- il y a 2 jours
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00:00« Lift up your dress »
00:01He murmured a command
00:02« Legs apart, let me see, one more time »
00:06My face was burning, and I told him he had no shame
00:10He'd just laugh once
00:12« Be good »
00:14Soon enough, I'd used sweet talk and gotten four years of college tuition out of him
00:17« If I disappeared one day, what would you do? »
00:20He smiled, but his voice went cold
00:22« Babe, don't joke about that, I don't like it »
00:24Nothing sets me off like being talked to in that tone
00:26I deleted him on the spot
00:27Later, by pure coincidence, Chloe and I both landed spots
00:29In the same luxury group's maiden voyage training program
00:31On embarkation day, the heir to the whole group came aboard for an inspection
00:34I was standing at the very back of the crowd
00:36I looked up and saw a face I knew better than my own
00:38Before I could even process it, I watched the man's gaze land on Chloe's face
00:41And his eyes chained
00:42The man I dated online for three years
00:44Suddenly standing right in front of me
00:46The shock was too much
00:48My mind went blank for a few seconds
00:50By the time I came back to myself
00:52He had stopped walking
00:54The next second, he was heading straight toward us
00:57My heart was pounding out of my chest
00:59Even lifting my eyes felt like a risk
01:01His features were sharp, expressionless
01:03Cold radiated off every inch of him
01:05He was wearing a black shirt I'd seen in his photos
01:08Broad shoulders exposed beneath his cuff
01:10Clean lines, restrained, but str-
01:12Julian Ashfield
01:13He was taller than his pictures
01:15And better looking, too
01:16The supervisor whispered to us
01:18Julian was here to inspect the maiden voyage training program
01:22He told everyone not to be nervous
01:24Julian would never notice new hires like us
01:27The words had barely left her mouth
01:28Julian's step slowed, half a beat
01:30Without warning, a cuff cloak slipped loose from his wrist
01:32It hit the floor and bounced twice
01:34Rolled right past my feet and came to a dead stop at Chloe's
01:36Everything around us went quiet
01:38Julian stopped in front of us
01:39Or, to be exact, in front of Chloe's
01:41The two of them stood face to face, barely a step apart
01:43One was cold, the other dazzling
01:45They looked good together
01:46I quieted my own breathing
01:47Only one thought left in my head
01:49They made quite a pair
01:50The assistant saw what happened
01:52He moved at once to pick up the cufflink
01:53But Julian raised a hand
01:55He was unhurried to stop him
01:56Chloe blinked
01:57Like she understood something instantly
01:59She bent down and picked up the cufflink
02:02Mr. Ashford, you dropped this
02:04Her face a little flushed
02:06Julian didn't take it right away
02:08Instead, he lowered his eyes
02:09And took two steps closer to her
02:11I was standing nearest to Chloe
02:12As he came closer
02:14A faint trace of woody fragrance drifted over
02:16I knew that scent too well
02:18It was the one-year anniversary gift
02:20I'd picked out for him myself
02:21I'd gone to store after store
02:22Testing them one by one
02:24Before I finally settled on that exact one
02:26I pressed my lips together
02:27And tilted my head
02:29And glanced without a change in a paction
02:30Julian was looking at Chloe
02:32His gaze was deep
02:33Like he'd truly found something he'd lost
02:35Like he was holding something down
02:37Mr. Ashford?
