Love In Disguise

Chapter Two

*Sophia*

It's amusing how Christmas has a way of creeping up on you, even when you're doing your best to steer clear of it. A day before yesterday, I was getting laid with a stranger and two hours later it's already two days after, can this month slow down already?.

Shimmering lights, forced grins, and that dreaded Mariah Carey tune was everywhere, all at the same time. This year, I figured I’d break free from it. Honestly, what is there to celebrate when you've faced the loss of both your job and your fiancé in such a tough month? Derek and I were supposed to have our happily ever after.

He proposed in the most predictable way imaginable. I came home to rose petals, a rooftop dinner, the whole nine yards. Blinded by love and his charming smile, I had agreed to marry him.

At this moment? Now, I’m unemployed, single, and bitter as hell.

“Come on, Soph, it’s going to be a blast! And you finally get to see my boyfriend” Mia had happily chatted away on the phone, completely ignoring my objections.

“You never thought it'd be nice to come back to New York so I could see him in person. You always liked this private relationship and you hid him even from me, I should be mad right now but I don't even feel anything” I said looking at the peridot ring on my thumb.

“Owwww come on. Okay, I’ll make a toast in your name on the first night?” Mia said, trying to buy her way out of the conversation and it worked, that would save me money so yeah I accepted it.

“You do you Mia, hold on ….hey can you turn off the music I'm on a call here mister……..” I said, trying to look at the name of the taxi driver from his shirt.

“Gonzalez”

“Whatever, please turn it off or I'll leave a 2-star review when I'm out of here”

Without even looking at me, he turned off the music and he had a smile on his face that just didn't sit right with me.

“Troubles with your taxi driver?” Mia said over the phone.

“Forget it. When's the wedding again?” I asked. Although she was my best friend, I was never really included in her wedding plans as I lived a thousand miles away from where she was, the Bahamas.

“Well, my fiance wanted it to be on Christmas day so whenever we celebrate Christmas we also celebrate our anniversary, isn't that just cute?”

“Girl, you'll make me puke right now.” I said trying to contain the mixed feelings I was having.

“It's not my fault your man chickened out is it?” Although she meant it as a joke, I felt bitter. I also never told Mia about my relationships. She only got to know after he broke up with me, so much for being best friends.

“Whatever girl, I'm on my way to the port”

“Alright girlie, text me when you're onboard, love you bye” she said and hung up the phone immediately.

My best friend was getting married, and for some insane reason, she thought dragging me onto a holiday cruise to celebrate her perfect love story was exactly what I needed to get my mind off my recent breakup and that was all that mattered.

“You don't seem to like Christmas,” the driver said, making a left turn.

“Hernandez, Was it? How about you just mind your business and get me to the port.” I could never stand nosy people, trying to bring up a conversation like they actually care.

“It's Gonzalez ma'am. I'm just saying Christmas is meant to be filled with love and Mi Abuela always said this season is when we should spread love the most.” he continued, this time adjusting the rear view mirror.

“Well Hernandez, I think your abuela was onto something but I'll love a silent trip to the port.” I said as I put on my earbuds and shuffled through my playlist.

I had fallen asleep for a while before the driver tapped me and said “we're here ma'am”

“Don't forget to give me a review and my name is Gonzalez” He said as he drove off.

There I stood, at the brink of the Diana Cruise Line’s enormous ship, observing joyful couples and families as they boarded, their bags overflowing and their smiles even wider. The air was filled with the overpowering scents of cinnamon and peppermint, a cloying sweetness that I just couldn’t handle at the moment. Honestly I felt I'd throw up in my mouth.

“Excuse me, miss, are you planning to come aboard?” A crew member inquired, his upbeat tone rubbing me the wrong way.

I nodded awkwardly, holding onto my little suitcase.

“Alright, I’m at the port.” I texted Mia.

As I boarded the ship, it was as if I had entered a snow globe. Everything glimmered. Garlands entwined around pillars, ornaments hanging from chandeliers, and carols softly playing in the background. This place embodies pure happiness. It really made me feel like I was going to be sick. Like can't you all relax? It's just the fifth day of the month.

As I made my way across the deck, I felt as if the universe was playing a cruel joke on me. All around me, I saw couples intertwined, children laughing joyfully, and older people exchanging warm, understanding glances. I pulled my scarf snugly around my neck, longing to vanish from sight. I wasn't really focused when I ran into him.

“Watch it,” I muttered, not bothering to look up.

“Perhaps it would be a good idea to pay attention to your surroundings.” His voice was deep, low, and frustratingly composed.

I finally looked up, and my immediate thought was: *Oh Sweet Mother Mary*

The guy was ruggedly handsome, in a way that screamed “trouble.”

His eyes were deep and intense, framed by a strong jawline, and the hint of stubble gave him an effortlessly stylish appearance. I felt I had seen that face before but I knew it was just my imagination, I haven't been on a cruise in five years. He wore the crisp uniform of the ship’s crew, the name tag on his chest reading

*Captain Saint.*