That evening, Jasper and I sat on the deck, looking at the stars.
His phone kept buzzing. I watched the furrow in his brow deepen and asked softly, “Is it something urgent?”
Jasper turned off his phone and shook his head. “No, my time is all yours, Selena. I’ve changed. Really, you have to believe me.”
I smiled faintly and murmured an “okay,” but I didn’t say I believed him.
Jasper seemed agitated, his lips pressed tightly together, and his brows furrowed deeply.
I stayed silent.
Finally, he spoke.
“Selena, I have some work to handle. Would you mind staying here for a bit to watch the stars on your own?”
“Is it urgent?”
“Yes.”
Clearly, someone was waiting for him with urgency.
“Alright, go ahead.”
Jasper pressed a kiss to my forehead and gently ruffled my hair.
“My Selena is so wonderful—kind and understanding. Be good; I’ll be back soon. Stay wrapped in the blanket so you don’t catch a cold.”
As soon as Jasper left, my mood soured, and I quietly followed him.
He slipped into the room next to mine, hurriedly shutting the door behind him.
Before long, I heard muffled voices from inside.
“Honey, I’m so jealous. You spent the whole day with her. I don’t care. Tonight, you have to stay with me.”
“Not tonight. I promise I’ll take you out next time, just the two of us. For now, let me see our baby.”
Listening to the intimacy in their conversation, I turned away and called over a staff member.
“Is the small boat I requested ready?”
“It’s ready, ma’am. You can depart anytime.”
I stepped off the cruise ship and onto the waiting boat.
As we set off, my phone buzzed relentlessly.
“Dear Selena, you must have seen us by now. Do you finally believe that Jasper loves me?”
“To make me happy during my pregnancy, he’s been lacing your nightly milk with contraceptives. He promised me that once I’ve given birth, he’ll divorce you and marry me.”
“What’s so special about being childhood sweethearts? You still can’t compete with fate.”
The attached photo showed Jasper tenderly cradling Molly’s face, his lips pressed to hers in a gentle kiss.
I turned off the screen and handed my phone to the staff member.
“Please give this to the man I came with and tell him that Selena Long doesn’t want him anymore.”
As the staff member stared in stunned silence, my boat pulled away, leaving the cruise ship behind.