02:38Chloe stood there with her hand out
02:39When he still didn't react
02:41Julian seemed to come back to himself
02:43Thank you
02:44He cleared his throat
02:45And reached out to take the cufflink
02:47His fingertips grazed lightly across Chloe's palm
02:51Chloe
02:51Then he said her name in a low voice
02:54Yes
02:55I'm Chloe, Mr. Ashford
02:56Julian was quiet for two seconds
02:58He stared at her a moment longer
03:00Only then did he turn and walk away
03:02Not until he was far gone
03:04Did I dare to breathe
03:04I reached back and touched my spine
03:07Soaked in cold sweat
03:08I sat back down at my station
03:10And spaced out for a long while
03:12Then I took out my phone
03:13And searched the name Julian Ashford
03:15A whole string of shipping and finance headlines
03:18About him popped up instantly
03:20My heart dropped
03:21The heir to the group
03:22Rarely came aboard in person
03:24And the moment he did
03:25He'd zeroed in on a new hire
03:27And that was a young, pretty new hire
03:29Everyone around us
03:30Caught the scent of gossip immediately
03:32They all crowded in
03:33I don't know Julian
03:34That was the first time I've ever met him
03:36But it just came back to me
03:37That we might go to the same high school
03:38I was the school queen back then
03:40So many boys in school had a thing for me
03:41The people around her picked it right up
03:43Within a few lines
03:45They'd spun her a whole story
03:46About a secret crush
03:47Stretching from those school days to now
03:49The entire staff training deck was buzzing
03:52Chloe cut them off, laughing
03:54Whatever they said after that
03:56I didn't hear a single word
03:58Years ago
03:59My mom worked as a live-in housekeeper
04:01At Chloe's house
04:02Once
04:02Chloe lost a bet with some others
04:04So they goanded her
04:05Into having my mom
04:05Steal my diary for her
04:07That diary was full of the person
04:08I secretly liked
04:09Then she posted the pages on the school bolitaire board
04:12Photographed them and put them on the school forum too
04:14After that day everyone who passed me in the hall
04:15Gave me that same look of disgust
04:17Back then I truly hated her
04:18So I stole her photos and her name
04:20And went around fooling people
04:21When I got into a fight in an online game
04:23I said my name was Chloe
04:23When I started trouble on a forum
04:25I said my name was Chloe
04:26Anytime I made a mess and someone came asking
04:28I gave them her name
04:29And I waited
04:29Waited for the day someone would trace those accounts back to her
04:32And get back at her
04:33Hard
04:33But before that day ever came
04:35I met Julian first
04:36Julian was a man with real breeding
04:39Measured in his words
04:39And always patient with people
04:41And more than generous
04:42The only problem was his sexual appetite
04:43Don't be fooled by how cold and detached
04:45He'd look standing there just now
04:47I knew exactly what he was like in private
04:49During those years we dated online
04:50Except the early days
04:51I spent night after night
04:51Listening and breathing heavily
04:52On the other end of the video call
04:53Saying filthy things
04:54In that same proper composed voice
04:56He used the heart of that contest hit
04:57Some nights it left my ears burning
04:59And I couldn't help telling him
05:00He had no shame
05:01He never got angry
05:02Just laughed low twice
05:03And went back to coaxing
05:04He insisted on meeting in person
05:06And it wasn't until that very moment
05:08That it hit me
05:09This whole time
05:10The identity I'd been using
05:12Was Chloe's
05:13I scrambled back through our chat history
05:18My heart had been hanging by a thread
05:20When I saw those words
05:21My name is Chloe
05:22It dropped all the way down
05:23All those things said late at night
05:24All that closeness through a screen
05:26All those moments
05:27When I'd actually let myself believe
05:28I was loved
05:29Every last one of them
05:29Built on a lie
05:30Even my name was fake
05:31When I finally lifted my head
05:33The girl in the mirror
05:33Had eyes swollen from crying
05:35And suddenly I sobered up
05:36I was just an ordinary person
05:38I didn't have Chloe's appearance
05:39Didn't have her background
05:40Didn't have that unshakable confidence
05:42Of the kind that never once doubts herself
05:43If I hadn't used her photos
05:44A man like Julian
05:45Would never have looked at me twice
05:46In the end
05:47I forced down that ache in my chest
05:49I sent him a sentence
05:50I'm sorry
05:51And deleted him
05:52Three days after I cut contact
05:53Julian sent me an email
05:55Just one short line
05:56Even through the screen
05:57I could feel that panic
05:58Of being left behind
05:59Too bad
06:00I wasn't Chloe
06:01The thought hit me
06:02And my back went tight
06:03All at once
06:03I looked up to find
06:04Everyone around me staring
06:06What is it?
