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Chapter 7

Author: StaceSteele
last update Last Updated: 2025-06-25 19:26:48

Jake looked past his father to where Amity had disappeared. The choice stretched before him—return to the ballroom and the life that had been planned for him since birth, or follow the woman who had shown him a glimpse of something authentic.

"I can't do this anymore," Jake said finally. "Not tonight."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, ignoring his father's commands to return. The deck's narrow staircase led down toward the lower levels of the ship where the crew quarters were located.

Jake had never ventured below the passenger decks before. The contrast was immediate and stark—narrow hallways instead of grand corridors, functional lighting instead of chandeliers, and the subtle but unmistakable hierarchy of a world designed to serve rather than be served.

A crew member in a white uniform stopped him before he'd gone far. "Sir, passengers aren't permitted in this area."

"I need to speak with Amity Jenkins," Jake said, trying to sound more confident than he fe
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  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 35

    "Every note," he replied, lifting her off her feet in a spinning embrace. "It was perfect. You were perfect."Around them, cameras flashed as photographers captured the moment, but neither Jake nor Amity cared. They had shared something beautiful with the world, and the world had responded with love.The rest of the evening's program continued, but Jake knew nothing would match what Amity had created. Even Marcus's technically proficient cello performance felt hollow by comparison, skilled but soulless, a reminder of what artistry became when ego overshadowed authentic expression.As they left the opera house hours later, surrounded by family and friends, Jake realised this was just the beginning. The Resonance Foundation would grow from tonight's performance, the streets rang out with the carefree laughter of Amity, Jake, Liam and David. But what they didn’t see was Marcus watching the family play out in front of him, how happy they all seemed to be with

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 34

    Jake walked Amity to her dressing room, conscious of the curious glances they attracted. The Resonance Foundation announcement had made them the most talked-about couple in attendance, overshadowing even the performances to come."I'll be right there in the front row," Jake promised, kissing her softly before she disappeared into her dressing room. "Playing our song in my head with every note."Alone in the corridor, Jake was turning toward the main auditorium when a familiar voice stopped him."Mr Monroe. A word, if you don't mind."Marcus stood a few feet away, impeccably dressed in concert attire, his expression unreadable."Mr Blackwood," Jake acknowledged neutrally. "I believe we said everything necessary yesterday.""Not quite." Marcus stepped closer, his voice low and intense. "You should know that what Amity and I shared wasn’t just some casual relationship. We built something together over the years, artistic collaboration, sh

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 33

    Jake remained silent, understanding this was a conversation Amity needed to have without his intervention. He stood by her side, supportive, but didn't speak."Is that what you think?" Marcus asked, genuine hurt flashing across his features. "That I was controlling you?""You tried," Amity acknowledged. "And for a while, I let you. That's on me as much as you."Marcus's gaze shifted to Jake, his expression hardening. "And he doesn't try to control you? The billionaire shipping heir who's suddenly interested in arts philanthropy?""The foundation was my idea," Amity said firmly. "Jake supports me without trying to direct me. That's the difference.""I supported you, too," Marcus insisted. "I helped build your career.""You helped yourself to my career," Amity corrected, her voice taking on an edge. "You positioned yourself as my mentor, my guide, my producer, and took credit at every opportunity."Marcus stepped closer, lowering his vo

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 32

    Marcus laughed, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Direct. I appreciate that." He turned back to Amity, his expression softening into something practised and nostalgic. "Your new piece sounds intriguing. 'Resonance' is quite the evocative title.""You've been reading the program notes," Amity observed, keeping her voice neutral."I always follow your work," Marcus said, stepping slightly closer. "We may have had our... differences, but I've never stopped admiring your artistry."Jake watched as Amity maintained her composure, neither retreating nor engaging. The power dynamic was clear: Marcus was attempting to reassert some form of intimacy, and Amity was firmly establishing boundaries."Thank you," she said simply. "If you'll excuse us, I need to prepare for my rehearsal.""Of course," Marcus nodded, stepping aside with exaggerated courtesy. "Perhaps we could catch up later? For old times' sake? I'd love to hear more about this foundation of yours

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 31

    After ending the call, Jake and Amity sat in comfortable silence, watching the London evening darken beyond their windows. The challenges ahead, Marcus, the press, and the enormous scope of their foundation felt manageable now that they had both family support and a clear strategy."Are you nervous?" Jake asked eventually."About Paris? Not about what we're building together?" Amity replied, her expression softening as she looked at Jake. "Terrified, but in the best possible way.""I feel the same," Jake admitted. "Like we're standing on the edge of something enormous."Amity leaned her head against his shoulder. "I used to be afraid of heights.""And now?""Now I'm ready to fly."The following weeks passed in a whirlwind of preparation. Their London townhouse gradually transformed from an empty shell into a true home, each carefully selected piece of furniture telling part of their story. Jake converted the top-floor studio into a pa

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 30

    "Yes," she answered without hesitation. "I want you there. But I also don't want to give Marcus the satisfaction of thinking he can still affect our relationship.""Then we go together, and we don't hide," Jake decided. "We attend as partners, as equals. Let him see exactly what he lost and what you've gained."Amity smiled at the quiet confidence in his voice. "You know, a year ago, I would have handled this alone. Hidden in my dressing room, avoided any confrontation.""And now?""Now I have someone who stands with me instead of trying to control me," she said, moving to wrap her arms around his waist. "It makes all the difference."Jake pulle

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