Lahat ng Kabanata ng Cozy Lie, Christmas Ties: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

RYAN I adjusted the cufflinks on my tailored blazers as I strode down the lavish hallway leading to the ship's grand ballroom. I barely looked at the elaborate decorations lining the ship's corridor or the ocean view spilling through the floor-to-ceiling windows. For others, the Celestial Harmony represented luxury, romance and the perfect escape for the New Year. For me, it was a glorified office.The holiday season held no special value for me. Christmas? New Year? They were just dates on the calendar, interrupting my tightly controlled schedule. Normally, I would have been buried in my work, finalising deals from the comfort of my office. But this time, my biggest client, Mr. Gregory Langston, had thrown a wrench into my plans.“It’s a perfect opportunity to celebrate our partnership, Mr. Ryan,” Langston had said over the phone, his voice warm but firm. “My beautiful wife and I will be there, and I expect you to bring your girlfriend, the one you’ve talked so much about over the y

RYANWhen we arrived at the ship’s dining hall, it was bustling with several activities. Couples sat together, giggling over cups of coffee and plates of pastries, while waiters weaved through the tables with practised ease.Mr. Langston and Margaret were already seated at a table by the window. They smiled warmly immediately when they spotted us.“Ava, Ryan,” Langston called, waving at us to come over. “Good morning.”“Good morning,” we replied, forcing a smile as I guided her to sit beside me.Margaret gestured to the spread in front of us. “Gregory and I took the liberty of ordering a little bit of everything. Please, help yourselves.”Ava thanked her and reached for a croissant, trying to stay focused.“So,” Langston began, his eyes flickering with curiosity, “what are your plans for the rest of the cruise?”I glanced at her, silently urging her to play along. “We’re keeping it casual,” I said finally, forcing the words out. “Maybe exploring the ship, enjoying each moment that pas

AVAThe Christmas gala was finally here.I stood in front of the mirror, holding my breath as I stared at the dress Ryan had gotten for me. The dress fit so perfectly. It was smooth and soft and hugged my body like it was made just for me. Ryan had chosen a dark green colour, and truly, he made the right choice. The colour made my skin glow, and the way it flowed around my legs made me feel different. Like someone elegant. Like royalty.But I was nervous. Very nervous. I had never been to any fancy events like this before. I didn’t even mingle with the kind of people that could be found in a place like that. I was just a regular girl with a regular life who worked extra hard to get by every day. Now, I wasn't just standing in a luxury yacht, I was getting ready for an event filled with people of influence and riches with a man I barely knew.Who was he anyway? He had claimed to be a mere team leader, and now he was taking me to an event as glamorous as this.Ryan had stepped out earl

AVAI waited.The gala was slowly coming to an end. The music had softened to a quiet hum. People were beginning to leave in pairs, laughter fading behind them as they stepped out of the hall. Even Mr. Langston and his wife had said their goodnight.“You’re sure he’s coming back?” Mrs. Langston asked kindly. “He will,” I said, even though I wasn't sure anymore. “You don’t have to wait behind, I can handle things here on my own.”As they left, I kept staring at the door, hoping for his return. I wondered what took him so long.Finally, after what felt like forever, Ryan walked into the hall.But this time, he looked different. His hair was a bit out of place, his tux was wrinkled and there was something off about his look.“Sorry for keeping you waiting. You must be hungry, let’s go grab dinner,” he said like nothing had happened.I stood up slow;y. “Ryan, where have you been?” I asked.He avoided my eyes. “I had to get things done,” he muttered.That answer didn’t sit right with me.

AVAThe most unexpected part of the cruise was spending time alone with Ryan and it was easily the best part. Everything about him was different compared to his usual official looks or business talks. Now, he was just Ryan in sweatpants and T-shirt, barefoot, messy hair from sleep. He was warm and calm and easy to be around. He made me laugh, he listened to me and never once pressured me in any way. I never thought someone like him ever existed. He was too real to be true.Most times, I would watch him from across the room, admiring him quietly as he moved around the room shirtless. I had to stop myself from staring. Ryan was everything, he was built differently. He was like a sculpture, broad chest, defined abs, shoulders that looked like they belonged in a superhero movie. His skin was smooth and warm-toned and there was a faint line of hair running from his chest down to his waist.Ryan wasn’t just handsome, he was breathtaking.But I knew better. I knew all of these wouldn’t last