06:07I forced her smile
06:08They just smiled
06:08And said nothing
06:09Nina didn't you hear just now
06:10Everyone wants to try
06:11The new ice milkshakes
06:11At the drink station
06:12It's just over by the crew cafe
06:13Not far at all
06:14New hires getting ordered around
06:15Was nothing unusual
06:16It was just that Chloe
06:17Always knew how to fit in
06:18With these people
06:19And all because of the way
06:20Julian had looked at her earlier
06:21I looked at her
06:22Then at the people
06:22Standing behind her
06:23They stood by
06:24Looking like if I dared refuse
06:25They'd step in on her behalf
06:26In the end
06:27I nodded
06:28Fine
06:29Chloe was very pleased
06:30That I knew my place
06:31As she turned away
06:32With a smile
06:33Nina's mom used to be
06:34Our housekeeper
06:35Nina's been good
06:36At this kind of thing
06:36Since she was little
06:37So if anyone needs
06:38Aaron's run
06:39She's your guy
06:39Every new place
06:40Chloe went
06:41She made sure to tell
06:42Everyone that my mom
06:42Had once been
06:43Her family's housekeeper
06:44All these years
06:45That had never changed
06:46I was long used to it
06:49Besides
06:50I wanted out of there anyway
06:52I ignored her
06:53And turned to leave
06:54But at that moment
06:55I walked straight into a man
06:57I looked up
06:58It was the assistant
06:59Who'd been following
07:00Julian earlier
07:00He looked like he was
07:02In a hurry
07:02He shoved me aside
07:03With one hand
07:04I had no time to brace
07:05I stumbled backward
07:07And my knee slammed hard
07:08Into the corner of a desk
07:09The pain nearly took me
07:10Off my feet
07:11He didn't offer
07:12Even a word of apology
07:14He strode it quickly
07:15Up to the supervisor
07:16Excuse me
07:17Which one of you
07:17Is Chloe Sinclair?
07:18Mr. Ashfield is asking for
07:19The moment Chloe
07:20Heard her own name
07:21And heard it was
07:21Julian asking for her
07:22She came rushing over
07:25That's me
07:25I'm Chloe
07:26What is it?
07:27The assistant looked her up and down
07:28His tone turned a shade more polite
07:29The top deck VIP concierge team
07:31Is short staffed
07:32Mr. Ashfield you to go up
07:33And help out for a while
07:33Chloe froze for a second
07:34Me?
07:35Mr. Ashfield sent you for me?
07:37Personally?
07:37The assistant frowned slightly
07:38But he nodded
07:39Yes, it's you
07:40Get your things and come with me
07:41Chloe covered her mouth
07:42Unable to hide the delight on her face
07:43Even her steps were quicker
07:44I don't have much
07:45I can go right now
07:46Good, follow me
07:47Chloe smiled
07:47Lips pressed together
07:48Before leaving
07:49She deliberately walked around to my side
07:51And she said with perfect innocent face
07:52Nina, please move aside
07:54I'm heading up to the top deck
07:55You keep at it
07:56Maybe in 10 years
07:57We'll be working up from my knee
07:58And quietly on the same floor again
07:59I said nothing
08:00Chloe walked away in her heels
08:01Following the assistant out
08:03With a bright smile
08:03The second she was gone
08:05The whole crowd erupted
08:07Oh my god
08:07Is she actually about to marry
08:08Into the Ashford family?
08:10Even if she doesn't
08:10At least she'll be with Julian inside
08:11For a while
08:11Didn't you see it earlier?
08:12You couldn't come staring at me
08:13Nina, didn't you two come in together?
08:14Do you know what's really going on
08:15Between her and Julian?
08:16I shook my head
08:17No idea
08:18Chloe went up to the top deck
08:19All of a sudden
08:20I was the only new hire
08:21Left on the staff training deck
08:22They gossiped about her for a while
08:23Then quickly got bored of it
08:25And turned their attention back to me
08:26Nina, didn't you promise
08:27To get everyone drinks?
