[Day 4, Dec. 23 – The Ophelia Cruise Ship]
Octavia
Ava staggered slightly, her hand flying to her cheek as her wide eyes filled with tears. For a moment, she looked like she might retaliate, but Margaret’s icy glare froze her in place.
The sharp sound of the slap still echoed in the air, silencing the poolside party as gasps rippled through the crowd. The DJ must have noticed the tension because the music faded to a low hum, leaving nothing but murmurs and whispers.
I glanced at Lila, whose jaw had practically hit the floor. Craig, lounging nearby with his margarita in hand, looked equally stunned, his usually calm demeanor replaced with wide-eyed shock.
He sprang up immediately, joining us. “She really slapped her in front of everyone? Damn. Margaret doesn’t play.”
“What the hell j
