Date Gone Wrong (2)
1447 Words
The atmosphere buzzed with a quiet thrill as we stepped into the Enchanted Ball, one of the ship’s most exquisite venues. The room was a vision of elegance, its crystal chandeliers shimmering like starlight against the subdued glow. The polished dance floor stretched out invitingly, reflecting the soft lights as couples swayed to the soulful melodies of the live band.
Zachary’s hand rested lightly on my back as he guided me toward the edge of the floor. “Perfect choice,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble meant only for me.
A smile tugged at my lips. The enchanting music, the soft lights, and the effortless charm of the moment. It was like being transported into a dream. As the band transitioned to a tender ballad, Zachary turned to me, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that quickened my pulse.
“May I have this dance?” he asked, extending a hand toward me.
I hesitated briefly before slipping my hand into his. “Only if you promise to spare my toes.”
The corner of his mouth lifted in a teasing smirk. “No promises, but I’ll try.”
He drew me closer, his arm steady around my waist as we moved in unison to the gentle rhythm. His steps were sure, guiding me effortlessly across the floor. I let myself relax, the music and his presence wrapping around me like a comforting embrace.
“You’re better at this than you let on,” he murmured near my ear, his voice warm and low.
I glanced up, catching the unreadable expression in his eyes. “And you’re full of hidden talents,” I replied, a soft laugh escaping me.
Before the moment could settle too deeply, the tempo of the music shifted. The bandleader stepped forward, his voice booming with energy. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for a little fun! Welcome to our Musical Harmony Challenge—find your partner, follow the rhythm, and let’s see who can keep up!”
Laughter rippled through the crowd as couples began gathering on the dance floor. Zachary arched a brow at me, his hand tightening slightly on my waist. “Think you can handle this?”
I gave him a playful look. “I could ask you the same.”
“Let’s settle it,” he said, pulling me toward the center just as the game began.
The rules were simple yet chaotic: dance to the music, adjusting to its ever-changing rhythms and styles. Couples who faltered were eliminated, leaving the strongest pairs to compete. Zachary’s confident lead matched my quick reflexes perfectly, our movements fluid despite the unpredictable shifts.
By the final round, only one other couple remained. The band launched into a fast-paced swing, and Zachary spun me with precision before pulling me back in, his touch firm but electrifying. My heart pounded, not just from the dance but from the way his gaze never left mine, as though the world around us had faded.
When the music ended in a dramatic flourish, applause filled the room. Zachary twirled me once more, dipping me low as his face hovered just inches from mine. My breath caught at the intensity in his eyes, the air between us charged with an unspoken tension.
“You win,” he murmured, his voice rough and intimate.
But before I could reply, the applause waned, replaced by hushed whispers. Straightening, I turned toward the commotion, and my stomach clenched. Standing at the room’s edge was Connor, his expression dark and fixed on me.
Zachary noticed him too, his hand at my back becoming more protective. “Stay here,” he said firmly.
Then I saw her, Sarah. The woman who had shattered my world was by Connor’s side, her smug smile cutting through the air like a blade. She leaned in to whisper something to him, her eyes flicking toward me with a mocking glint.
“What is she doing here?” I muttered under my breath.
Zachary’s grip on my hand tightened, his expression unreadable. “We don’t need to find out. Let’s go.”
But Connor stepped forward, blocking our path. His voice rang out, silencing the room. “Leaving so soon, Charlotte?”
My heart sank as all eyes turned toward us.
“What do you want, Connor?” I asked, keeping my tone even though I could feel the storm rising within me.
His gaze shifted to Zachary, his jaw tightening. “I want to talk. Alone.”
Zachary’s arm didn’t falter. “She’s with me,” he said coldly, his voice sharp enough
to cut through the tension. “You’ll have to wait.”
“ Charlotte, tell your fling that we have to talk,” Connor said as he stared at Zachary.
Zachary stepped forward immediately angered by Connor's words. Seeing the tension between them, I stepped between them.
“Enough, Connor. I already told you that I don't want to have anything to do with you. What? I thought you said I was the clingy one.” I said using his own words against him.
Connor's face changed and I could tell that he was super uncomfortable. Good. He deserved it. The memory of him and Sarah together was still fresh, and I wasn’t about to let him turn this into a spectacle.
"Charlotte, you don’t understand—" he started, but I cut him off.
"Save it, Connor. Whatever excuse or explanation you have, I’m not interested. You’ve already said enough, and so have I.” My voice was steady, though my heart raced in my chest.
Sarah’s laugh sliced through the room, drawing everyone's attention. "Oh, Connor, maybe we should let her enjoy her rebound. It’s not like she can do any better."
Before I could retort, Zachary’s calm but razor-sharp voice broke in. “Funny coming from someone whose standards are scraping the bottom of the barrel.” His tone was deadly, his smile cold.
Sarah flushed, her smug expression faltering as murmurs rippled through the crowd. Connor’s face darkened, his fists clenching, but before he could respond, Zachary placed a gentle hand on my lower back.
“We’re done here,” Zachary said softly, guiding me away from the growing tension.
“Charlotte,” Connor’s voice called after me, but I didn’t stop. I wasn’t going to let him get to me.
The crisp night air greeted me as we stepped onto the ship’s open deck. The ocean stretched endlessly before us, its rhythmic waves glinting under the moonlight. The cool breeze brushed against my skin, offering a quiet comfort I desperately needed.
Zachary stood beside me, his presence steady and watchful. I caught him staring, his expression unreadable and turned to face him.
A sigh escaped my lips as I crossed my arms, my thoughts churning with frustration, anger, and the lingering sting of humiliation. “I should’ve known this would happen,” I admitted, my voice softer now. “Connor has never been good at letting things go.”
Zachary’s gaze softened, but there was a firm edge to his tone as he said, “Are you okay? Don’t worry. I’ll make sure Connor and Sarah are kept in check.”
His words tugged a small smile from me, the tension in my chest easing slightly. “And Chloe?” I asked, raising a brow as a mischievous grin played on my lips.
Zachary’s lips quirked into a confident smirk, his gaze flicking back to the ocean. “Chloe won’t be a problem. I can handle her.”
Zachary's words eased the tension in my chest as I heard them. Suddenly, the sound of my phone ringing caught my attention. I reached into my bag and brought it out. The message that appeared on my screen caught me off guard.
“ Leave Zachary alone. He is mine. Leave him or this is exactly what will happen to you.”
Another text message with a picture caught me off guard. It was a picture of a rat lying down in its own blood in a cage. I yelled immediately, throwing my phone to the ground, and Zachary turned to me.
“ What's wrong?” He asked before reaching to pick up my phone from the floor. His eyes widened as he saw the message and the picture.
A chill ran down my spine as the memory of the message burned in my memory. Zachary's eyes changed and I watched as his hand tightened around my phone.
“ Is it Chloe?” I asked as I stared at him.
Without looking back, Zachary stormed off leaving me alone on the deck. Rushing inside, I ran after him.
- Writer
