Welcome to the Innocent World - Chapter 173

Chapter 173: Meeting at the Sea

The black fabric of my blazer clung perfectly to my body, a new exclusive design hand made by Eta personally for me. My white sneakers, clean and sharp, stood out against the wood of the cruise terminal. A pair of sleek sunglasses shielded my eyes, their reflection catching the sunlight as I approached the grand cruise ship towering before me.

The “S.S. Euphoria” was a masterpiece of engineering and luxury. Its gleaming exterior shone like a beacon below the vivid sky, and the sheer size of the ship was enough to make me feel awe and also from the crowd gathered nearby. I straightened the cuffs of my blazer, adjusted my bow, and stepped forward.

As I neared the boarding area, I couldn’t help but notice the people around me. The crowd was a mix of elites—business people in their suits, women in designer gowns that clung to their bodies, and celebrities whose faces I see on the covers of magazines. Among them, one figure stood out: Harry Piles.

Harry, a household name in the movie industry, was the epitome of charm and arrogance. His chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes were enough to make women fawn over him, and the group of girls surrounding him now was no exception. He laughed, flashing his signature grin as if the world revolved around him.

“Damn,” I muttered under my breath, removing my sunglasses. His eyes flicked toward me for a brief moment, but I could feel his initial nonchalance turned into something sharper as he noticed the murmurs of girls around us.

“Who’s that?” one of the women whispered, her gaze fixed on me.

“He’s so handsome,” another added, her voice tinged with curiosity.

I ignored them, handing my invitation card to the elderly guard dressed in a pristine black coat. He inspected the card carefully before nodding and stepping aside.

“Welcome aboard, sir,” he said, gesturing for me to proceed.

As I walked past, the murmurs grew louder.

“What’s your name?” a bold voice called out. I turned to see one of the women who had been ogling me earlier. She was striking—brown hair cascading in waves over her shoulders, a sparkling dress around her curves.

“Austin,” I replied simply, offering a small smile.

She grinned, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Well, Austin, I hope I’ll be seeing you around.”

Before I could respond, Harry’s voice cut through the air, his tone sharp. “Come on, ladies. Let’s not bother the guy. He probably needs time to settle in.”

I sighed inwardly, catching the faintest hint of irritation in his expression. Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Harry. Without another word, I turned and boarded the ship, my footsteps echoing on the polished floors.

As the ship’s horn blared, signaling our departure, I made my way to the railing. The guards gave the final sign, and the massive ship began to move. I watched as my country slowly disappeared into the horizon, the familiar skyline fading into the vast expanse of the ocean.

The cool breeze brushed against my face, carrying with it the salty scent of the sea. I inhaled deeply, letting the moment sink in.

“This is it,” I murmured to myself. “Time to relax and see what this adventure holds for me.”

The waiters had handed me a sleek black pass card upon check-in, complete with my name marked in gold. Finding my room wasn’t difficult—it was one of the luxurious suites located on the upper decks.

Sliding the card into the door, I stepped inside. The room was breathtaking. A king-sized bed draped in silk sheets dominated the space, while a crystal chandelier cast a warm glow from above. The mini-bar was stocked with expensive champagne, and a large window offered a panoramic view of the endless ocean.

I tossed my blazer onto the bed and sank onto the plush mattress. For a moment, I let myself relax, staring up at the ceiling.

This is the life, I thought, smirking to myself. But the temptation to explore was too strong to resist.

“I should look around first,” I said aloud, pushing myself up.

The ship was a floating paradise. As I wandered through its halls, I was amazed by the sheer worked done to it. The bar area was my first stop—a sleek, modern space with dim lighting and a long counter lined with every drink imaginable. Bartenders moved with precision, their hands a blur as they mixed cocktails for the guests seated on high stools.

A man in a tailored suit nodded at me, raising his glass. I returned the gesture before moving on.

The swimming pool area was equally impressive. It wasn’t just a pool—it was an oasis. Palm trees lined the edges, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze. Guests lounged on sunbeds, sipping colorful drinks as they basked in the sunlight.

“Care for a swim?” a lady lifeguard joked as I passed by.

I chuckled. “Maybe later.”

Further down, I stumbled upon a dance floor, complete with poles and flashing lights. The music was intoxicating, drawing people into its rhythm. Women shimmering as they danced half naked with abandon, their movements fluid and enticing.

