Chapter 191
win the Alpha
Elle’s POV
I stared at the elegant signature on the receipt, my hand trembling slightly as I handed the clipboard back to the steward. The bux sat white with a silk ribbon that looked far too expensive for a casual cruise gift.
“What do you think it is?” Sophia asked, appearing in my doorway just as the steward disappeared down the hallway.
“I have no idea,” I said. “But I’m starting to think this whole random company perk story might be hullshit.”
Abigail bounced in behind Sophia, practically vibrating with curiosity. “Are you going to open it or just stare at it all day?”
my table, pristine
“I’m thinking.” I said, eyeing the bus suspiciously. This feels way too coincidental. A mysterious raptain sends gifts to the pregnant human? Come
“Only one way to find out,” Sophia said, reaching for the ribbon. “May I
17
I nodded, stepping back to give her room. Sophia’s fingers worked quickly, and within moments she was lifting the lid to reveal layers of tissue paper. She peeled back the first layer and gasped
“Holy shit, Elle.”
“What?” I leaned forward, and my breath caught. Nestled in the tissue was the most beautiful white sundress Id ever seen. The fabrir looked like it wa
made of sea foam, flowing and ethereal, with delicate beadwork that caught the light.
Sophia lifted it carefully, and I could see it was designed with an empire waist – perfect for hiding a growing belly. The craftsmanship was extraordinary,
every detail perfect,
“This is… this is a Godhands piece,” Sophia whispered, her voice filled with awe
“A what now?”
“Godhands. The designer’s signature is here on the label. Elle, this dress probably costs more than most people make in six months. These pieces and handmade, one–of–a–kind. Celebrities wait years to get on his commission Est.“
Abigail whistled low, “Damn. Someone really
cally wants to impress you.”
I stared at the dress, my heart pounding. I can’t accept this. It’s too much. I don’t even know who sent it.”
“You already signed for it,” Sophia pointed out with a grin. “Besides,
what are you going to do, mail it back to mysterious ship captain ?”
“Sophia’s right,” Abigail said, taking the dress from Sophia and holding it up against me. “Oh my God, Elle, this is going to look incredible on you. The culor
will make your eyes pop.
I hesitated, running my fingers over the impossibly soft fabric. “Help me try it on?”
Sophia clapped her hands together. “Yes! But we’re doing this right. The whole look.”
just trying on a dress, Sophia.”
1/3
Chapter 191
“Trust me on this one. If we’re going to see how it looks, we need to see the full effect
Twenty minutes later, I was staring at myself in the minor while Sophia worked magir with my hair. She’d unpinned my simple ponytail and was weaving some of the pink lilies and baby’s breath from the imm’s flower arrangement into lonte waves
This is insane, I protested as Abigail approved with her makeup log. “I’m just trying on a dress, not going to prom
“Shut up and hold still,” Abigail said, brandishing a mascara wand. The lilies need diamond earrings to complete the look. She produced a pair of delicate studs from her jewelry case. “These will be perfect.
“Seriously, what are you two doing? I’m not modeling for a magazine sheet.
“We need to see the full effect,” Sophia said family, adding another fewer to my hair. “You can’t judge a look when it’s only half–finished.”
“There. Perfect.” Abical stepped back to admire her work. “Elle, you losk abadutely stunning.”
I turned to look in the full–length minor and barely recognized myself. The dress fit ke it had been made specifically for my body, Howing pracefully ver my growing bump while still maintaining an elegant silhouette,
“Wow,” I whispered.
“Right?” Sophia grinned. “Now we need better lighting. The deck will be perfect for photos
‘Photos? I’m not a model, guys.”
“You’re prettier than most models,” Abigail said, grabbing her phone. “Come on, this is too beautiful not to capture.”
Before I could protest further, they were practically pushing me out of the room and toward the elevator. The deck was bustling with activity as en members set up for the evenings festivities, but Sophia found a cost corner with perfect ocean views.
“Okay, just stand naturally, Abigall instructed, her phone already clicking away. Don’t pose, just be yourself.”
The sea breeze caught the dress’s flowing fabric, and I had to admit it felt amazing. The dress moved like water, and for the first time in weeks, I felt genuinely beautiful instead of just pregnant and exhausted,
“Turn slightly to the left,” Sophia called, taking her own photos. The light is perfect on your face,
This is ridiculous,” I laughed, but I found myself relaxing into it. There was something freeing about being treated like I was worth celebrating instead of just tolerated.
“And… done!* Abigail lowered her phone, grinning. These are gorgeous, Elle. I’m pasting thers right now.”
“Wait, don’t-
“Too late,” she said, fingers flying er her screen “Trust me, you look incredible.”
Then my stomach chose that moment to remind me I hadn’t eaten in hours. Okay, enough photo shoot. I need food before I pass out,”
“Right, the food festival! Sophia said, immediately shifting into protective mode. “Let’s get you fml”
We made our way to the main dining hall on the second deck, where the prepautions were in full swing.
2/3
16:17 Mon, Dec 22 OT
Chapter 191
The space was filling with other passengers, and I could see Malcolm and Susan at a table near
she saw me.
indows, Susan waved us over, her eyes widening when
“Elle, boney, you look absolutely beautiful,” she said, rising to hug me carefully. That dress is stunning”
“Thank you.” I said, settling into the chair Malcolms pulled out for me. I’m starving though. When do we eat?”
“Soon,” Malcolm promised. “They re past finishing the setup.
1
I was eyeing the chef stations hungrily when a white uniformed server appeared beside mir table with a small plate of delicate pastries
“Wait,” I said, my patience finally winning thin. “Let me guess – compliments of the captain?”
“Yes,” he said formally, setting the plate in front of me. “He wanted to ensure you had something light to tide you over before the main service begins. These are specifically prepared to be gentle on the stomach- no heavy spices or rich ingredients.”
The pastries looked and smelled incredible–light, airy, with what looked like a delicate cream filling. My stomach rumbled in response.
I stood up abruptly. “Okay, I need to know. Who exactly is your captain? And why is he so interested in taking care of me specifically?”
The server looked flustered “I… the captain prefers to remain… private during voyages. But he has a keen eye for guests who might need special attention
“This is bullshit,” I said, my voice rising slightly. “Either you people already know exactly who I am, or this whole free company
which is it?
y cruise thing is a setup. So
Comments
2
Write Comments
< SHARE
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
