Chapter 1 - The Wedding IllusionThe champagne tasted like salt and copper.
I stood on the deck of the Solstice, letting the Caribbean breeze whip my white dress around my legs. Flynn wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, pulling me flush against his chest.
"Happy, Mrs. Mercer?" he murmured.
His breath was warm against my neck.
"Perfectly," I said, though a strange heaviness had already begun to settle in my limbs.
Flynn kissed my cheek. "You look exhausted, Claire. Let me get you something to drink."
"Just water, please."
"Of course, darling. I'll ask the crew."
He walked toward the main salon, his posture relaxed, confident, and completely at ease with the extravagant wealth surrounding him.
I leaned against the polished brass railing, closing my eyes as a sudden wave of dizziness washed over me.
My father had gifted us this four-deck yacht to ensure my honeymoon was the safest chapter of my life. But as I stared down into the churning blue water, my stomach twisted violently.
A blonde stewardess I didn't recognize stepped out onto the deck, balancing a silver tray.
"Water, ma'am?" she asked.
"Thank you," I said, reaching for the crystal glass. "I don't think we've met. I'm Claire."
"Natalie," she replied.
Her smile was perfectly polite, but her eyes were entirely dead.
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"Did my husband send you?" I asked, taking a slow sip.
"Mr. Mercer is very attentive," Natalie said, her voice completely devoid of warmth. "He specifically requested I handle all of your meals moving forward."
