The Ceo's Destined

CHAPTER 1: SHIP OF DREAMS

The luxurious cruise ship, "Blue Horizon," sliced through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, its decks abuzz with the cream of society. Elise Rowland's radiant smile could light up an entire room. Her bright green eyes sparkled with warmth and curiosity, framed by thick lashes that accentuated their vibrant color.

The ship's intercom crackled to life, announcing their arrival at the evening's dinner party. Elise's father, Derrick Rowland, exuded power and authority, and his commanding presence was impossible to ignore.

As the patriarch of the Rowland family, Derrick's presence was both reassuring and intimidating. His family knew better than to cross him.

Elise's gaze met Julia's- her older sister.

Julia was what her family expected her to be—a woman who knew her worth and her value. Because of this, Julia didn't hesitate to make Elise see that the family held her in high esteem. Thus, their relationship was strained, even though Elise tried her best to soften the resentment her elder sister had for her.

Elise's gaze wandered, lost in thought, as she leaned against the ship's rail. The ocean's vast expanse stretched before her, its waves shimmering in the fading light. Suddenly, her heel slipped on the polished rail, and she felt herself tumbling forward.

Time slowed.

"Ahhh," Elise screamed as she found herself tumbling headfirst into the sea.

The shock of the cold enveloped her, disorienting her, and just as she was fighting not to drown in the big ocean, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her towards the surface.

Marion Oswald stood tall in front of her, his imposing figure commanding attention.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and soothing.

Elise nodded, still coughing.

Marion smiled, his features chiseled.

"I've got you," he whispered.

The ship's crew arrived, lowering a lifeboat, and he handed her over to the waiting crew. The crew pulled her aboard, and finally feeling safe, Elise turned to thank her savior. Their eyes met once more.

"I'm Marion," he said, smiling.

"I'm Elise," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

The crew also helped Marion aboard, and Elise's family enveloped her in a flurry of concern, their voices overlapping as they asked if she was okay. Becky, her stepmother, hugged her tightly. "Elise, darling, we were so worried."

Julia, her older sister, stood back, her expression a mix of relief and annoyance. "You're always so careless, Elise."

Elise's cheeks flushed. She knew Julia resented her.

Marion's gaze lingered on hers before he turned to leave.

"Wait," Elise called out.

Marion turned back, his eyes questioning.

"Thank you," Elise said, her voice sincere.

Marion smiled. "Anytime."

Their eyes locked for a moment before Marion disappeared into the crowd, and Elise felt a pang of disappointment. Her family led her away, chattering anxiously.

Elise stood in front of the mirror, her hair styled perfectly. Her thoughts drifted back to Marion.

Who was he, and why did she feel such a strong connection with him? Elise's stomach fluttered, and she wondered if she would see Marion again.

Later that evening, Elise slipped into her favorite dress, a sleek black number that hugged her curves. She was heading to Oasis Club alone, seeking a distraction from the Oswald drama.

Elise bellied up to the bar and snapped her fingers at the bartender. "Give me your best poison," she said.

"Coming up," the bartender said, and filled a cup for her.

"Leave the bottle," Elise told him. The bartender asked no questions and did as he told.

By the time she was halfway down, Elise was already tipsy. Then she turned and looked at the sea of strangers gyrating before her, a smile spreading across her face.

A figure walked through the mass of bodies, looking all masculine. The more closer he came, the more Elise recognized him.

It was Marion Oswald.

She waved a hand at him. "Hey!"

Marion saw Elise all right, and he walked to where she was seated. "Elise?" he asked.

Elise almost fell off the stool as she tried to put her arms around him in a hug, but Marion caught her. Again.

"Marion!" she slurred.

Marion's eyes narrowed, concern etched on his face. "How much have you had to drink?"

Elise giggled and rolled her eyes. "Enough."

"How about I take you somewhere else where you won't have to get yourself a drink?" Marion suggested, putting one hand on her waist while the other held her hand at a safe distance from the cup.

Elise gave him a pointed look. "Somewhere else? Well, take me to your room. I want to go to your room."

Marion could tell that she was drunk, but what other option did he have? He had to meet her demands, or she would start shouting. "All right," he consented. Let's go."

Marion guided her off the dance floor, his hand firm around her waist, and the next thing Elise knew, they were in Marion's hotel room.

They were so close to each other that their hearts almost began to beat as one, their lips clashing and passion igniting. Elise's thoughts blurred, but one thing was clear—she wanted Marion.

They stumbled to the bed, clothes shedding, both desperate to taste the other. With nothing left in between, their bodies intertwined, and their minds were lost in the haze of alcohol and desire. Elise's memories fragmented after that, and Marion's arms cradled her.

"Oh God," Elise whispered, reality hitting her like a ton of bricks.

"What happened?" she asked, mortification washing over her.

Marion's expression softened. "We...uh..."

Elise's eyes widened. "We had s*x, didn't we?"

Marion nodded.

Elise rushed out of Marion's hotel room, her mind reeling. She couldn't believe what had happened. The world outside receded, leaving only the warmth of Marion's embrace. As she stumbled into the morning light, Elise couldn't stop thinking about Marion. She wanted him again and even more.(It’s a little rigid.)

On a beautiful evening after a few days, Elise's phone buzzed. Marion's text flashed on her screen: "Are you okay?"

Elise hesitated, then replied: "Yeah."

Their texts flowed effortlessly ever since, passion burning hot through them—it was what she wanted, after all. After days of digital stream of consciousness and burning desires, they finally talked about it.

"Want to see you again," Marion wrote.

Elise's heart skipped a beat. "When?"

Their next meeting was inevitable. They chose a secluded rooftop bar, the city skyline their witness. One drink turned into many, their chemistry undeniable, and Elise's resistance crumbled.

They stumbled to Marion's apartment- desiring to consume them. Their nights blurred together – reckless, passionate, and unprotected. Elise knew better, but Marion's touch erased reason. Their one-night stand morphed into a secret affair- condoms were an afterthought, forgotten in the heat of the moment.

Elise's thoughts swirled with worry, but Marion's whispers silenced her fears.

"I've got you," he'd say, his eyes burning with desire.

Weeks passed, their trysts intensifying. Elise's emotions deepened, but Marion's remained elusive.

Was this just s*x or something more?

Elise's anxiety grew, and she realized she was falling for Marion hard.

After a few months, Elise was feeling weak and sickly; she couldn't think of anything that could be wrong than taking the ultimate pregnancy test.

Elise's stomach churned as she stared at the positive pregnancy test. Her mind reeled, thoughts colliding like stormy waves.

Pregnant!!!