08:28You didn't forget to
08:28Nina, I've got to check on
08:29This guest list for me first
08:30And sort out the number
08:30On these welcome gift boxes
08:31While you're at it
08:31And the gala dinner place cards
08:32Need to be verified by tonight
08:33Before long
08:33The files on my desk
08:35Had piled into a small mountain
08:36By the time I'd cleared
08:38Through all of it
08:38It was past 8 at night
08:40I stretched
08:41And finally had a moment
08:43To pick up my phone
08:46My dad's messes popped up immediately
08:53I stared at the screen for a long time
08:56My fingers were hovering over the keyboard
08:58With no idea what to say back
08:59In the end, I just sighed
09:01And opened up Selfie 3 Hourshal Media
09:03In the photo, she stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows
09:06On the top deck
09:07Grinning at the camera
09:08Bold and bright
09:09My finger paused
09:11But I couldn't help it
09:12I tapped the photo open
09:13In the reflection of the glass
09:14Stood the silhouette of a man
09:16He was on the other side of the room
09:17Turned in profile
09:17As if lost in thought
09:18Even as nothing but a small
09:20Blurred shatter
09:20Kavs instantly
09:21It was Julian
09:22I stared at that photo for a long time
09:24Until a voice came from above me
09:25It's this late
09:25What are you still doing?
09:26I was startled
09:27Shot to my feet
09:27And grabbed the metal hole punch
09:28Off the desk without thinking
09:30Standing in front of me
09:30Was a short, heavy-hast man
09:31He wore black-framed glasses
09:32Looking at me with open curiosity
09:34I froze mid-motion
09:35The longer I looked
09:35The more familiar he seemed
09:36It took me a moment to remember him
09:38The supervisor had introduced him before
09:39One of Julian's assistants
09:40Surnamed Charlie
09:41I hurriedly set the thing down
09:42And explained
09:43A little embarrassed
09:44I had some work to finish
09:46I'm leaving right now
09:47I see
09:47Assistant Charlie was clutching his stomach
09:49Two steps later
09:50As if remembering something
09:51He looked back at me
09:52Okay, you have a driver's license
09:53Right?
09:54Can you drive?
09:54I blinked
09:55Then nodded
09:56Yes
09:56Before I could finish
09:57His eyes lit up
09:58And he tossed the car keys
09:59Straight into my hands
10:00Perfect
10:01My stomach is killing me
10:02And Julian's car is parked outside the Porf
10:04I'll send you the location
10:05Just drive it over to the VIP shutter point for me
10:06Please
10:07I'll treat you dinner sometime
10:08Once you're done
10:08Head back to the ship on your own
10:10The company will reimburse your cab face
10:11I stared at the keys in my hand
10:13Completely lost
10:15I waved my hands frantically
10:17No, I can't
10:19I
10:19Assistant Charlie was too busy to listen to me
10:23Clutching his stomach
10:24He bolted straight into the restroom
10:26I stood there for a while
10:27Assistant Charlie never came back out
10:30In the end
10:30I accepted my fate
10:31Took the keys
10:32And went ashore
10:33The night before the maiden voidage
10:35The cruise ship was still docked in port
10:37I pressed the key fob
10:38Not far off
10:39A black luxury sedan lit up
10:41I paused
10:42Walked a full circle around the car first
10:44Only then did I open the door
10:45And slide into the driver's seat
10:46I buckled my seatbelt
10:47And reached up to adjust the rearview mirror
10:49The next second
10:50Through the mirror
10:50I saw a man sitting in the back seat
10:52His eyes right closed
10:53He looked cold
10:53But with an edge of laziness underneath
10:55Like he'd been drinking
10:56My mind went blank
10:57Almost instantly
10:58I clapped a hand over the rearview mirror
11:00A hallucination
11:00It had to be a hallucination
11:02That's what I told myself
11:03Then I couldn't help it
11:04I peeked through the gap between my fingers
11:06In the mirror, the man had opened his eyes
11:07Those dark, unreceivable eyes were fixed on me
11:10I nearly stopped breathing on the spot
11:11My hands locked onto the steering wheel
11:13It was too late to open the door and get out now
11:15He'd probably think I was trying to steal the car
11:17So I forced myself to speak
11:19Keeping my voice low
11:20Mr. Ashfield
11:21Assistant Charlie wasn't feeling well
11:23He asked me to drive the car to the shuttle area
11:25I didn't know you were inside
11:26He looked at me for a few seconds
11:27Then withdrew his gaze and gave a faint response
11:30And immediately closed his eyes again
11:31I let out a small breath of relief
11:33But before I could fully exhale
11:34Another problem hit me
11:36I turned the key over in my hand
11:37Searching for a slot
11:38How could I start to find one?
