Chapter 1:
The Tiny Cabin and the Upper Deck
I stepped onto the gleaming deck of the Ocean Empress with my heart fluttering like the Caribbean breeze tugging at my sundress. Twenty years old, fresh out of college, and finally free. This was supposed to be my victory lap seven nights of luxury, turquoise waters, and zero responsibilities. My parents had promised a dream trip. Instead, the steward led me down a narrow hallway that smelled like recycled air and regret, stopping in front of a door marked 472.
“This can’t be right,” I said, staring at the tiny inside cabin. No window. No balcony. Just a narrow bed, a desk that doubled as a closet, and a bathroom so small I could brush my teeth while sitting on the toilet. “I’m supposed to have an ocean view. My parents booked the good one.”
