Chapter 13.
Kitty, wearing her usual thin-rimmed sunglasses, walked up the ramp leading to the ship’s entrance. Because she had intentionally arrived earlier than most passengers, the area was relatively quiet.
She stopped in front of a crew member holding the passenger list. He was dressed in a crisp white uniform that reminded her of the navy.
“May I have your name, please?”
“Kitty Summers.”
At her reply, the crew member looked up from the list and stared at her. Kitty recognized that look. He knew who she was.
So she lifted her sunglasses just slightly and gave him a quick wink.
That finally snapped him out of it. His ears flushed red as he frantically flipped through the list.
“Y-yes… Miss Summers. That’s right. Confirmed. I hope you enjoy your time on the Della Cruz.”
“Thank you.”
“Our staff will escort you to your suite. Please hand over your luggage and we’ll take care of it.”
Lowering her sunglasses again, Kitty stepped into the cruise ship with Jerome. It was her first time on such a luxury cruise. Wanting to avoid looking like a country bumpkin, she discreetly observed everything from behind her shades.
The interior was so luxurious that it was hard to believe the ship was meant to float on the sea. Even without seeing the main hall, she could tell. The pristine white walls were spotless, not a speck of dust in sight, and the carpeting was so soft it felt like walking on cashmere.
Past the entrance corridor and into the guest area, crystal lights lined the ceiling, glowing softly. It made her wonder how much money had been poured into building this ship.
“This is your suite, Miss Summers.”
The crew member handed her a key.
“We’ve prepared everything so you can be comfortable during the voyage. If you need anything, please call us anytime.”
“What about me?”
Jerome—already forgotten—spoke up. The crew member blinked as if only now realizing his presence.
“And your name is?”
“Jerome Sanders. You checked me off earlier.”
“Are you her… companion?”
“I’m her manager.”
He grumbled. The crew member finally nodded in understanding.
“Please follow me, Mr. Sanders. I’ll show you to your room.”
“What? It’s far from here?”
“Mr. Sanders, this area is the suite deck.”
“And where’s my room?”
“In second class.”
Jerome stared at Kitty in disbelief. Suddenly, she became the object of blame.
“I didn’t decide any of that!”
“This way, Mr. Sanders.”
Jerome reluctantly followed the crew member. His shoulders looked strangely droopy as he left. Kitty watched him go with a sigh before unlocking her door.
A large suite unfolded before her. Through the wide window, she could see the ocean stretching endlessly. The suite was even bigger than the living room at her old place. But the queen-sized bed covered in pristine white sheets and the luxury interior were nothing to her.
She was captivated by the ocean.
Dropping her suitcase, Kitty drifted toward the window. The sapphire-blue sea sparkled just beyond the glass.
A room with an ocean view. She never imagined something like this could be real.
Even through the thick walls, she could faintly hear the waves crashing outside. Pressing closer to the window, she looked down. What would it feel like—to dive straight into that water?
Suddenly, Jerome burst in and looked around the room.
“Wow! So this is a suite? My room isn’t even in the same league! You’re so lucky, Miss Summers—staying in a place like this for DAYS! I’m actually dying of jealousy!”
“If you’re jealous, go become famous.”
“Tch. Whatever. It’s too late for me to start a new life. And actually, second class isn’t bad. It has everything. The bed’s even kinda soft—”
He plopped onto her bed without thinking and leaned in, dead serious.
“Kitty, let’s trade beds.”
“How? Be realistic.”
“I have insomnia. I could sleep in ten seconds on a bed like this! Just the pillow then. Or the sheets!”
“Stop talking nonsense. This is my bed.”
“You’re hogging a suite and won’t even give me one thing?”
“Will that bed even fit in your room?”
Jerome pouted, unable to argue.
“You’re the worst.”
“Look outside, Jerome. You can see the ocean from here.”
“I can see the ocean from second class too…”
What is he mumbling about?
While Kitty was mesmerized by the sea, Jerome approached her with the schedule.
“Anyway, about today. You’ve got some free time before the performance. I have things to prepare too, so just rest today.”
“When exactly is the performance?”
“The day the cruise reaches Crystal Bay.”
So she’d have plenty of time to enjoy the trip?
“Can I do whatever I want when I’m not performing?”
“What exactly do you want to do?”
“Just… wander around. Explore.”
“Please don’t draw attention to yourself. You never know.”
“I don’t want crowds around me, either.”
Kitty spoke vaguely.
“So I can wander freely?”
“Yes, yes. Do whatever you want. Even if I say no, you’ll still do it.”
“You know me well.”
“Too well. I’ll check on you every morning at ten. If you need anything, tell a crew member or come to my room—just go down two decks to Room 305.”
He seemed ready to leave, but lingered, reluctant to part with the bed. After staring longingly one last time, Jerome finally left.
“Enjoy your stay, Miss Summers.”
“See you later.”
Once the door shut, Kitty immediately flopped onto the bed Jerome had begged for.
Once she lay down, she understood why he was desperate. How did they even make a mattress like this? She was relieved she didn’t own one at home.
Knowing herself, she might never get out of bed again…
She suddenly sat up.
What was she doing lying here? She needed to explore the ship. How many chances in her life would she have to board something like this? They’d only seen a tiny part of this massive cruise.
Kitty changed into the most ordinary outfit she had, then put on her sunglasses again. Just like Jerome said—she had no desire to draw attention.
She checked herself in the mirror. Makeup: flawless. Striped dress: simple. Sunglasses: pulling their weight.
Perfect.
Kitty practically skipped out the door, excited. It felt like she was finally a real tourist. Even if the trip was for work, she couldn’t help the thrill.
Just then, the door beside her opened, blocking her path.
A tall man stepped out of the neighboring room.
That wasn’t the problem.
It wasn’t a problem at all.
Kitty instinctively lifted her sunglasses for a clear look.
The man in a crisp white dress shirt was someone she knew very, very well.
She snapped back to her senses and ducked into her room, heart pounding. She couldn’t have been mistaken. It was him.
Percy was staying in the room right next to hers.
But why? How was that even possible?
Kitty didn’t even know why she was hiding. She was just… too shocked. She wasn’t prepared to see him out of nowhere.
After who knew how long, Kitty cracked the door open and peeked out.
Percy was gone.