One of them caught my eye, a brunette with a sultry smile. She held out her hand, beckoning me to join her.

“On a stroll, will join later,” I said with a wink, and she laughed, twirling back into the crowd.

The restaurants were a feast for the senses. Each one offered a unique cuisine—Japanese, Italian, French—each dish more exquisite than the last. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat filled the air, tempting me to stop and indulge.

But I pressed on, eager to see more.

Eventually, I found myself on the top deck. The open sky stretched endlessly above me, stars beginning to peek through the twilight. The sound of the waves crashing against the hull was soothing, and the cool air carried a sense of freedom.

I leaned against the railing, taking it all in. For a moment, I felt truly at peace.

“It’s peaceful, isn’t it?”

The voice startled me. I turned to find the source of the voice, and my eyes landed on her. She stood a few feet away, dressed in a bold, transparent red one-piece dress. Her golden-blonde hair danced freely in the breeze, framing her striking features. Her outfit left little to the imagination, her cleavage on display, and her smooth thighs catching the faint moonlight. She exuded a confidence that was magnetic, and for a moment, I couldn’t help but stare.

She met my gaze with a confident smile, her dark eyes glinting with intrigue.

“It surely is,” I said, my voice steady despite the distraction she posed.

She stepped closer, resting her elbows on the railing beside me. “You don’t look like the type to seek peace. What brings you here?”

“Adventure,” I replied simply. “And you?”

“I am here with my husband. He has some work with the other businessmen. You know the usual meetings and making connections and all.” She replied.

I cleared my throat, pulling my gaze back to her face. “It surely is,” I replied, my voice calm yet intrigued.

She smiled, her lips curving with a hint of mischief. “I was starting to think I was the only one up here enjoying this view.”

“Guess not,” I said, turning my attention briefly back to the sea. “The inside’s great, but nothing beats this.”

“Agreed,” she said, stepping closer to the railing. She leaned against it, her eyes fixed on the horizon. “My husband thinks it’s pointless to enjoy the view when there are so many people to impress inside.”

“Your husband, huh? Sounds like he’s a busy man,” I said, keeping my tone neutral.

She chuckled softly, her gaze not shifting from the sea. “He is. Always chasing deals,”

I nodded, a polite smile playing on my lips. “Yeah, I get it. Gotta make the most of these gatherings.”

She finally turned to me, her sharp blue eyes locking onto mine. “What about you? Handsome guy like you… alone on a cruise ship? Seems a bit odd, don’t you think?”

I smirked, pushing off the railing and walking a step closer to her. “Who said I’m alone?”

She raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow, curiosity dancing in her expression. “Oh?”

I stopped just a few inches from her, letting my eyes wander over her bold figure before meeting her gaze again. “I’m with a very bold and beautiful woman right now.”

Her smile deepened, her lips parting slightly in amusement. “You’re brave,” she said, her voice dropping to a near whisper.

“I guess I am,” I teased, letting my hand trail lightly to her waist. Her dress had a cutout there, leaving her smooth skin exposed. My fingers grazed it, and I felt her breath hitch ever so slightly.

The moment between us was charged, her body so close I could feel her warmth. Slowly, I leaned in, tilting my head just slightly, closing the gap between us.

“Lyra!”

The sharp call from below shattered the moment like glass hitting the floor. She straightened immediately, her cheeks tinted with a faint blush.

“My husband,” she said, her voice hushed as she stepped back, breaking the small distance that had existed between us.

I stood my ground, watching her. “I see.”

She turned her head to the railing and called back, “Coming!”

Before she moved, she looked at me again, her lips curling into a playful smile.

“Lyra’s a great name,” I said.

Her smile grew. “And you are…?”

“Austin,” I replied.

“Let’s catch up later, Austin,” she said, taking a step toward the stairs. Her voice dropped playful and inviting. “We’ll have enough time together.”

She winked before turning and descending the stairs, her movements graceful yet confident. I stood there for a moment, my eyes following her as she disappeared below deck, her husband’s distant voice still calling her name.

I leaned back on the railing, letting out a soft chuckle to myself. “This cruise is going to be interesting,” I murmured, turning my gaze back to the open sea.