Cozy Lie, Christmas Ties

AVA SINCLAIR

The golden ticket lay on my lap, its glossy sheen catching the sunlight streaming through the car's windshield. I couldn't stop smiling as I turned to my boyfriend, Ethan, who sat in the driver's seat.

"A New Year's cruise," I said, my eyes beaming with excitement. "I still can't believe you got these. This is going to be perfect."

Spending Yuletide on a cruise had always been on my wishlist, and for years, it had been almost impossible for me to achieve this due to so many reasons. But alas, here I was, planning the vacation I had always wished for with the love of my life.

Ethan grinned, though the smile didn't reach his eyes. "Anything for you babe. I figured you deserve to start the new year with a little adventure; besides, this has always been your dream."

I tried to ignore the slight unease that tugged at the back of my mind. I told myself I was overthinking as usual. This trip was supposed to be a celebration of our two-year relationship, a chance to leave behind the stress of work and daily life.

When we arrived at the pier, the Celestial Harmony loomed before us, a floating palace glittering against the bright blue sky. My heart skipped a beat as I stared at the grand ship, excitement bubbling inside me. I couldn’t wait to explore the luxurious cabins, the sprawling decks and the endless activities we had planned together. 

A few hours after we had boarded the ship, my fantasy shattered before my eyes. The first hint came during the welcome cocktail party. I had gone to fetch a glass of champagne from the bar while my boyfriend, Ethan, excused himself to use the restroom. By the time I returned, he was nowhere to be seen. 

Where are you? I texted him but I got no response from him.

After waiting for him for minutes, I shrugged and decided to take a walk around the deck to enjoy the view of the endless ocean stretching into the horizon. I was basking in the euphoria of the wind when I saw him. 

Ethan was leaning against the railing, his body glued toward a dark-haired woman in a red dress. She was laughing at something he had said, her hand resting on his arm. And then, to my horror, Ethan leaned in, his lips brushing against mine.

The champagne flute slipped from my fingers, shattering against the deck. The sound made Ethan and the woman snap their heads towards me.

"Ava!" Ethan said, his face drained of colour as he stepped towards me. "It's not what it looks like.."

"Save it,” I snapped, my voice trembling with fury. "I can't believe you. On this trip? On our trip?"

The woman in red had the decency to look embarrassed, but Ethan was already fumbling for excuses. "She’s just a friend I met..."

"A friend?" I yelled. "A friend you're kissing, Ethan?" My voice rose, drawing the attention of nearby passengers. "You know what? Don't bother lying to my face, Ethan. We're done."

Without waiting for his response, I spun on my heels and stormed away, my vision blurred with tears.

The cool ocean breeze bit at my cheeks as I stood on the deck, gripping the railing tightly so that my knuckles turned white. Anger enveloped my being, it pulsed through my veins, burning hotter with each passing moment. I had always trusted Ethan. I had believed in him. And he had thrown it all away, for what? A fling with some random woman.

"Rough night?" A voice started me. It was low and smooth, cutting through the sound of the waves. 

I turned to see who it was and a man stood a few distance away from me, his hands tucked into the pocket of his tailored blazers.

He was strikingly tall with piercing blue eyes and a confident smile that made me wary and curious. His dark hair was neatly styled and he exuded the air of effortless charm.

"I'm not in the mood for pleasantries," I said curtly, turning back to the ocean.

"Fair enough. Neither am I," he said, stepping closer. "But I couldn't help but notice the little scene back there. That your boyfriend?"

"Ex-boyfriend," I corrected, my voice sharp.

"Aha!" He nodded leaning against the railing beside me. "Let me guess. He cheated and now you're stuck on this cruise with him."

I shot him a glare. "Do you make a habit of prying into stranger's lives?"

"Well, only when I see an opportunity," he said with a smirk. 

I frowned. "Opportunity for what?" I asked.

The strange man turned to face me fully, his expression turning serious. "To make you an offer."

I raised my eyebrow in disgust, doubt clear on my face. "I'm not interested in whatever offer you have for me or whatever you're selling. Go find someone else."

He chuckled. "I'm not selling anything darling," he said smoothly. "I'm proposing a deal. I’ll help you get back at your ex, and make him regret ever looking at another woman. In exchange, you pretend to be my girlfriend for the rest of this cruise."

"What?!" I said, taken aback by his suggestion. 

"C’mon. It's simple," he continued. "You want revenge, and I need a partner. Everyone wins."

"Why on earth would you need a fake girlfriend?" I asked, crossing my arms whilst staring at him curiously for answers. 

"Let's just say it's complicated," he said, his smirk returning. "But I promise, you'll get what you want out of it. Picture your ex's face when he sees you with me, laughing, dancing, having the time of your life. He'll hate himself for letting you go."

I stared at him, my mind racing. The idea was outrageous, ridiculous even. But the thought of wiping the smug look off Ethan's face was undeniably appealing.

"And what's in it for me?" I asked warily.

The man shrugged. "I have my reasons. Let's just say I need someone convincing enough to keep up appearances. You fit the bill."

I hesitated, my instincts screaming at me to walk away. But then I thought of Ethan, his betrayal still fresh and raw. If there was a way to make him feel even a fraction of the pain he had caused me then I would do it.

"Fine," I finally said. "But I have one condition."

"Name it," he said, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

"If I don't like the way this is going, I'm out. No questions asked."

"You have a deal," he extended his hand to me. "I'm Ryan, by the way."

"Ava," I shook his hand, feeling a strange thrill at the contact. 

As Ryan's smile widened, I couldn't help but wonder what I had just gotten myself into. Whatever it was, it was bound to be better than sulking alone and I was determined to make Ethan pay for his betrayal. 

Ryan handed a card to me. "Meet me here tomorrow. I'll brief you on what you need to know before beginning our little adventure."

With that, he left me alone on the deck. The cruise might not have started the way I had planned, but I was suddenly interested to see how it would end.