Chapter 203
Sarah’s POV
I returned to our stateroom after the deck grew crowded with other passengers. Throughout the day, there was no sign of Alexander.
The hours ticked by, darkness fell, and still he hadn’t returned.
I tried to focus on the work documents I’d brought along, but my mind kept drifting to him–wondering where he was, what he was doing, why he’d been so cold earlier. (1)
The gentle knock at the door startled me from my thoughts.
“Ms. Winters?” The elderly steward bowed slightly when I opened the door. “I’m here to inform you about tonight’s masquerade ball on the yacht’s upper deck.”
“A masquerade?” I echoed, surprised.
“Yes, ma’am. It’s quite an extravagant affair—the highlight of our voyage.
As Alpha Blackwood’s companion, you’re certainly not obligated to attend, but most guests consider it the event of the cruise.”
My interest piqued immediately. “Will Alpha Blackwood be attending?”
The steward’s expression remained professionally neutral. “I believe he received an invitation, yes. Alpha Blackwood is busy working, as for whether he’ll attend, that remains uncertain.”
I made my decision instantly. “Please inform Alpha Alexander that I’ll be at the masquerade, waiting for him.”
“Very well, Ms. Winters.” He handed me an elegant cream–colored envelope. “Your formal invitation. The event begins at 8 o’clock.”
After he left, I opened the dresser where I’d hung my clothes.
I hadn’t packed anything suitable for a masquerade ball, but among my dresses was a simple black evening gown -modest compared to what I imagined others would wear, but elegant enough. 3
The steward had mentioned that masks would be provided for those who needed them.
The hours passed slowly as I prepared.
I styled my hair in loose waves cascading down my back, applied more makeup than usual–enough to enhance my features without being overly dramatic–and slipped into my dress.
At exactly seven–thirty, I stood before the mirror, fastening the delicate angel mask the steward had delivered earlier.
The white and gold creation covered the upper half of my face, adorned with tiny crystals that caught the light
when I moved.
For a moment, I hardly recognized myself.
1/3
Chapter 203
+25 BONUS
The woman in the mirror looked mysterious, alluring–nothing like the timid shadow I’d been for so long. I wondered if Alexander would see me differently tonight too.
The masquerade was in full swing when I arrived.
The yacht’s upper deck had been transformed into a fantasy world of silk draperies, twinkling lights, and exotic floral arrangements.
Masked figures moved through the space like creatures from another realm–women in revealing costumes that left little to the imagination, men in elaborate disguises ranging from traditional Venetian masks to bizarre animal representations.
The air thrummed with excitement and sensuality.
Champagne flowed freely, inhibitions lowered with each glass. I felt conspicuously understated in my simple black gown and angel mask, but I didn’t care.
I wasn’t here to impress the crowd; I was looking for one man only.
“A dance, beautiful angel?” A tall figure in a demon mask approached, extending his hand.
“No, thank you,” I declined politely, scanning the crowd.
“Just one dance,” he persisted, stepping closer. His cologne was overpowering, making me step back.
“I’m waiting for someone,” I said firmly.
He reluctantly retreated, only to be replaced by another suitor, then another.
I politely refused them all, moving through the crowd with purpose, searching for Alexander’s distinctive broad shoulders and that commanding presence impossible to mistake.
Suddenly, the crystal chandeliers went dark, replaced by pulsing laser lights that sliced through the air.
A single cylindrical beam lit up the stage, revealing the host dressed dramatically as the Grim Reaper.
“Ladies and gentlemen, good evening!” His voice boomed through the speakers, full of flair and excitement.
The crowd erupted into cheers, the atmosphere instantly electrified.
“Tonight, we finally welcome our long–awaited masquerade ball! Are you excited?”
“YES!” the crowd roared back.
“Then let’s gather here to dance, to connect, to interact!”
“Let’s get crazy! Party night–say goodbye to loneliness!”
As the host’s voice faded, bass–heavy music blasted through the hall. Under the kaleidoscope of lights, seven or eight stunning women took to the stage, beginning the opening dance.
2/3
Chapter 203
The crowd went wild, waves of cheers and whistles crashing over each other.
+25 BONUS
Light and color spun in dizzying patterns across the room. Masks turned faces into mysteries. Laughter spilled freely. Bodies swayed to the beat, strangers moving together like old lovers.
But I wasn’t really here. Not with them.
I kept looking, scanning the crowd again and again, hoping for that one familiar figure to break through the blur of movement.
He still wasn’t here.
The minutes stretched into an hour, then two.
There was no sign of him. Had he received my message?
Did he simply choose not to come? The thought deflated me.
Perhaps I was foolish to think he might want to spend time with me, especially after our encounter this morning.
***
Alexander’s POV
I’d been stuck in the yacht’s conference room for hours, one video meeting bleeding into another.
