A Holiday Affair

Chapter 2: A Deal at Dawn

I wake up the next morning with the sunlight streaming through my cabin’s window. The luxurious room, with its soft white linens and elegant décor, should feel like a dream come true. Instead, it feels like a reminder of how quickly my perfect getaway has unraveled.

I groan and bury my face in the pillow. Last night’s events play on a loop in my mind—Ethan’s smug face, Clara’s mocking laugh, and, most confusing of all, Jack’s bold proposal. Fake dating? I mean, who even suggests something like that?

But his words keep echoing in my head: "Show him what he’s missing. Make him regret ever crossing you."

I glance at my phone on the nightstand. No messages from Ethan. Not that I’m expecting one. Still, it stings. I sit up, running a hand through my hair. Maybe Jack’s idea isn’t so crazy after all. If nothing else, it might distract me from the ache in my chest.

Determined to clear my head, I throw on a sundress and head to the main deck for breakfast. The ship is already bustling with activity—guests lounging by the pool, sipping coffee on sunlit terraces, and chatting excitedly about the day’s itinerary.

As I grab a croissant from the buffet, a familiar voice draws my attention.

"Morning, partner."

I turn to see Jack standing a few feet away, holding a plate piled high with eggs and bacon. He’s wearing a plain white t-shirt and jeans, and his hair is tousled in a way that looks effortless but probably isn’t.

"Partner?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

He grins. "Figured we sealed the deal last night."

I roll my eyes. "We didn’t seal anything."

"Not yet," he says, his grin widening. "But you’re thinking about it, aren’t you?"

I hesitate, then sigh. "Maybe."

Jack sets his plate down at an empty table and gestures for me to join him. Against my better judgment, I do.

"So," he says, leaning back in his chair, "what’s holding you back? Fear of commitment?"

"It’s not that," I say, annoyed. "I just don’t see how pretending to date you is going to fix anything."

He shrugs. "It’s not about fixing. It’s about flipping the script. Right now, Ethan thinks he has the upper hand. Let’s show him he doesn’t."

"And what’s in it for you?" I ask, narrowing my eyes. "Why are you so eager to help me?"

Jack hesitates, his playful expression softening. "Let’s just say I know what it’s like to feel humiliated. To have someone take something from you and act like they’re untouchable. Helping you stick it to your ex? Feels like the least I can do."

I study him, trying to figure out if he’s being genuine or just feeding me a line. There’s a flicker of something in his eyes—pain, maybe?—that makes me think he’s telling the truth.

"Okay," I say slowly. "Let’s say I agree. How does this... arrangement work?"

Jack leans forward, his grin returning. "Simple. We act like we’re madly in love—just enough to get under Ethan’s skin. Hold hands, laugh a little too loudly, maybe dance together at tonight’s gala."

"Dance?" I repeat, skeptical.

"Relax," he says, smirking. "I’m not asking for the tango. Just something casual. Besides, it’ll be fun. You’ll see."

I bite my lip, weighing my options. On the one hand, this is insane. On the other hand, it’s not like I have anything to lose.

"Fine," I say finally. "But remember—this is strictly fake. No funny business."

Jack holds up his hands in mock surrender. "Scout’s honor."

The rest of the day passes in a blur. Jack and I spend the morning exploring the ship, stopping occasionally to chat or laugh loud enough to draw attention. At first, it feels awkward, like we’re putting on a play. But as the hours pass, I find myself relaxing.

Jack has a way of making everything seem effortless. He tells jokes that make me laugh in spite of myself and spins ridiculous stories about the passengers around us. By the time we’re lounging on the sun deck, sipping iced tea, I almost forget this isn’t real.

"So, how’d you end up with a guy like Ethan anyway?" Jack asks, leaning back in his chair.

I frown. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

"Just that he doesn’t seem like your type," Jack says. "You’re smart, funny, and down-to-earth. Ethan? He’s... well, none of those things."

I laugh, despite myself. "He wasn’t always like this. When we first met, he was charming and attentive. But over time, he changed. Or maybe I just started seeing who he really is."

Jack nods thoughtfully. "People have a way of surprising you, don’t they?"

"Yeah," I say softly, staring out at the ocean. "They do."

That evening, I stand in front of the mirror in my cabin, adjusting the straps of my sapphire-blue gown. The gala is in full swing, and I can already hear the faint strains of music from the ballroom.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. This is it. Time to put on the performance of a lifetime.

When I arrive at the ballroom, Jack is waiting near the entrance. He’s traded his usual casual look for a tailored black suit, and I have to admit—he cleans up well.

"You clean up nicely," he says, echoing my thoughts.

"So do you," I reply, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.

He offers his arm, and I take it, my pulse quickening as we step into the ballroom together. The chandeliers sparkle overhead, and the air is alive with laughter and music.

We make our way to the center of the room, drawing more than a few curious glances. I spot Ethan near the bar, his arm draped around Clara’s waist. His eyes narrow as he sees us, and a pang of satisfaction shoots through me.

Jack leans in, his voice low and warm in my ear. "He’s watching us."

I nod, my heart racing. "What do we do now?"

"Follow my lead," Jack says, taking my hand.

Before I can protest, he pulls me onto the dance floor. The orchestra shifts to a slow, romantic tune, and Jack places a hand on my waist, guiding me effortlessly into the steps.

"You didn’t mention you could dance," I say, trying to keep up.

"There’s a lot you don’t know about me," he replies with a wink.

As we move across the floor, I can feel Ethan’s eyes burning into us. For the first time in days, I feel like I’m in control.

Jack spins me gently, and I can’t help but laugh. "You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?"

"Maybe a little," he admits. "But mostly, I’m enjoying seeing you smile."

I look up at him, caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice. For a moment, the world around us fades away, and it’s just the two of us, moving in time to the music.

When the song ends, Jack leans close, his lips brushing my ear. "You’re a natural."

"Thanks," I say, breathless.

As we step off the dance floor, I catch Ethan’s gaze. His jaw is tight, and his grip on Clara has noticeably loosened.

Jack notices too. "Looks like someone’s not happy."

"Good," I say, my confidence surging.

"Care for a drink?" Jack asks, his grin as charming as ever.

I nod, feeling lighter than I have in weeks. Maybe this crazy plan of ours might actually work.