𝑀𝒶𝓃 𝑜𝒻 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝑒𝒶 | 𝟏𝟖+

1

Ellianna Kingston

"I don't have the money!" I shouted, my voice on the edge of breaking. I didn't know how many times I had to repeat the same sentence to the four girls in front of me, all staring with wide, pleading eyes like they were trying to guilt me into saying yes.

"Lacy already paid for it, so you're going," Ivy retorted, her tone just as sharp. We were locked in this silent battle of wills, her green eyes blazing with frustration. She wasn't backing down, and neither was I.

"That doesn't mean I'll have fun! Besides, who goes on a cruise by themselves?" I countered, trying desperately to come up with any excuse to shut this whole thing down. I didn't want to be here, let alone be stuck on some boat for a week, trying to pretend like I was fine.

Angel stood up from the velvet couch, moving to stand beside Ivy. "It's an adult cruise, Elle. All expenses paid. You can rack up Lacy's card and maybe, just maybe, find yourself a new sexy hunk of a man." Her arms were crossed, and the way she was staring at me with that familiar smirk reminded me of her sister, Lacy. I still couldn't believe they were related. The height difference alone was comical; Lacy was a foot shorter, but her attitude made up for it.

I glanced at the other two, Juliet and Lavinia, who were nodding their heads like bobbleheads, silently encouraging me to give in. "I even packed for you," Lavinia added, smirking mischievously. I groaned, knowing exactly what that meant—outfits that barely covered anything. "Please go, Elle."

I knew why they wanted this so badly for me. They thought it was an escape, a break from reality, but it wasn't that simple. Seven days on a cruise wouldn't fix anything. My bank account would still be a nightmare when I got back, my credit ruined, and my trust in people shattered thanks to Lukas. He'd maxed out every single account I had.

My inheritance, everything I had left, was spent on strip clubs, where he claimed to be pulling double shifts, or on the cheap motels where he took those strippers afterward.

None of it mattered now. I was broke,  heartbroken, and left with these hard-headed friends who refused to let me wallow.

"Elle, you really need this," Juliet said softly, her hand reaching out to squeeze mine. Her engagement ring sparkled in the light, the diamond so massive it caught the room's attention. I couldn't help the small wave of jealousy that hit me. Juliet and Nikolai had the perfect life, the wedding planning, the happily ever after. Meanwhile, I was stuck trying to salvage what was left of my financial life.

"Fine." The word slipped out before I could stop it. I caved. Each of their faces lit up, triumphant smiles spreading across their lips. "Told you she'd agree," Ivy said with a smirk. God, she was infuriating, but I loved her. I loved all of them, even when they drove me crazy. We'd been through too much together for me to stay mad.

Plus, maybe this was a good excuse to indulge a little. I could charge everything to Lacy's card and sip cocktails by the pool. Even if I didn't meet a man, at least I could escape my house and drown my sorrows in some fruity drinks.

I sat in the back of the car Lacy had sent to pick me up, my hands fidgeting as we neared the docks. My heart was racing, butterflies filling my stomach with every passing minute. This was happening. I was actually going on a cruise, by myself, for a week in the Mediterranean. It was terrifying.

You got this, Elle. Everything will be fine.

The driver opened the door, and as I stepped out, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. I said my goodbyes and handed my luggage to the staff, thankful that at least boarding wasn't a hassle. The ship was massive, towering over me, and everything moved in a blur until I finally reached my room.

A suite. Of course, Lacy had gone all out. I opened the door with my key card and stepped into the room. It was stunning—a cozy dining area with a small glass table, a spacious dark blue couch facing a large flat-screen TV, and, most importantly, a private balcony with a breathtaking view of the sea. The blue waters stretched out endlessly, and I could already imagine how beautiful the islands would look from here.

I climbed the stairs to the lofted bedroom, where a king-size bed was draped in white linens and a soft, plush blue blanket. The bed seemed like too much for just me, but I ran my fingers across the fabric, already imagining sinking into it later.

I couldn't help but smile. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.

I dropped onto the couch and dialed Lacy's number. "Hello?" she answered, dragging out the 'o' dramatically.

"Daddy's card?" I teased.

"Daddy's dead. Don't worry about my pockets," she shot back with a laugh. Lacy always had these ridiculous stories about her 'elaborate plan' to fake her father's death for a massive inheritance. He wasn't actually dead, but I never knew how serious she was.

"How's the room?" she asked. "I've never been on a cruise, so I picked the most expensive one."

"Clearly. It's beautiful, Lacy, but you really didn't have to do this."

"Yes, I did," she insisted. "Let people do nice things for you."

I tried to argue, but her tone was firm. "Nice things are getting me chocolate or watching a movie together. You dropped I don't even want to know how much on this."

"Trust me, this is the least of what I'm doing for you," she said cryptically.

My brows furrowed. "What does that mean?"

"Nothing. Anyways, love you, bye!" She rushed through the words and hung up before I could press her further.

I sighed and decided to start unpacking. Lavinia, of course, had packed me barely-there swimsuits, tight dresses, and heels that I knew I'd never wear. But she'd also snuck in some hoodies and sweatpants, knowing I'd probably live in those for most of the trip.

Just as I finished, my phone buzzed with a text from Lavinia. If you don't put on that blue dress and mingle, I'll make sure you don't see a dime of that money.

I chuckled, shaking my head. I found the blue dress she was talking about. Strapless, flowy, and surprisingly modest—at least for Lavinia's standards. It was perfect for a casual evening.

I shot her a quick reply before heading to the bathroom for another shower, wanting to start fresh. The bathroom was luxurious, with a massive bathtub equipped with jets. I took my time, shaving, exfoliating, and even using the expensive conditioner Lavinia had packed.

After drying off, I styled my hair, deciding it would be easier to blow-dry and straighten it rather than deal with my waves. I kept my makeup light, knowing it would likely melt off soon anyway.

I looked at myself in the mirror, pleased with how I turned out. I looked good, and for the first time in a while, I felt even better.

Lavi's words echoed in my mind—it's time to mingle.