On the luxurious cruise ship, Xenia lay quietly asleep, her eyes closed.
She was now dressed in soft, expensive sleepwear, her violet evening gown nowhere in sight—Alexander's custom-made, million-dollar birthday dress for her had been discarded without hesitation at Caleb's command, with no room for negotiation.
All of this had happened while Xenia was unconscious. Her body, once submerged in the deep sea, had been thoroughly cleaned during her unconsciousness. Now her hair was clean and dry, her face serene, and she lay on a golden bed.
"My darling, you're as beautiful as a princess from a fairy tale."
Caleb's voice resonated in the room. He stood at Xenia's bedside, his deep blue eyes fixed on her with a mix of admiration and possessiveness.
"The first time I saw you, I thought you
