Honeymoon(Part 3)
Snorkeling in the vibrant coral garden felt like stepping into another world. As I glided through the crystal-clear waters, I was surrounded by a mesmerizing array of colors and marine life. The coral formations, with their intricate shapes and vibrant hues, swayed gently with the ebb and flow of the currents, creating a surreal underwater landscape.
Our guide led us to a secluded spot where we could observe and interact with some of the ocean's most majestic creatures. As Jasper and I cautiously approached, the sight of graceful sharks and elegant stingrays gliding effortlessly through the water took my breath away. With a mixture of awe and excitement, we offered bits of fish to these magnificent animals, watching in wonder as they gracefully accepted our offerings.
Eventually, reluctantly, we began to make our way back to the surface.
"Did you see that shark?" Jasper exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement as we surfaced after feeding the sharks. "That was incredible!"
"Yeah, it was pretty amazing," I replied, still buzzing with adrenaline from the encounter.
"I can't believe we were swimming with sharks!" Jasper continued, his enthusiasm infectious. "And those stingrays were massive too! Did you see how they glided through the water?"
"I did," I nodded, unable to contain my own excitement. "It was like being in a completely different world down there."
Our guide, who had been leading the excursion, joined in the conversation. "You two were great out there," he said, smiling. "Not everyone has the courage to get up close and personal with sharks and stingrays."
"It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience," I admitted, still processing the exhilarating encounter.
"Well, you both handled it like pros," the guide said, clapping us on the back. "If you ever want to do it again, just let me know."
As we made our way back to shore, Jasper couldn't stop talking about our adventure with the sharks and stingrays, his excitement palpable with every word.
"So, how are you enjoying life as my trophy wife?" I tease Jasper, flashing him a playful grin.
He chuckles, shaking his head. "It's the best gig I've ever had, that's for sure."
"I'm glad to hear that," I reply, nudging him playfully. "You do look rather fetching on my arm."
"Only because you dress me so well," Jasper retorts, shooting me a wink. "But seriously, it's been amazing being here with you, Alex. I wouldn't trade it for anything."
"I'm glad you're having a good time," I say sincerely, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "You deserve it."
"Thanks, Sugar," Jasper replies, giving my hand a squeeze in return. "But let's be honest, I'm the real catch here."
I roll my eyes, unable to suppress a grin. "Keep telling yourself that."
I couldn't shake the nagging thought that Jasper's gaze might be fixated on my legs, scrutinizing every detail. Did I clean them thoroughly? Were they smooth enough for his liking? Was Travis wrong about men liking shaved legs? The uncertainty gnawed at me, fueling a silent inner debate about my appearance.
As I cautiously ran my foot along the smooth expanse of my inner calf, I hoped to alleviate any imperfections that might have caught his attention.
Nope, all smooth.
He should just tell me what's up eventually, right?
As a woman drew closer to us, her friendly smile and wave did little to quell the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. I recognized her from a previous corporate event, and her sudden appearance felt like an unwelcome intrusion on our private moment.
"Good morning, Ms. Azure," I greeted her with forced politeness, my tone laced with a subtle undercurrent of frustration. Part of me longed to express my annoyance at her interruption, while another part begrudgingly acknowledged the possibility of her intentions being well-meaning. Yet, despite my conflicting emotions, I couldn't help but wonder why she felt the need to disrupt our peaceful interlude. Didn't people understand the concept of personal space?
"Alexander....."she slurred.
"I'm sorry," I replied hastily, shaken from my thoughts. "What was that?"
"I said that my parents have invited you and your husband to spend the day on our personal yacht."
Frankly, the idea held little appeal for me. "Is this a request or...?"
"It's a request from me. I'm... not sure it's one from my father. He seemed to think your attendance a foregone conclusion."
Of course he did. He's an elite.
"Well, I suppose we had better not disappoint him." My tone carried a hint of resignation, masking my reluctance to accept the invitation.
I refrained from mentioning that Ms. Azure was the heir to a substantial diamond fortune. Accepting her invitation during our honeymoon was a strategic move to signal my ongoing dedication to the company, even in my absence. She could potentially be the asset that propels the company to new heights.
The yacht was a majestic sight to behold, gleaming in the sunlight as it bobbed gently on the azure waters. Its sleek design and luxurious exterior hinted at opulence and extravagance. As we stepped aboard, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the grandeur of the vessel.
