Surprise at sea


(ARIELLE'S POV)

The drive to the Harrison beach house was quiet and a bit long. The driver barely spoke, keeping the ride uneventful. After an hour, we arrived at a massive iron gate, which opened immediately as the car stopped. The driver pulled into the driveway and parked. "Here, let me help you," he offered, gesturing to my bag after we alighted.

I handed it over with a smile. "Thank you."

As we walked, I took in the breathtaking surroundings. The beach house stood amidst towering palms swaying in the cool night breeze, the sound of waves creating a soothing melody in the background. The air carried a mix of salt, sand, and blooming flowers, while the moonlight cast an ethereal glow over the scene.

Soon, the ship came into view, and it was nothing short of stunning: a sleek, white vessel with Harrison's family name engraved on its side.

The driver helped me aboard, where a group of smiling crew members greeted me with polite bows.

"Welcome aboard, Ma'am," one of them said, taking my bag as the driver bid me goodbye.

I wandered further, taking in the grandeur. The lounge had floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic ocean views, plush furniture arranged around a central coffee table, and a gleaming bar stocked with fine wines.

Past it, the dining room featured a long polished table under sparkling crystal chandeliers, while the walls displayed old-school artworks.

Further exploration revealed a sleek kitchen-likely my base for this culinary mission-followed by a gym, spa, and even a small movie theater.

The ship was a masterpiece, and I could already feel the weight of the evening's expectations settling in.

I could have spent hours exploring the ship's endless wonders, but I reminded myself there was time for that later. For now, I needed to meet Margaux. With that thought, I turned to retrace my steps-only to nearly trip as a chorus of loud "Surprise!" erupted behind me. My heart leapt to my throat as I spun around, completely caught off guard.

"Hi, Miss Meyers! Long time no see!" Margaux greeted cheerfully, grinning from ear to ear.

"Yeah, yeah! Long time no see!" chimed in Ashley, waving dramatically. "You really should call me more often, girl! And by the way, are you on some crazy diet? You really look like you need a good meal!"

Before I could process their unexpected presence, a familiar deep voice cut through the chaos. "Arielle," Dwayne drawled, his foxy smile practically dazzling. "It's a good night, isn't it?"

before a tiny blur rushed forward, arms outstretched. "Hi, Mommy! I told you I'd see you soon!" Maverick giggled as he

froze, my brain short-circuiting. What.

the side, laughing at my

Mother?!" I managed to

was happening here?! My mind screamed for answers, but my mouth just hung open, unable to form

mischievous. "Arielle, as you can see, this isn't exactly a business preview," she admitted, clasping her hands together. "We've been planning a little... surprise party for you. When Ashley

party? For

My birthday. Two days from

ruffled my hair with a helpless smile. "You're so stunned, it almost makes me

"When

holding me tightly. "Ashley told me about the plan,

apart, I turned to Maverick and Meredith, narrowing my eyes. "How did you

of the scheme. "Uncle Dwayne picked us up right after

pieces falling into place. So the driver who brought me had been part of this evil plan all along, deliberately taking the long route

I said slowly, shaking my head in disbelief. "You all kidnapped

"Guilty

I couldn't believe they had gone to so much effort-just to surprise me. "But... about what you said earlier, letting my

part wasn't a lie, so you can rest

myself, the warmth in my chest growing. "Nice," I whispered, letting the relief settle in, but I kept my face composed,

Ashley stepped closer, her

a mix of caution

hands "Arielle... are you upset with us? I'm sorry. We just wanted to make

we didn't

face, but I couldn't

up as I burst out, "Ah, pretending to be mad always

dropped in mock outrage. "Oi, you!" she gasped,

I stilkneed to call

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