Tides Of The Heart

Three

After the strange encounter on the beach with Jack, I wasn’t sure what to do next. I had spent the night tossing and turning, replaying the surreal moment in my mind. He’d said, “I do”. Just like that. Who even does that? The rational part of me thought he was joking, but the intensity in his eyes told a different story—as if he truly meant it.

Morning came too quickly, the sunlight streaming through the thin curtains of my hotel room. My phone never stopped buzzing with calls and texts from Patrick. I ignored them all.

I hadn’t seen Jack since our encounter at the beach, even if I only did indoor activities like going for a spa and pedicure after we met. I was too embarrassed to bump into him the second time. A small part of me hoped I wouldn’t see him again. Another part wasn’t so sure. Either way, the day lay ahead, and I wasn’t going to let Patrick or any stranger ruin my Maldives escape.

Determined to salvage my trip, I changed into a breezy sundress, slipped on sandals, and headed out to explore the island. No more hiding. The resort offered guided snorkelling tours, so I signed up on a whim, eager to distract myself.

The tour was beautiful—schools of brightly coloured fish swirled around the coral reefs, and the guide pointed out a few sea turtles gliding gracefully in the clear waters. I marvelled at the underwater world, momentarily forgetting my turmoil. But reality came crashing back the moment I returned to shore.

As I stepped off the boat, my heart froze. There, standing on the beach not far from the dock, was Patrick. He hadn’t seen me yet, but the sight of him made my blood boil. What was he doing here? How dare he show up here?

He must've found out about my surprise since I left the travel guide at his house before leaving.

I spun around, contemplating escape, but it was too late. He had spotted me, his face shifting from surprise to determination. I cursed under my breath. There was no avoiding him now.

“Amelia!” he called, jogging up to me.

I steeled myself, turning to face him. “What do you want, Patrick?” My voice was sharper than I intended, but I didn’t care.

He slowed as he approached, his hands raised in a conciliatory gesture. “I just want to talk. Please.”

“Talk?” I laughed bitterly. “You lost the right to talk to me the moment I found you with someone else.”

Patrick’s expression faltered, but he recovered quickly, putting on his most disarming smile—the one that had worked on me so many times before. “It was a mistake. Amelia, you have to believe me. I wasn’t thinking… I was stupid. It didn’t mean anything.”

I crossed my arms, glaring at him. “A mistake? Patrick, you don’t just accidentally cheat. Don’t insult my intelligence.”

“I know, I know,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “I messed up. But I’ve realized how much you mean to me. This trip—it was supposed to be about us. Please, Amelia, give me another chance.”

His words were carefully chosen, but they rang hollow. I had heard enough lies to last a lifetime. Before I could respond, a voice behind me cut through the tension like a knife.

“Amelia, there you are.”

I turned to see Jack strolling toward us, his easy confidence radiating from every step. He wore a simple white shirt and khaki shorts, but he looked effortlessly put-together. The sight of him was both a relief and a shock. What was he doing here?

Patrick’s jaw tightened as Jack reached my side, his presence commanding attention. “Who’s this?” Patrick asked, his tone clipped.

“Jack,” I said, not quite sure how to explain the connection. Jack, however, seemed to have no such hesitation.

“Her fiancé,” he said smoothly, extending a hand toward Patrick.

I nearly choked on my breath. Fiancé? What was he playing at?

Patrick’s eyes widened, his gaze darting between us. “Fiancé? Since when?”

Jack’s hand lingered on the small of my back, his touch steadying me even as my mind raced. “Since yesterday,” he said, his voice calm and composed. “Funny how life works, isn’t it?”

Patrick’s face turned red, his composure unravelling. “This is a joke, right? Amelia, tell me this is a joke.”

I opened my mouth, unsure of what to say. Jack leaned in slightly, his voice low but firm. “It’s not a joke. Amelia deserves better, and I’m here to make sure she gets it.”

Patrick’s fists clenched, but before he could retort, I noticed a brief change in Patrick's demeanour. Patrick’s expression shifted from anger to something resembling fear, after which he muttered something inaudible. The tension between them continued and I knew it was time to take over the conversation.

“What are you doing here?” I asked,

“Getting my girlfriend back,” Patrick replied, never letting his gaze falter from Jake.

I wanted to say something but Jack spoke before me. His cunning smile didn’t reach his eyes. “She's my fiancée, not your girlfriend. If you’ll excuse us, Amelia and I have plans.”

Without waiting for a response, Jack guided me away, leaving Patrick standing dumbfounded on the beach. My heart raced as we walked, the weight of what had just happened sinking in.

Once we were out of earshot, I stopped, pulling my arm free. “What was that?” I demanded. “Fiancé? Really?”

Jack shrugged, his expression unapologetic. “It seemed like the easiest way to get rid of him.”

“You could’ve just let me handle it,” I said, though a part of me was grateful for the interruption.

“Maybe,” he admitted. “But it was worth it to see his face.”

Despite myself, I laughed. The absurdity of the situation was almost too much. Jack’s charm had a way of disarming even my most stubborn defences.

“Thank you,” I said finally. “For stepping in.”

“Anytime,” he replied, his smile softening. “Now, about that fiancé thing…”

“Don’t push your luck,” I warned, but my tone was light.

“Hear me out first. How about a revenge getaway for your cheating ex?”

I raised my eyebrows with enthusiasm.

“What do you have in mind,” I asked, and he winked at me.

“I say we act like a real couple throughout his stay here. I'll tell you more at dinner tomorrow night. Enjoy your vacation.”

That was his only response before leaving me to my thoughts. He didn't even wait for my approval, neither did he mention the time or place we were supposed to meet.

For the first time since arriving in the Maldives, I felt a glimmer of hope—a sense that maybe, just maybe, I could leave the past behind and find something better. Or, perhaps, someone better.