The deck stretched out before us, adorned with plush lounge chairs and umbrellas providing shade from the sun's rays. In the center of the deck, a pristine pool sparkled invitingly, its crystal-clear waters beckoning us to take a dip. Jasper's eyes widened in amazement at the sight of the pool, and he wasted no time in pulling me towards it.
Ms. Azure headed off to find a spot to sunbathe, leaving us to enjoy the pool in privacy. As we approached the edge, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement coursing through me. This was definitely a honeymoon experience we hadn't anticipated, but one we were eager to indulge in.
The sheer extravagance of the yacht was overwhelming, each detail meticulously crafted to exude luxury and opulence. From the sprawling deck to the gleaming interiors, every inch of the vessel spoke of wealth and privilege. It was a statement, a testament to the Azure family's affluence and status in the world of the elite.
"Growing up rich must be quite the experience," Jasper remarked, his eyes scanning the luxurious surroundings of the yacht.
"Yeah, it had its moments," I replied, adjusting my sunglasses. "But it also came with its own set of challenges."
"I can imagine," Jasper said sympathetically. "Must've been tough living under the constant spotlight."
"It definitely had its drawbacks," I admitted. "But it also taught me a lot about resilience and determination."
Jasper nodded, understandingly. "I guess every upbringing has its pros and cons. Mine wasn't exactly a walk in the park either."
"I can imagine," I said, genuinely curious. "What was it like for you?"
Jasper leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Helicopter parents with low expectations here, so not many pros."
"I'm sorry to hear that," I said, feeling a pang of sympathy for him.
"Nah, it's fine," Jasper replied with a shrug. "I've learned to make the best of it."
"Sounds like you've got a pretty laid-back attitude," I observed.
"You'd think," Jasper chuckled. "But life's thrown its fair share of curveballs my way."
"Tell me about it," I said, nodding in agreement. "Seems like we both have our own struggles to contend with."
"But hey, at least we're here now, enjoying the good life," Jasper said with a grin, gesturing around at the opulent surroundings.
"That we are," I agreed, returning his smile. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."
A loud clearing of a throat sounded behind us. Jasper and I exchanged a quick glance before turning our attention to Mr. and Mrs. Azure, who stood before us with polite smiles.
"Sorry to interrupt your conversation, but we thought we'd join you for a bit," Mrs. Azure said, her tone friendly yet authoritative.
"Of course, please, have a seat," I said, gesturing to the nearby lounge chairs.
"Thank you," Mr. Azure replied, settling into one of the chairs while Mrs. Azure gracefully lowered herself onto another.
"It's been wonderful to see your progress, Alexander," Mr. Azure said, nodding approvingly. "And congratulations on your recent marriage, both of you."
"Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Azure," I replied, offering a polite smile. It was always a bit unnerving to have such influential figures commenting on my life and career.
"We're delighted to have you both here with us," Mrs. Azure added, her smile warm. "We've heard so much about you, Jasper. It's lovely to finally meet you in person."
Jasper nodded, returning the smile. "Likewise, Mrs. Azure. Thank you for inviting us aboard your beautiful yacht."
"It's our pleasure, Jasper," Mr. Azure chimed in. "We hope you're enjoying yourselves so far."
Jasper and I exchanged another glance, this time one of shared surprise. It seemed that the Azures were genuinely interested in getting to know us better, and the thought was both flattering and a bit intimidating.
As the conversation with the Azures progressed, they expressed a keen interest in understanding how I had turned out so differently from the rest of my family. They remarked that I reminded them of my grandfather, a figure they held in high regard for his integrity and vision.
With a mix of curiosity and candor, they pointed out what they saw as shortcomings in my father, older brother, sister, and even my mother, highlighting the stark contrast between their behavior and mine. Despite the uncomfortable nature of their observations, I listened attentively, acknowledging the complexities of family dynamics and the impact they had on shaping individual paths and personalities.
As Mrs. Azure requested assistance to get her purse, Jasper immediately rose from his seat, offering a courteous hand to help her navigate the deck of the yacht.
"Of course, Mrs. Azure, I'd be happy to assist you," Jasper said, flashing her a charming smile as he stood up from his seat.
"Oh, thank you, dear," Mrs. Azure replied, taking Jasper's offered arm. "I just need to retrieve my purse from the cabin. It's such a hassle with these heels."
"No problem at all. I'll make sure you get there safely ma'am," Jasper assured her, leading her with careful steps across the deck.
As Mr. Azure spoke, his words hit me like a bucket of ice water. "We can now get down to the real business," he said, his voice low and serious.