Deception

Chapter Twenty Seven

The next morning, slapped me in the face, not physically but because what I thought would be a nice sleep in turned into me rushing to answer my phone.

I groaned, grabbing it, only to see Constance's name on the screen. That alone jolted me upright.

"Good morning," I answered, trying to sound more awake than I felt.

"Good morning, Scarlett," she replied, her tone as calm and deliberate as always. "I need you to get ready and pack an overnight bag. I have a surprise for you."

Her words snapped me fully alert. "A surprise? What kind of surprise?"

"You will see soon enough. Bring whatever you feel is appropriate for warm weather. I will collect you in two hours."

And with that, she ended the call, leaving me blinking at the phone like it had just spoken in code.

I shot out of bed, suddenly buzzing with energy. I had no idea what to pack, which meant I overcompensated cute clothes, a couple of dresses, a bikini, some lingerie I'd been saving for a special occasion (just in case), and some makeup.

There weren't many options to choose from though as all my really nice clothes were at my own apartment and Sophie's clothes can be quite interesting at times.

After packing I told Sophie i'd be leaving for the weekend. Of course she teased me about it but being the good friend she was, cheered me on and told me to be safe then proceeded to tell me not to get pregnant knowing I was going with Constance.

Sometimes she just makes me rethink life.

After texting Constance Sophie's address she pulled up 30mins after in her sleek black car. She stepped out, effortlessly composed, her sunglasses catching the sunlight.
"Ready?" she asked.

I nodded, climbing into the passenger seat. "So... where are we going?"

"You will know when we arrive," she said, eyes on the road, lips barely hinting at a smile.

The drive was a mix of anticipation and curiosity, the city slowly giving way to the glint of open water. My eyebrows shot up when we pulled into the harbor.

"The harbor?" I asked, leaning forward to look out the window.

Constance parked and stepped around to my side, extending her hand. "Come."

I slid my hand into hers, still confused but not resisting as she guided me along the dock. My confusion turned into an audible squeal when we stopped in front of a pristine, gleaming white yacht.

"Wait—are we... going on that?"

Her mouth curved ever so slightly. "Indeed."

"Oh my God," I breathed, gripping her arm like a kid on Christmas morning. "Where are we going?"

"Be patient and wait hermosa," she replied smoothly, leading me up the polished steps onto the deck as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

The moment my feet touched the deck, the world seemed to slow. The sun bounced off the water in shimmering waves, the air thick with the salty tang of the ocean. Somewhere below deck, the soft hum of the engines was already starting.

"This is insane," I whispered, glancing around at the sleek lounge chairs and polished wood. "Do you... do this often?"

"No," Constance said, stepping past me toward the bow. "But I felt this was an appropriate occasion."

I trailed after her, the sea breeze tossing my hair around. "An appropriate occasion for what?"

She turned slightly, the sunlight catching her sunglasses. "You'll see."