Chapter Two

Selma's POV

"I woke up the next day with a sense of excitement that I couldn't shake off. Last night had been amazing, and I couldn't wait to see what the day had in store for me. I got out of bed and went straight to my balcony, taking in the stunning view of the ocean. I closed my eyes, feeling the salty breeze on my face and listening to the waves crash against the shore. This was my happy place, and I felt content and at peace.

I was about to head to my room when I heard a knock on my door. I opened it to find Chef James, who had a huge smile on his face.

"Good morning,Ms Bello! I hope you slept well. I have a surprise for you," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I raised an eyebrow, curious. "What kind of surprise?"

He beckoned me to follow him, and I obliged, my curiosity piqued. He led me to the dining room, where a table was set up with a stunning view of the ocean. The table was adorned with a bouquet of my favorite flowers, and my favorite breakfast was laid out before me.

"Wow, this is amazing," I said, feeling touched by Chef James's gesture.

"I thought you might like a special breakfast to start your day. You deserve it." "I've noticed, I have never seen you this happy before Ms Bello," he said, his smile warm and genuine.

"Mmhm really?". " Thanks so much for making my favorite lasagna James," I said to him as I could hear my stomach growl.

"You're welcome, please enjoy," he said with a bow and left to the kitchen.

I sat down and savored every bite of my meal, feeling grateful for the moment. After breakfast, I decided to take a walk around the ship, enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean. After yesterday's event, I decided to book a private suite in the yacht since it was late to go back to Warwick. Also I wasn't able to get the Chinese investors to sign the contract and close the business deal,all the reason why I had to stay for the night. As I walked, I couldn't help but think about last night and the man I met at the railing who introduced himself as Alex Travis. It was unexpected, but I couldn't deny the spark I felt between us. I wasn't sure where it was leading, but I was open to finding out.

I couldn't believe I was actually doing this. Standing on the deck of a luxury yacht, surrounded by a bunch of rich, entitled people, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive scenery here in LA. I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting when I agreed to attend this event, but it definitely wasn't this.

All I wanted to get done with is to close the business deal I have with the Chinese investors.

As I scanned the crowd, my eyes landed on a group of men huddled together, laughing and chatting. I recognized a few of them as business associates of mine, but the one who caught my attention was a tall, broad-shouldered man with piercing blue eyes,a jet black hair and a chiseled jawline. He looked like he belonged on the cover of a magazine, not on a yacht in the middle of the ocean. I recognize him as Alex, the one I met leaning on the railing yesterday night during the event. It was really him, the philanthropist.

I couldn't help but feel drawn to him, even though I knew nothing about him. We just had a conversation yesterday and I had never been one to let my guard down, especially not around men. I had learned early on in life that love was a weakness, and I couldn't afford to be weak.

But there was something about him that made me want to throw caution to the wind. Maybe it was the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed, or the way his voice boomed across the deck when he spoke. Whatever it was, I found myself inching closer to the group, hoping to get a better look at him.

As I approached, one of the men turned to me and smiled. "Well, if it isn't Selma Bello," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "What brings you to this neck of the woods?"

I forced a smile and extended my hand. "Just enjoying the view," I replied, trying my best to sound casual.

The man shook my hand but didn't let go. "You know, I heard a rumor that you're looking for love," he said, his eyes scanning my face for any hint of a reaction.

I snatched my hand away and scowled at him. "I don't know where you heard that, but it's not true."

The man chuckled and turned back to his friends, leaving me standing there feeling embarrassed and exposed. I should have known better than to let my guard down, even for a moment.

But just as I was about to walk away, the man with the piercing blue eyes stepped forward and offered me a kind smile. "Don't listen to him," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "Some people just can't resist a good rumor."

I felt my cheeks flush as I looked up at him. "Thanks," I mumbled, suddenly feeling tongue-tied.

He held out his hand. "It's Alex again," he said, his smile widening. "Alex Travis."

"How many times are you going to introduce yourself to me." " Didn't we like hang out yesterday during the event?," I questioned him raising a brow.

"Oh yeah, um.. I know but I only want you to remember my name always," he said with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes at his hilarious reason.

"Are you indirectly telling me that I have poor memorization?."

"No please. "So, how was your night ?". "I thought you left after yesterday," he asked.

"Actually, I'm not than with what I have to do," I told him briefly.

"Oh..well that's a relief, I can still have the opportunity to see your beautiful face," he said looking at me with those captivating eyes of his.

I tried to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. "That's hilarious ," I replied smiling, hoping I didn't sound as nervous as I felt.

James cocked his head to the side. " I like your smile you know, it's lovely." he said.

"Oh please spare me with the flatter."

"It's true cupcake." he said.

My heart skipped a beat when he called me that.

"It's Selma Bello not that ok."

"I know who you are, it's just that cupcake fits you right," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "So,you're the billionaire CEO who never takes a day off."

I rolled my eyes. "I do take days off," I protested, though I knew he was right. I had spent the last decade of my life building my business from the ground up, and I rarely took time for anything else.

"I don't remember telling him about being a CEO, or was all that included in the rumor?," My subconscious mind told me.

Alex chuckled. "Sure you do," he teased. "Well, if you ever decide to take a break, feel free to join me for a drink."

I raised an eyebrow. "You're not worried about what people might say?" I asked, gesturing to the crowd around us.

Alex shrugged. "Let them talk," he said, his eyes locked on mine. "I'm more interested in getting to know the beautiful CEO.

"Well...see you later, I gotta go check up on some stuff." I said ending the conversation and left to my suite.

As the day went on, I attended a few meetings, checked in with my team, and had lunch with the Chinese investors and their business partners. I had them sign the contract and close our business deal. I was very impressed because their investment was going to mean a lot to my company.

Later that evening, Alex and I attended a formal dinner, where we were seated next to each other. Alex looked dashing in his tuxedo, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my stomach when he looked at me with his captivating piercing blue eyes.

After dinner, we walked around the deck, watching the stars twinkle in the night sky. Unexpectedly Alex took my hand, and we stood in silence, enjoying the moment. Suddenly, he turned to me and took a deep breath.

"Selma, I know we just met, but I feel a connection between us. I want to get to know you better, and I hope you feel the same way," he said, his voice sincere.

My whole world stopped,I was stunned by his confession.

I felt a rush of emotions wash over me, and I knew I had a decision to make. I could run away from this, like I always did, or I could take a chance and see where it led.

"To be honest with you , I don't think I'm ready for this, Marco." " We can be friends and willing to see where this goes," I said, my voice steady.

He smiled at me, and we held hands under the starry sky.

"I'll respect that and wait for you whenever you're ready." " I promise I won't pressure you into doing anything." "I just wanted you to know my feelings towards you and I can't keep it inside...,it driving me crazy."he admitted.

In that moment, I felt something shift inside me, like a door had opened to a world of possibilities. I wasn't sure where this would lead, but I was excited to find out.

As we walked back to our cabins, hand in hand, I felt a sense of happiness that I hadn't felt in a long time. Love was a foreign concept to me, but I was willing to navigate these uncharted waters with Alex by my side. I kept reassuring myself that I needed time for my heart to break down it walls and easily accept love.

The rest of the trip was a blur of laughter, adventure. Alex and I explored luxurious places in the yacht. He was caring and gentle to me all the while holding my hand like it was a delicate thing that he never wanted to let loose.