Chapter 101
Out at sea, the luxury cruise ship *The Cupid* glided smoothly across the water.
Today, the Thomas Group was hosting its annual corporate team–building retreat–a five–day, four–night cruise.
Normally, Jonathan would never bother showing up for these sorts of events. But this year was different.
Everyone in the company knew why: Jonathan was here for Marina.
“Aren’t you changing into your swimsuit, Niamh?”
In their shared cabin, Marina was slipping into a pink polka–dot bikini, glancing at
Niamh with a teasing smile.
They’d been assigned as roommates this trip. Marina hadn’t asked to switch, and Niamh saw no reason to bring it up herself..
She wasn’t afraid of anything.
“Not really in the mood right now,” Niamh replied, nonchalant.
“What a shame! The water park on deck is so much fun.”
With that, Marina flounced out, clearly delighted with herself.
Of course, Niamh knew the massive water park on the top deck was the highlight of *The Cupid*. But she also knew exactly what she’d see if she went up–Marina and Jonathan flaunting their relationship for everyone to see.
She wanted no part of it.
Jonathan was never the type for water parks. Or at least, not in Niamh’s memory. Back in college, when he was chasing after her, she’d once suggested a trip to a water park. He’d turned her down flat.
Still, back then she’d naively believed he loved her.
The afternoon sun poured in, making it a crime to stay cooped up in the cabin. After a moment’s hesitation, Niamh decided to go up to the deck and bask in the
sun.
The deck was alive with chatter and laughter. Even though the only passengers were Thomas Group employees, the pool was so crowded it looked as if someone had dropped a hundred pebbles into a pond.
1/3
14:17
Chapter 101
With so many people, it was impossible not to spot Jonathan.
In all their years of marriage, this was the first time Niamh had ever seen Jonathan in swimwear. Maybe he’d always been too conscious of his status as CEO to show any skin in front of his employees. Today, he wore a sleek, all–black swimsuit with matching trunks. Even so, he looked effortlessly fit.
Next to him, Marina was laughing as she splashed water at him. Jonathan, not to be outdone, grabbed a water gun and fired back, both of them dissolving into playful laughter.
Anyone watching would think they were a pair of lovestruck newlyweds.
Niamh had never seen this boyish, carefree side of Jonathan before. In three years of marriage, their interactions seemed limited to brief conversations and the quiet routine of sharing a bed.
Was she just too dull? Or was it simply that Jonathan never loved her at all?
She let out a sigh and turned away.
That evening, the cruise’s first event was a formal dance.
Niamh hadn’t bothered to bring a new dress. She packed the same gown she’d worn to the last company holiday party–not the ultra–expensive ZM dress worth a fortune. That one had been ruined when Olive spilled wine on it, staining the bodice beyond repair. Jonathan had given her a new dress afterward.
Niamh never cared much about designer gowns. If it wasn’t necessary, she saw no point in buying a new one for every occasion. So she simply brought the dress Jonathan had given her.
She laid out the gown, took a shower, and dried her hair. But when she returned, she found the dress still hanging in the closet–except now, a huge slit had been cut into the hem with scissors.
There were only two people in this room: her and Marina.
Niamh never expected Marina would stoop to something so childish.
Meanwhile, the ballroom was bustling. The Thomas Group’s gala had begun, everyone was there–except for Niamh.
Marina was dressed to the nines, standing beside Jonathan in his tailored suit. Together, they made a picture–perfect couple.
*The Cupid* also had an indoor pool. That’s where Niamh found herself, swimming laps.
2/3
11.17
Chapter 101
She couldn’t join the water park. She couldn’t go to the dance. At the very least, not one would bother her while she was swimming–right?
Apparently not.
Niamh wasn’t sure how long she’d been swimming when someone suddenly appeared in the next lane.
The stranger wore a swim cap and goggles–she couldn’t tell if it was a man or a
woman.
They were swimming freestyle. So was she.
For no reason at all, a spark of competition flared in Niamh’s chest.
