Chapter 1

Jake and his parents stepped out of their families limousine. With wonder and great surprise, Jake looked up at the massive cruise ship, as Jake looked up to see if he could make out the top of the cruise ship.

His old man yelled out to him, “Jake my boy, there is no time for sight seeing of that kind you should be looking for that rich young girl that you’ll end up marrying not worrying about what the ship looks like. Besides, your meant to be here with me on business and of course, make our family name richer by finding yourself a heiress your wife of a rich business man’s daughter.”

Jake didn’t think about nor saw women, in the same way as his father did especially when it came to money, power or even love for that matter. Which in this case was more about marrying someone with money just to add it to the families already vast fortune in which Jake had very little interest in marrying someone just for their money alone.

However, he did take notice of a young woman that was probably a bit younger than him that had caught his eye which his father noticed, But said quickly, “As lovely as that young lady maybe she’d be too much of a delicate flower for our world my son, especially from were we’re from just look at her. She looks like a gold digger its best to stay away from her just look how she’s dressed nowhere near dresses appropriately enough to be traveling on this cruise ship first class that’s for sure. My boy trust me, forget about her there will be hundreds of girl’s your age in first class, and they’ll be a thousand times more prettier than that one mark my words.”

“Miles, really you shouldn’t talk about someone like that. I hear that there is going to be a famous violinist going to be on this cruise. However I’ve also heard that she doesn’t always dress like a rich heiress because she comes from a middle class family. She prefers to dress more modestly apparently, and the young violinist has become quite well of in own right from playing her violin all over the world, I hear its quite a unique design I think they call it a hybrid. That beautiful young woman could easily be the young violinist herself and regularly dresses to hide from her from ever-growing number of fans,” said Jake’s mother Emma sternly.

Jake’s father Miles just looked back at his wife, then said, “Emma there is no chance in hell that, that young woman would be the violinist that you speak of as you can easily tell otherwise, that girl would have a lot of body guards around her at all times. So that nobody would be able to breathe on her let alone get anywhere near her.”

Although Emma was pretty sure that she was right about the young woman she didn’t want to rock the boat with her husband. Normally she wouldn’t be able to join him on business trips. So to ensure that she would be allowed to follow along on future trips she knew it would be best not to say anything more about it. Well at least for the moment anyway as it is much better than having a blue over something like this.

Jake did his best to pretend to not hear his father about this young woman and how she happened to dress nor whether if she was wealthy or not. To Jake that didn’t matter to him at all all he wanted in a partner for life was that they had a sweet personality regardless of his father’s wishes, for more wealth.

As they moved toward the boarding area, Jake stole another glance at the young woman. There was something about her that captivated him—a quiet confidence in her posture, the way she seemed unbothered by the chaos of embarkation around her. She carried a large case that could indeed house a violin, though he couldn't be certain from this distance.

"Jake, are you listening to me?" Miles' sharp voice cut through his thoughts.

"Yes, Father," Jake replied automatically, though he hadn't heard a word. Years of practice had taught him to respond appropriately even when his mind wandered.

The boarding process was efficient despite the number of passengers. Their first-class status granted them priority access, and soon they were being escorted to their suite by an attendant in a crisp white uniform.

"The Monroe family suite, as requested," announced the attendant, opening the door to reveal an opulent living space. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the harbor view, and Jake could see other passengers still boarding below.

"Will there be a passenger list available?" Miles asked, not bothering with pleasantries. "I'd like to know who else of note is traveling with us."

"Of course, sir. The Captain's welcome reception tonight will have most of the VIP guests in attendance. Your invitations are on the credenza."

After the attendant left, Jake wandered to the window while his parents discussed the evening's plans. His father was already strategizing which business connections to cultivate, while his mother quietly unpacked her evening wear.

"I think I'll explore the ship," Jake announced suddenly.

Miles frowned. "We have the business dinner at seven. Be back with plenty of time to dress properly."

"I will," Jake promised, already heading for the door. The freedom of being away from his father's watchful eye, even temporarily, lightened his step as he made his way down the corridor.

The Royal was truly magnificent. Jake wandered through the grand atrium, past boutiques selling items that cost more than most people's monthly salaries, and eventually found himself near one of the smaller performance venues. A sign outside announced "Rehearsal in Progress - Staff Only," but the door was slightly ajar, and the haunting notes of a violin drifted through.

Against his better judgment, Jake peered inside. There, alone on the stage, was the young woman from earlier. Her eyes were closed as her fingers danced across the strings of what had to be the most unusual violin he'd ever seen—its transparent body catching and refracting the stage lights like a prism.

Jake stood transfixed, unable to look away, knowing he was witnessing something extraordinary. Something his father would never understand.