Debra stirred, the scent of saltwater tickling her nose.


    She thought she was still adrift in dreams, but the sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink was very real.


    She was on a cruise ship. The sea stretched out in all directions, and the sun was dipping below the horizon.


    "Are we there already?" she murmured.


    Except for Marion and her, there was no one on the ship.


    She found Marion in the kitchen, wiping down a knife. The aroma of cooked meat filled the air.Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    "We''ve been here a while," he said. "I didn''t want to disturb your sleep."


    Debra then noticed she was lying on a big bed. She got up, and Marion draped a nket over her shoulders. "The sea breeze is a bit cold this season, but it looks. great." The ship had the heating on, so she didn''t feel cold. The sunset outside bathed her in


    warmth.


    "Did you bring me here for my birthday?" she asked.


    Marion took a step back and gave a small bow. "Ms. Frazier, would you do me the honor of dining with me this evening?"


    She smiled, cing her hand in his. "I''d be rude to refuse.


    He led her to a long table set with steaming steak, fresh bread, appetizers, and mushroom soup. White candles flickered in antique holders, casting a warm glow over the scene.


    "Candlelight dinner?" Debra raised an eyebrow.


    This was a side of Marion she''d never seen. He poured the wine and arranged the tes with meticulous care.


    Then he retrieved a violin from the corner and began to y a soft, haunting melody. The sea sparkled under the moonlight, the breeze carrying a salty tang.


    When the music ended, Marion ced an intricately wrapped wooden box before


    her. "A gift for you."


    "You prepared me a gift?"


    Debra should have seen iting. The cruise, the dinner, and the music all pointed to something grand.


    "Open it."


    She lifted the lid, revealing a stack of deeds, bank cards, and financial certificates. Nestled beneath was a sapphire ring.


    Familiar with jewelry, she immediately recognized the ring''s high value. It was said to be a piece crafted by the royal family a century ago, worn by a queen. Rumor had it that the ring was sold by a private seller. She didn''t expect it to end up in Marion''s hands.


    "What are these?"


    "Everything I have. I''m giving them all to you. No strings attached."


    Her heart pounded in her chest. She pushed the box back towards him. "You''re out of your mind. I can''t ept this, Marion. It''s too much."


    "Toote. I''ve already signed the papers."