My Heart Belongs to You Only [Titanic Fanfic]

Ch. 1 - The Preface

The winter air was crisp as Amelia DeWitt-Bukater stepped out of the small grocery store, balancing a basket filled with groceries. The snow crunched under her worn boots, a stark contrast to the lavish shoes she once wore. Her long, ruby-red hair peeked out from under her woolen hat, and her sapphire blue eyes were thoughtful, reflecting the weight of her responsibilities.

Life had not always been this way. Once, the DeWitt-Bukaters were the epitome of wealth and privilege. The grand estate, the glamorous parties, and the extravagant dresses were all part of a bygone era. The sickness that took Christopher DeWitt-Bukater, Amelia's father, not only shattered their hearts but also their financial stability. His passing left a void that Ruth, her mother, and Rose, her younger sister, struggled to fill. Amelia, the eldest, felt the burden most acutely.

Determined to support her family, Amelia found work at a local nightclub, her angelic singing voice earning much admiration. It wasn't the life she had envisioned, but it was a necessary sacrifice. Meanwhile, Rose, unable to accept their new status, frequently snuck out to parties, pretending she was still a part of high society.

As Amelia approached their modest home, she heard the sound of laughter. Puzzled, she quickened her pace and opened the door to find her mother, Ruth, giggling like a young girl. Across from her sat a handsome young man, impeccably dressed and exuding an air of confidence and wealth. Amelia's heart skipped a beat.

"Amelia, darling, come in!" Ruth called, her eyes sparkling. "This is Mr. Caledon Hockley. He's interested in courting you."

Amelia's eyes widened as she met Cal's gaze. He stood, extending a hand with a charming smile. "Miss DeWitt-Bukater, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Caledon "Cal" Hockley was not just any man. He was an American industrialist, the heir to a Pittsburgh steel fortune. His presence was magnetic, and Amelia felt an inexplicable pull toward him. She knew he came from the world they had lost, a world she longed to reclaim for her family.

Ruth, sensing her daughter's hesitation, interjected. "Mr. Hockley has been very kind, Amelia. He has promised to take good care of us. He even plans to take us to England for the holidays."

Amelia looked at her mother, seeing the hope and desperation in her eyes. Turning back to Cal, she felt a surge of determination. She would do whatever it took to lift her family out of poverty. Taking a deep breath, she smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Hockley. I would be honored."

Cal's smile widened, and he took her hand in his. "Please, call me Cal. I promise, Amelia, I will take good care of you and your family."

From that moment, Cal became a fixture in their lives. He was attentive and generous, showering them with gifts and promises of a better future. As the holiday season approached, he whisked them away to England, a journey that seemed like a dream.

When it was time to return to America, Cal revealed his grand surprise: tickets to the maiden voyage of the Titanic. The luxurious cruise ship promised an unforgettable experience, a fresh start, and the possibility of a bright future.

Amelia stood on the deck of the Titanic, the wind teasing her hair as she looked out at the endless expanse of ocean. Beside her, Cal stood tall and proud, his arm protectively around her waist. Ruth and Rose were nearby, their faces alight with joy and anticipation.

As the ship's horn sounded, signaling their departure, Amelia felt a surge of hope. This voyage was more than just a journey across the Atlantic. It was a journey toward a new life, a chance to rebuild what they had lost. And with Cal by her side, she dared to believe that anything was possible.

The sun shone brightly as the Titanic glided majestically through the waters of the Atlantic. Amelia stood on the deck, marveling at the sheer magnificence of the ship. The luxury was overwhelming, starkly contrasting to the modest life she had grown accustomed to. She was dressed in a beautiful cream-colored dress that Cal had gifted her, her ruby red hair elegantly styled to complement her sapphire blue eyes.