The day had arrived—the wedding of Ophelia Winter and Sen Williams. It was a grand affair, befitting the union of two of society’s most prominent families. The opulent cruise ship, The Pearl, was abuzz with activity. The event was to be broadcasted live, ensuring that the world could witness the extravagant ceremony. Relatives, business partners, celebrities, and even high-ranking officials mingled among the elegant decor, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

April stood at the edge of the main deck, her eyes scanning the sea of guests. She had no desire to be here, but refusing to attend would have given her father the excuse he needed to disown her entirely. She sighed, resigned to enduring the day.

“April, time is passing,” Kelly said, appearing at her side. “I’ve kept the rings in a locker. Go and fetch them for me.”

April nodded curtly, eager for an excuse to escape the crowd.

The lower levels of the ship were quieter, the hum of the festivities above muffled by the distance. April wandered through the halls, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she searched for the locker room. She admired the intricate decorations as she passed, though her mood remained sour.

When she reached the room, she realized something crucial—Kelly hadn’t told her which locker the rings were in. Frustrated, April pulled out her phone and called her mother, but the call went unanswered. Gritting her teeth, she turned back, muttering under her breath.

As April returned to the upper deck, she was intercepted by a wave of guests eager to talk to her.

“Oh, do you remember me?” a voice called out, stopping her in her tracks.

“No, sorry,” April replied politely, her eyes scanning the crowd for Kelly.

“Ah, it’s okay,” the woman chuckled awkwardly, but before another guest could approach, April walked off, uninterested in small talk. Her patience was wearing thin.

“Where did she go?” April muttered to herself, looking around for Kelly. “She’s probably off somewhere fussing over her favorite daughter.”

The thought made her fists tighten, her nails digging into her palms. The simmering bitterness in her chest threatened to bubble over when she turned a corner—and froze.

Her eyes widened in shock, but she quickly masked her emotions, regaining her composure. She spotted a waiter nearby and gestured subtly for him to follow her. He nodded and waited a few moments before leaving the area, ensuring no one would notice.

“Why are you here?” April asked sharply as she entered a secluded corner of the ship. Her voice was low, but the irritation was evident.

“Don’t tell me you forgot the plan already,” Devin said, his tone laced with a frown. Devin—her partner in crime, the man she had spent weeks plotting with—stood before her, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“Yeah, I remember,” April said, her voice clipped. “But forget it. The plan’s off.”

“What?” Devin’s voice rose, his frustration spilling over. “Have you gone nuts?”

“Shut up!” April hissed, clamping a hand over his mouth. She glanced around nervously. “Someone will hear us. Are you forgetting who you are and who I am?”

Devin’s eyes narrowed, but he nodded reluctantly. “Fine,” he said as she let go of him. “But why are you canceling at the last minute? Do you have any idea how much work I put into this?”

“I don’t need to explain myself to you,” April said coldly, shoving him away. “I’ll pay you double what I promised. Just stay quiet and do nothing.”

Devin crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. “You’re making a mistake.”

“Do you hear me?” April asked, her voice icy.

“Yeah, I hear you,” Devin muttered, though his tone betrayed his lingering anger.

April scanned the area once more, ensuring they hadn’t been overheard. Satisfied, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking with a confidence she didn’t entirely feel.

Devin stood in the shadows, his expression darkening as he watched her retreating figure. “April Winter,” he muttered under his breath, his voice filled with quiet malice. “Just wait and watch what I do.”

Back on the main deck, April rejoined the crowd, her mask of calm firmly in place. As laughter and music surrounded her, a storm brewed in the depths of the ship, one she could not yet see.