11:39Sweat was practically beating on my forehead
11:41You can't drive
11:42At that instant, his voice came from the back seat
11:45I sat bolt upright
11:47I was caught between a nod and a shake
11:49In the end, I mumbled
11:51A little
11:51The truth was, I could drive an ordinary car
11:54But I'd never so much as touch the car like this
11:56When I get nervous, I pick at my fingers
11:58That habit stayed with me all these years
12:00Now my mind was blank
12:02And my fingers had already twisted together on their own
12:04Mr. Ashford, I
12:05Before I could finish
12:06I realized his gaze had dropped to my hands
12:08A chill went down my back
12:10I moved to pull my hands away
12:11But he had already looked off out the window
12:13His throat bobbed once
12:14The car suddenly fell quiet
12:15I secretly took out even finished typing
12:17A shadowed look up cut us down at my side
12:19That faint woody scent wrapped around me in an instant
12:21His voice was right against me
12:22His warm breath grazed past my ear
12:24My whole body went rigid
12:25Too close
12:26Close enough that I could feel the heat coming off him
12:27Close enough that I didn't dare to breathe
12:29But Julian only stayed there a few seconds
12:30Then, as if nothing had happened
12:32He leaned back into his seat
12:33His expression was perfectly calm
12:34Like he really had just wanted to show me how to start the car
12:36I barely managed to steady myself
12:38And started the car the way he'd showed me
12:40The whole drive, neither of us said another word
12:43Finally, we reached the shuttle area
12:45I unbuckled my seatbelt almost instantly
12:48Without waiting for him to respond
12:50I pushed the door open and got out
12:51Turned and hurried off
12:54I never noticed the gaze that stayed fixed on my back the whole time
12:57That didn't move for a long while
13:00That night
13:00I had a whole night of restless tangled dreams
13:03Early the next morning
13:05I splashed some water on my face
13:07And headed back to the ship
13:08Two dark circles under my eyes
13:10The moment I stepped onto the staff training deck
13:13I saw Chloe
13:14Who was supposed to be up on the top deck
13:16Sitting in the middle of the crowd
13:17Laughing happily
13:18Yes, Julian told me to come back down for now
13:21Her voice was still soft
13:23Her makeup still flawless
13:24He said since I'm new
13:25I shouldn't stay up on the top deck the whole time
13:27That I should at least get to know the people down here first
13:29He even said he was worried
13:31I'd have trouble settling in on my own
13:33Just as she said it
13:34Her eyes landed on me
13:35She got up at once
13:36Came over all warmly
13:37And linked her arm through mine
13:38Nina, I'm back
13:39Aren't you happy to see me?
13:40The moment she talked to me in that tone
13:42I knew she was looking to make me the story again
13:44I hadn't slept well the night before to begin with
13:47The thought had barely surfaced
13:48When I'd already pulled my arm back on instinct
13:50Everything around us went quiet
13:52No one spoke
13:53Chloe was still smiling at me
13:55Only her eyes had gone a shade colder
13:57Thankfully, the supervisor walked in soon after
14:00It cut through the tension in time
14:03Everyone's here, right?
14:04Good timing
14:04There's an internal welcome party tonight
14:06A proper welcome aboard for Nina and Chloe
14:08The moment she said it
14:09The people around us perked right up
14:12Someone asked immediately
14:13Will Julian be there?
