Chapter Seven

"You know Anita?" Daniel asked, surprised.

"Yes, though not in person" Alice replied. "I should have known they would try to make me look bad before grandma" she added.

"They?" Daniel asked. It became obvious to him that Anita was not the only one with a desire to harm Alice and that Alice was already aware.

"Yes, they." Alice replied and stood up. "Thank you Daniel, for everything" she said and left without Daniel stopping her.

*****

They got home that evening and Alice faced Kelvin as soon as grandma Janet bade them good night and left for her room. They were still at the foyer.

"So, you and your girlfriend laced my drink with alcohol to make me disgrace grandma and make her cut me off from the family?" Alice attacked.

"You're lucky you got saved" Kelvin replied her in what was almost a whisper.

"You really want me to tell Grandma the whole truth, right?" Alice said and a flash of fear swept through Kelvin's heart.

"You won't dare!" he stepped closer to her, "I've already signed you getting half of my inheritance"

"And you're trying to play dirty to avoid giving me my rights" Alice attacked. He voice almost getting very loud.

"Will you lower your voice....." Kelvin was interrupted by the angry woman

"I won't. The next time I get a hint of another devious scheme against me. I won't hesitate to tell Grandma everything. I have nothing to lose after all" she warned sternly and left.

Kelvin sighed. It was going to be a lot harder than he had thought to get rid of Alice. He rubbed his fore head hardly, trying to think. He sighed again and followed after Alice to their bedroom.

He got in and found the young woman already in bed and watched her, wondering. She seemed naive and dumb being an uneducated village girl but was now proving to be smart. He felt to strangle her in her sleep and just get rid of her. He brushed that though aside and just left. After all, he did not have the guts to commit murder.

******

The ship’s departure from the harbor that morning was marked by a gentle hum of excitement and anticipation. As the vessel glided through the water, the city lights gradually receded into the distance, making way for the expansive darkness of the open sea.

Alice leaned against the railing of the upper deck, taking in the panoramic view of the ocean. The sunset had cast a warm glow across the sky, its hues of orange and pink slowly fading into twilight. She wrapped her shawl more tightly around her, feeling both the chill of the evening and the emotional weight of her new environment.

Around her, other passengers were already beginning to enjoy their first evening aboard. The deck was alive with laughter and conversation, as well-dressed individuals sipped on champagne and enjoyed the ship’s luxury amenities. Alice observed from a distance, feeling a twinge of discomfort amidst the glittering surroundings.

As she stood alone, she noticed her husband, Kelvin with his beloved girlfriend, Anita who were surrounded by a small group at the other end of the deck. A tinge of bitterness crept into her heart, joined with anger and pain. She wished to have been able to change the hands of time and refuse the marriage proposal between her and Kelvin. She watched them display their love so publicly. She should have known that Kelvin would bring Anita

on the ship. Her heart sank, once again she felt it shatter like when Kelvin had confessed his intentions to her on her wedding night.

Tears welled up in her eyes. She blinked and the tears rolled down her eyes. How was she going to endure the emotional torture for six whole weeks. It was barely a day and she felt an enormous amount of pain. She imagined herself walking up to them and dragging Anita by her hair, then landing a hot slap on her cheek.

The pain grew worse and Alice decided to leave that scene. She turned and immediately bumped into someone.

"I'm sorry.....I..." She looked up and was shocked to see him, "You?" she asked, her eyes still wet with tears.

Daniel was pained to see her. He saw Kelvin and his girlfriend shamelessly and wickedly kissing and caressing each other before Alice. He could not bear to see her in such pain. His heart ached and he wanted to give Kelvin the beating of his life, but advice against it.

"What are you doing here?" Alice asked him, drying the tears on her face with her hands.

"I'm actually glad I came" he replied

"What?" Alice was confused.

"I wasn't comfortable with Anita plotting against you and so I thought I should come in case she would be on this cruise to cause you harm.....and I was right" he replied and briefly glanced at Kelvin and Anita.

"You really don't have to do anything for me. I can take care of myself" Alice replied and made to walk away.

Daniel held her hand and stopped her, "You're obviously not okay. I didn't expect Kelvin to be this heartless....."

"It's okay" Alice stopped him. "I can take care of myself. I will be okay"

"You don't have to bear this, Alice. Why don't you tell Grandma?" he asked.

"And risk her getting a heart attack?" Alice scoffed, "I can't be that wicked to her"

"But you're suffering. You're in pain Alice and it's hurting me" Daniel struggled to be cool with all his emotions trying to burst out.

"I have this under control. At the end I won't lose out" Alice managed to give a smirk

Daniel peered at her for a moment, "What do you mean?" he asked

"Your friend thought that he could just use me to get his inheritance and them throw me away to a lifetime of humiliation but I have been able to strike a bargain for myself. He has already signed half of his inheritance to me once he gets them" Alice said with pride.

