(In the Oasis Cruise)
The night passes quietly after their arrival on the cruise. Now, morning sunlight spills across the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sea and the dining deck below.
Neva and Rhett take a seat at one of the outdoor tables.
The warm scent of breakfast drifts around them, and Neva's eyes light up at the sight of her plate.
She lifts a spoonful of fragrant chicken curry rice and takes a bite, savoring it.
Across from her, Rhett watches her with goofy affection, his lips curled in a lingering smile.
"You like it?" he chuckles.
Neva glances at him, swiping her tongue across her lower lip. "Very much!" she laughs.
"Here," she says, scooping another spoonful and offering it to him. Rhett opens his mouth dramatically and happily munches the bite. "Mmm... Tasty!"
"Once more, please. Ahhh—" After he's done swallowing, Rhett leans forward, mouth open again like a child begging to be fed.
Neva clicks her tongue, grinning. "Told you so! That's what you get for picking avocado toast instead." She feeds him another bite, amused.
He shrugs, chewing leisurely. "It looked fattening. Toast and eggs are better for breakfast."
Neva raises her brows. "Who cares about fattening food? You only live once. Might as well enjoy every moment."
"I was wrong. One more bite, please..." He gives her his best puppy-dog eyes.
She narrows hers in return, pretending to scowl. "Why? My food's going to make you fat, remember?" She takes another bite herself, savoring it.
"I was wrong! It's not fattening at all. Besides, I'll just work out later. Please, gorgeous, just one more?"
She rolls her eyes, but can't help laughing. "Alright, let's share. You've barely touched your own plate."
"Really?" His eyes sparkle with exaggerated joy.
"Yes, really," Neva chuckles. "I'll go get a spoon and plate for you."
"We can just eat together from yours?" he suggests, tilting his head.
"Not in public," Neva says firmly, giving him a pointed look.
Rhett pouts. "Alright, I'll go," he says, standing.
"Okay," she chirps back.
As Rhett walks away to fetch a plate, a small figure toddles toward Neva's table.
She's mid-bite when a gentle poke to her arm stops her.
She lowers her spoon, turning to see a little boy standing beside her.
"Hello, sweetie. Do you need something?" she asks gently.
The child, with big green eyes, studies her face intently. Then, with unexpected conviction, he shakes his head.
"I just wanted to tell you," he says, "you're the most beautiful princess I've ever seen."
Neva gasps softly, caught off guard. She breaks into a laugh, touched.
"Thank you. You're adorable too," she says warmly, ruffling his soft, wavy hair.
The boy is beautiful—fair-skinned with a sprinkle of freckles, wide glittering eyes, and auburn curls brushing his nape.
He giggles, his shy smile growing wider.
"Thank you, princess. My name is Noah," he says proudly.
She chuckles at the nickname. "That's a beautiful name. I'm Neva."
She notices his tousled hair and smiles. "Oh sweetie, I messed up your hair." She tries smoothing it gently.
"It's alright, princess," Noah giggles again.
Just then, the sound of boots clicking on the floor draws her attention. Rhett returns, holding a plate and spoon. His brows knit as he notices the child beside Neva.
"Who are you?" he asks, tone cautious.
Noah looks up at the tall, intimidating man. He instinctively leans closer to Neva.
"He's Noah," Neva answers calmly, then looks down at the boy. "Where are your parents, sweetheart?"
"Papa's there." Noah points toward a distant table, but Neva sees no one.
"Where, sweetie?"
"He went to get me dessert... I guess he hasn't come back yet."
"I see…" Neva nods, gently.
Rhett sets the plate down and takes a seat, still watching the boy. "Where's your mother?"
Noah glances at him, voice small. "Mama's in heaven."
Rhett frowns and falls silent. Neva's expression softens, eyes dimming.
"Noah!" A man hurries toward them.
"There you are," he breathes out, kneeling to check the child. Then his gaze lifts to Neva and Rhett.
"Papa!" Noah grins and hugs his father's legs.
The man wraps him in a warm hug. "I met a really wonderful princess," Noah whispers to him, smiling.
The man chuckles. "I can see that."
Then he straightens, offering a polite nod. "I'm sorry, ma'am, sir. My boy didn't bother you, I hope."
Neva waves it off. "Not at all. Noah's a delight."
The man smiles gratefully. "Thank you for watching over him. Say goodbye to the kind lady, Noah."
"Bye-bye, princess. It was nice meeting you," Noah says reluctantly.
"Bye, sweetheart. It was lovely meeting you too," Neva replies.
The man gives her a respectful bow, and she returns it. He nods at Rhett, who gives a stiff nod in return, eyes still fixed on Neva.
Noah glances back, waving. Neva waves too, smiling gently.
Then, silence.
Neva turns to Rhett, only to find him staring at her—his expression unreadable.
"We can't have a child," he says suddenly.
"What?" Neva blinks, stunned by the cold finality in his voice.