AT THE POOL DECK
The pool deck was alive with energy, the thumping beat of music mixing with the sound of splashing water and lively laughter.
Some passengers danced barefoot to the rhythm, their wine glasses swaying precariously in their hands, while others lounged by the pool or basked in the sun on luxurious loungers.
The warm breeze carried with it the tang of the sea, a perfect complement to the atmosphere of carefree indulgence.
Aurora sat with Kate at a shaded table near the pool, sipping wine and occasionally stealing glances around the deck.
Her eyes flickered with anticipation, but her lips pressed into a tight line as she tried to appear composed.
She was having fun—or at least pretending to—but deep down, she couldn’t shake the nagging hope that Marcus might appear.
“G