14:15The supervisor waved a hand
14:16He's busy, he may not come
14:18No need to be so tense about it
14:19Just have a good time
14:19Everyone laughed at that
14:21And the mood loosened right up
14:23I lowered my head
14:24And swallowed back the refusal
14:26I'd been about to get
14:27That evening
14:27I'd gotten my skirt dirty
14:29Hauling files at Moon
14:30So I went back to the crew quarters
14:31To change first
14:32By the time I made it to the crew bar
14:34Things had already been in full wishing
14:36For over an hour
14:36I pushed the door open
14:38The lighting inside was dim
14:39The music was a little loud
14:41I looked up and saw Julian there
14:42He was still in that black suit
14:44Sitting in the back
14:45With a barely touched drink in his hand
14:46The supervisor had specifically said
14:48He might not come
14:49My steps stopped dead
14:50But the supervisor had sharp eyes
14:52And spotted me right away
14:53Nina?
14:53What took you so long?
14:54Come in, you're the last one
14:55A few people nearby turned to look too
14:58I was already standing in the doorway
14:59Nowhere to hide
15:00So I steeled myself and walked in
15:03Coming
15:03I could feel it
15:04Julian seemed to turn toward me too
15:06But I didn't dare look up
15:08All I wanted was to find the seat
15:09Farthest away and sit down
15:11I'd taken all of two steps
15:13Sit here
15:14You're late
15:15So this is the only spot left
15:16I followed the direction she was pointing
15:18It was right beside Julian
15:20I couldn't get a single word out
15:22Because the supervisor had already
15:24Pressed me down into the seat
15:25At least Julian was turned away
15:27Talking to the person on his other side
15:29Like he hadn't noticed me
15:30So I could only sit there
15:32Rigid
15:32I'd barely settled in
15:34And the person beside me shifted
15:36Julian shifted in his seat
15:38The fabric of his slacks
15:39Brushed lightly against my calf
15:41My whole body froze
15:42I quickly pulled my legs back
15:45Put some distance between us
15:46Less than half a minute of quiet
15:48And that faint sense of touch came again
15:50Julian moved again
15:51That cool fabric grazed my leg again
15:53I held my breath
15:54But I couldn't stop myself
15:56From turning to glance at him
15:57Only to find him still talking
15:58To the person beside him
15:59His expression was perfectly planed
16:01Like he hadn't noticed a thing
16:02So I lowered my head
16:03And pressed my knees tighter together
16:05I silently prayed for all of this
16:07To be over soon
16:08But the next second
16:09Julian's knee pressed against mine
16:10Not hard
16:11Not light
16:12Through two layers of fabric
16:14That small trace of warmth
16:15Still drew my whole body tight
16:17I had nowhere left to retreat
16:19He still didn't look at me
16:21Just lowered his head
16:23And took a sip of his drink
16:24He lifted his arm
16:25And brushed lightly
16:26Against my shoulder again
16:27I stood up all at once
16:30My voice came out a little strained
16:32I'm going to the restroom
16:34I practically fled to the restroom
16:37The corridor outside
16:38Was much quieter
16:39I walked up to the sink
16:41And turned on the tip
16:41Cold water ran over my fingers
16:43But I still couldn't get my heartbeat down
16:46Then footsteps came from behind me
16:48I looked up
16:50In the mirror I saw a figure stop in the doorway
16:52Hands in his pockets
16:54He just stood there
16:56Unhairy
16:56My scalp preckled
16:58Mr. Ashford
16:59Did you need the restroom too?
17:01He looked at me
17:02And answered
17:03Flat and simple
17:04No
17:06For a moment I didn't chime in
17:08He was already walking towards me
17:11He stopped very close
17:13What are you hiding from?
17:15I shook my head at once
17:16Nothing
17:17Nina
17:18He looked at me in the mirror
17:19His tone bland
17:21Like he was asking about something perfectly ordinary
17:23Is there any part of me you haven't already seen?
17:25It's so elogeable
17:27You
17:29You
17:29You
17:29You
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