkling ocean view. It was peaceful until it wasn’t.

The sight of Connor walking into the café jolted me. My gaze followed him as he made a beeline for my table, each step tightening the knot in my stomach.

“Connor, what are you doing here?” I asked, my voice sharp as he slid into Zachary’s chair, crossing his legs with infuriating ease.

Connor leaned back in Zachary’s chair, his arrogance filling the space like a storm cloud. He didn’t belong here, not in this café, and certainly not in my life anymore.

“Relax, Charlotte. I just want to talk,” he said, crossing his legs like he had all the time in the world.

I forced a tight smile, masking the tension in my chest. “Talk? What could you possibly have to say that I’d want to hear?”

He smirked, tilting his head slightly. “You didn’t answer my calls. I figured showing up in person might work better.”

The casual tone in his voice was like nails on a chalkboard. I leaned forward, lowering my voice to keep things low. “Connor, we’re over. Do you hear me? There’s nothing left to say. Just leave before Zachary—”

“Zachary. How could I forget? I’ve seen you parading around this cruise ship with him, laughing and chatting like you two are a couple. Do you really think Zachary is going to give up everything for you? For you, an ordinary office employee? Stop being so stubborn and let’s move on. I know you’re still upset about what happened with Sarah. We’re done now. Come back to me.”

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing at his words.

“Come back to you? Only if I’m crazy or desperate, and I’m neither. You had your fun, and now it’s my turn. If you still want to be with me after this cruise, I might consider it.” I dropped the napkin from my lap back onto the table and stood up.

Just as I started to leave, Connor grabbed my arm, tightening his grip. “Where do you think you’re going, Charlotte? I’m not done with you yet,” he said, his eyes holding mine.

I struggled to break free. “Let go of me! I said let go!”

All eyes in the restaurant were on us as Connor refused to let go. A waiter stepped forward to help, but Connor’s grip only tightened.

“Get out of here! I’m talking to my girlfriend!” Connor shouted at the waiter arrogantly.

“I’m not your girlfriend, you delusional jerk. Let go!” I snapped back, struggling even harder.

“Sir, please calm down or I’ll have to—”

“There’s no need for that,” a voice cut in. I turned to see Zachary walking back. “I’ll take care of this, thanks,” he said calmly, dismissing the waiter.

Once the waiter disappeared, Connor’s grip finally released, and I instinctively moved closer to Zachary. My heart raced as I glanced at my arm, where Connor's hand had left an angry bruise. He’d always been overbearing, but this was the first time he’d crossed a line.

Zachary’s sharp gaze caught mine, and I quickly pulled my arm behind me, trying to hide the evidence. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice steady, though his eyes betrayed concern.

I nodded, desperate to avoid another scene. “Let’s just leave, please,” I whispered, tugging on his arm.

For a moment, he simply looked at me, his face unreadable. Then, without a word, he took my hand and led me out of the restaurant. The silence between us was heavier than the waves outside as we returned to the ship. Zachary hadn’t said a single word, and I couldn’t tell if he was upset or merely processing what had happened. I knew tonight was supposed to be special, even if it was all for show.

Later, after a long, hot shower, I stepped out of the bathroom to find him standing by the window. His shoulders were tense, his hands tucked into his pockets. Feeling self-conscious, I tossed my towel onto the bed and moved to grab clothes from my suitcase, but his voice stopped me.

“Wait. Come here,” he said softly, his tone commanding yet gentle.

Curious and cautious, I walked over. He guided me to sit on the bed and reached for a bag of ice. My breath hitched as he carefully pressed it against my bruised arm. The coolness stung, but it was nothing compared to the fury in his eyes.

“That bastard,” Zachary muttered, his jaw tightening. “I swear I’m going to kill him.”

I shook my head. “He’s jealous. Isn’t that what we wanted?” I said, trying to downplay it. “I just… I’ve never seen him like that before. I don’t know if I should feel flattered or scared.”

Zachary’s gaze darkened. “That wasn’t jealousy. That was an obsession. And it’s dangerous.” He exhaled sharply, then added, “We’re staying on the ship from now on. No more trips to the mainland. Is that clear?”

His intense stare made it impossible to argue, so I nodded.

The tension eased slightly as his lips curled into a faint smile. “Good. Now, what do you want to do? Another movie?” he asked, mischief flickering in his eyes.

I hesitated, my cheeks warming as memories of the day rushed back. Trying to distract myself, I smiled. “Something different. I want to dance.”

Zachary chuckled softly, rising to his feet. “Your wish is my command,” he said with a playful bow.

But as I took his hand, the weight of Connor’s earlier actions lingered in the back of my mind. It was a quiet reminder that I really did have to be careful. Was he really the one that set my room on fire? I had not wanted to believe it but now, it seemed like it could be true.