Chapter 2

"You little rascal, you really know how to talk!" Beatrice said.

Tristan cradled the child and leaned toward Beatrice. "Come on, give your mom a kiss. We'll stay together, always."

It was a heartwarming scene, a family of three, full of love.

The guests all exchanged smiles, but Calista's eyes were practically blazing as she stared at them.

When their eyes met, Beatrice hurriedly averted her gaze and tugged Tristan toward the other side.

Tristan looked puzzled and glanced over in the direction she was trying to avoid.

Calista clenched her fists and instinctively stepped back, but Benjamin, right behind her, suddenly shoved her forward.

Tristan froze for a second. He started to move toward her, but Beatrice stepped in front of him, grabbing his sleeve and wouldn't let go.

"Tristan, please," Beatrice pleaded. "Like we talked about. After the cruise, anything you ask, I'll say yes."

Tristan frowned, staring at Beatrice for a long moment.

The kid in his arms hugged his neck tight. Tristan gave Calista a look, then walked off with the kid to the other side.

Everyone could feel the tension crackling between him and Calista.

Calista gave a bitter, self-mocking smile. As she turned to leave, she accidentally caught the tablecloth, sending desserts and drinks crashing to the floor.

It was a total mess.

The Calloway family looked over in surprise at the commotion, gave Calista a quick look, then exchanged a glance with their assistant.

"If anyone asks, just say she wandered in by mistake. Get a speedboat and get her out of here, fast. We can't have her causing drama between the Calloway and Rayne families!"

Two bodyguards blocked Calista's way, their grip on her arms so tight it made her wince. Her pale skin flushed red instantly.

Benjamin stood behind her and cleared his throat twice. The bodyguards instantly released her.

"Mr. Thorpe, this lady just ended up here by accident. We were just trying to escort her out," one of the bodyguards stammered.

"She's my date. How could she possibly be here by accident?" Benjamin said.

He put his hand on Calista's shoulder, pulling her close and making it clear she was under his protection.

The guests eyed her with curiosity, then started gossiping under their breath.

"So Mr. Calloway's woman from overseas actually showed up here looking for him?" someone whispered.

"Typical. She's always been the side chick. Now that she's got no chance with the Calloways, she's already trying to get in with the Thorpes," another guest snarked.

"Who knows how she was raised, but she sure knows how to climb into someone's bed in record time," someone else laughed.

Tristan's expression was stormy as he set the kid down and walked straight toward Calista.

Beatrice followed close by, reaching out first to gently take Calista's right hand.

"Calista, how are you settling in at Vellis Apartments? I had the whole place redone just for you. I was worried you might not feel at home..." Beatrice said softly.

Calista looked at Tristan, disbelief flickering in her eyes, then turned to Beatrice with a wry, almost defeated smile.

"You went to a lot of trouble. I'll just leave the keys at the front desk," Calista said, her tone flat.

She pulled her hand away, trying to steady herself, and hurried out of the hall.

The salty sea wind whipped at her face, and her tears burst forth, unstoppable.

The waves crashed against the ship, her cries lost in the roar of the water.

Ahead of the cruise ship lay an endless, bottomless blackness.

Calista pulled out her phone, taking deep breaths, trying not to break down as she fought to steady her voice.

"Heard there's a male strip show on the cruise. You calling to rub it in?" Harper Fox said, half-joking.

"No," Calista replied, her voice trembling. "I just want to disappear from everyone who knows me. Tonight... I wish I could just throw myself into the sea and end it all."

There was a long silence on the other end, then Harper let out a heavy sigh.

"Calista, you already tried running once, but you still can't break free from this crowd. Come on, you know they're all cut from the same cloth. They marry one, but keep a whole lineup waiting outside..." Harper said.

"No, Harper!" Calista's hoarse voice cut her off before she could say another word.

"All I ever wanted was honesty. Even if I'm just a stand-in, I should have the right to know! But they always claim it's for my own good, making decisions behind my back. I'm a person, I can think for myself!" Calista said.

"Why can't I decide for myself?" she choked out.

"Five days from now. We'll set it for that day," Harper said.

Calista wiped her tears, took a shaky breath, and quietly replied, "Okay."

Five days from now would be her birthday. It was the best present she could ask for.

After hanging up, Calista leaned against the railing, staring out at the endless sea, her mind adrift in the darkness for a long time.

Someone gently placed a jacket over her shoulders, its lingering warmth and that familiar scent she'd always recognized wrapping around her.

"Calista, I can let go of everything that happened before. Just come back to me, and I swear, whatever you want, it's yours," Benjamin said softly.