Daniel smiled. She was not dumb after all. Being a villager did not make her a puppet in Kelvin's hands.

"Why are you smiling?" she asked him

"I'm happy, that you are not letting yourself to be walked over by the rich" He replied.

"Thank you" she sighed. "I want to go to my room. I need some alone time"

"Actually....you're on a cruise. You can take advantage of this and have an adventure" Daniel smiled more.

"My life is already an adventure" Alice sighed

"I mean, you should not let Kelvin and Anita get to you. You can do fun things, get to meet people and just find a life you would want to carve out for yourself." Daniel explained.

Alice raised an eyebrow, "and I suppose that you would be a part of this adventure you want me to have?"

"I'll be your guide" He said.

"Aha..... of course. Listen Daniel, I'm still of the opinion that you can't be trusted. You could have your own ulterior motive. Just stay away from me" She said and walked away.

Daniel smiled to himself for a while before he turned and caught up with her.

"Why would you think that I have an ulterior motive towards you?" he asked as they walked.

Alice refused to reply. Daniel stopped and held her hand and turned her to him, pulling her close to him.

"What are you doing?" Alice was irritated.

"I asked a question" Daniel replied, his heart was already racing as he held her that close. He steadied himself, "You need to answer"

"This is exactly my answer. Why are you holding a married woman this close?" Alice asked him, holding his gaze.

Daniel quickly looked away as he searched for an answer.

"I thought so" Alice said and tried to free her hand from his grip. Daniel held her tighter and she struggled.

"I have no ill intentions towards you. God knows." Daniel replied.

"Then leave me alone" Alice said.

"I care for you and now I've seen more reasons to be around you to always make sure that you're okay" Daniel said.

"And why would you burden yourself with this task? Who am I to you?" Alice asked again, eager to hear what he would say.

Daniel chose his words carefully, "You are the beloved daughter-in-law of the woman who considers me her son. I owe it to her to make sure that no harm comes to you"

"Perfectly crafted words, Daniel" Alice said, "Thank you for your care. Now, I want to get some rest in my room." she felt his grip loosened and she quickly removed her hand.

Daniel looked at her, a little smile crept onto his face. There's something about everything Alice does that keeps him intrigued, keeps him wanting to be with her. When he hears her talk, sees her react to things, he would just want to pull her into his arms and just wrap her.

“There’s a welcome gala in the main dining hall this night. It’s a great chance to experience some of the ship’s entertainment and meet more people. Please come” Daniel said.

“I might check it out.” Alice said and turned away. Daniel watched her as she left till she was out of sight before leaving.

*********

The welcome gala began and soon the ship's grand hall was filled with everyone on the ship. The decor was very exquisite and portrayed elegance. The guests were dressed in their various expensive outfits, tuxedos for the

men and luxurious gowns for the ladies.

Kelvin and Anita were not exempted. They graced the event with their presence and were having a good time together.

Daniel scanned the room for Alice but could not find her. He knew that she would not come. As he made her way through the people he bumped into Kelvin and Anita.

For a moment the culprits were scared. Kelvin wondered what Daniel was doing there and

the thought of him being a snitch to his grandmother increased his fear. Daniel displayed no form of emotions at all. His face was straight as he peered at Kelvin who could not dare to look at him in the eye.

"Hey D" Anita drew closer to Kelvin and slipped her hand in his arm

"Anita" Daniel called then narrowed his gaze to Kelvin, "Are you supposed to be on your honeymoon, with your....wife?" he looked again at Anita with disgust in his eyes.

"Hey, Daniel, we need to talk......" Kelvin started

"There's nothing to talk about here. You're supposed to be here with Alice but you're hooking up with your ex?" Daniel looked at him with disdain.

"I'm not his ex" Anita protested, "we're still in love with each other."

"And what about Alice? Why did you marry her?" Daniel faced Kelvin.

"It was grand ma. She wanted a cultured daughter-in-law. She choose Alice for me, I never loved her and I still don't love her" Kelvin defended.

"I still don't get it. Why did you marry her?" Daniel asked again, peering intensely at Kelvin.

"What's with all these questions, Daniel?" Anita snapped, "Kelvin has the right to do whatever he wants to. It's his life after all. You mind your own business and leave us alone" Anita said and pulled Kelvin away.

Daniel turned and watched them. How heartless could Kelvin be. Poor Alice! She's the one with the heart ache while those two enjoy a great time. Daniel shook his head and returned to his initial destination.

******

"What is he even doing here?" Kelvin asked as he and Anita sat at their table.

"I don't know and I don't care" Anita replied carelessly

"Are you worried?" Kelvin asked, "What if he tell grand ma everything?"

"He won't. Stop being scared of him. You're his boss and you should show that authority over him. Besides, your grandma will never believe a stranger's words over yours. You are her grandson, her flesh and blood. So Relax" Anita

said and poured some champagne into her glass.

Kelvin steeled his heart with her words. Daniel is a nobody and there's nothing he can do.