NEW YEAR, NEW LIE

Chapter 4

As I stood frozen in shock, Harrison's eyes met mine, and he hastily shoved the naked girl off his lap, scrambling to fasten his belt and cover himself. I was thunderstruck, and I couldn't help but shout, "What the hell is going on here, Harrison?"

Harrison's face turned bright red as he tried to compose himself. But before he could even try to explain, people started gathering outside the room, curious about the commotion.

Greg appeared out of nowhere, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Ah, perfect timing," he said, his eyes gleaming with malice.

Harrison tried to push past me, but I stood my ground, my eyes blazing with anger. "What is going on, Harrison?" I demanded, my voice shaking with rage.

Harrison tried to placate me, but I was having none of it. "It's not what it looks like," he said, but I cut him off.

"What does it look like, Harrison?" I spat, my tears of anger and betrayal streaming down my face. "This is what you've been up to? This is why you haven't touched me in a year? You said you didn't like virgins, but it seems like you just didn't like me!"

Harrison's face turned red with anger, and he tried to raise his voice. "Just stop, okay? There are people watching. Don't ruin my image."

But I wasn't having it. I shook him, my fingers digging deep into his arm. "Don't you dare raise your voice at me, Harrison! What is this? What is going on?"

I turned to Greg, my eyes blazing with anger. "And what did your Greg mean when he said you don't value me? Is this why he tried to force himself on me just now?"

Greg's grin faltered, and he took a step back, but I wasn't done. "How could you, Harrison? How could you do this to me?"

Harrison turned to Greg, his face twisted in rage. "What the hell is she talking about?" he demanded.

But before Greg could respond, Ray rushed in and grabbed Harrison, holding him back. "Whoa, calm down, Harrison!" Ray exclaimed.

Harrison struggled against Ray's grip, his eyes blazing with fury. "Did you try to force yourself on her?" he shouted at Greg.

Greg sneered, his eyes glinting with malice. "No, man, don't even act like you care. You told us that she doesn't turn you on, that she dresses like a girl from the nineties. You said you're not even attracted to her, that you only like her because she's smart."

Harrison's face turned red with rage, and he launched himself at Greg, punching him in the face.

I fell to the floor, crying and embarrassed, as the scene around me descended into chaos.

Everyone was shocked, their mouths hanging open in amazement. I was like, "Whoa, whoa, this can't be happening."

I stood up, my eyes blazing with anger and hurt. "You didn't even have the decency to tell me the truth. You discussed me with your friends, like I was some kind of joke."

My voice was shaking with rage, and I could feel tears streaming down my face. "How could you, Harrison? You're an asshole, you're inhuman. You never loved me in the first place, I'm so tired of this. I hate you, Harrison."

Greg, still rubbing his jaw from Harrison's punch, sneered at me. "This b***h, she's just dramatic. Did I even try to r**e you? You tried seducing me."

I was furious, and I slapped Greg across the face. "How dare you, you animal!"

"We are done, Harrison!" I exclaimed, my voice shaking with anger and hurt. "I can't continue this stupid relationship. This wasn't even a relationship in the first place. You know how much I've always wanted to be here, on this cruise ship. This was my dream vacation, and you succeeded in ruining it with your friends."

I glared at him, my eyes blazing with fury. "You can go ahead and live your life however you want it. Stay out of my life with your stupid friends. I'm done!"

Harrison's face turned red with anger, but I didn't care.As I turned to leave, I felt my legs give way beneath me. I was about to tumble over the side of the ship when a pair of strong arms grabbed me, holding me back.

I looked up at my rescuer, and for a moment, our eyes locked. I felt a spark of recognition, but my mind was too cloudy to place him.

"I think I've seen you before," I murmured, before everything went black.

When I came to, I was lying on a bed in a cozy cabin. I sat up with a start, looking around frantically.

"What am I doing here?" I demanded, my voice shaking.

A figure emerged from the shadows, a kind smile on his face. "Relax, my name is Maverick Kingston .You're safe now."

I rubbed my temples, trying to clear the fog from my mind. And then it hit me - I knew this guy.

"I know you from the makeup store,with your mother," I exclaimed, my eyes widening in surprise.

Maverick chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, I know you too. I'm sorry about whatever happened out there."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I thought about Harrison's betrayal. I started crying, great sobs racking my body.

Maverick handed me a box of tissues, his expression sympathetic. "I'm so sorry," he repeated.

I blew my nose, feeling a spark of anger ignite within me. "How could he do this to me?" I muttered. "This was my dream vacation, and he ruined it."

Maverick 's eyes gleamed with understanding. "If you really want to get back at him, I can help you."

I looked at Maverick, my eyes narrowing. "What did you mean by 'I can help you get back at him'?" I asked, my voice firm.

Maverick smiled kindly. "You need rest now. I don't want to stress you about issues like this. I'll send a chef to come take your order, okay?"

I nodded, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. "Okay, thank you."

Maverick nodded. "I don't know if you'd like to go back to your room or—"

But I interrupted him, my voice firm. "No, no, no, no. I don't want to go back there. I don't feel safe there. I'd rather be here, if you don't mind."

Maverick smiled. "Hm, no problem. That's even better. I'll be in the room next door to yours. If you need me, I'll come check up on you soon."

As Maverick left the room, I couldn't help but admire my surroundings. The room was even more luxurious than the one Harrison and I had been assigned. The bed was enormous, with plush pillows and a velvet duvet. The walls were adorned with expensive artwork, and the floor was made of polished marble.

About thirty minutes later, there was a knock at the door. A chef entered, bowing slightly. "Good evening, miss. I'm here to take your order."