Benson

Chapter 18 My Princess

Benson and Thomas sat in a corner of the bar, surrounded by loud music and the buzz of the crowd.

A few drinks were on the table, making their conversation more direct and candid

Thomas picked up his glass, swirling the liquid inside, looking at Benson through the glass. He teased, “You still have feelings for your wife, don’t you? Otherwise, why would you sleep with her?”

A complex expression crossed Benson’s face. He picked up his drink and downed it in one gulp, slamming the glass back on the table with a mixture of frustration and anger. “She drugged me.”

Thomas was taken aback. He didn’t expect Benson to say that. He frowned, contemplating the truth of Benson’s statement. “Yvonne doesn’t seem like the type to do that. There must be some misunderstanding.

Benson shook his head, his eyes filled with determination and resolve. “The misunderstanding doesn’t matter. If she wants to play games, I’ll play along.

||

As the night deepened, the bar grew more lively. Benson drank and smoked, his eyes reflecting complex emotions. He took out his phone and quickly sent a message to Yvonne. “Come pick me up.”

Yvonne was about to sleep when her phone lit up. She glanced at the screen and saw Benson’s message. A surge of irritation washed over her. She knew Benson’s intentions and that he might use the brooch to threaten her.

Frowning, Yvonne didn’t want to be controlled or threatened by Benson anymore. She remembered his broken promise about the divorce. She knew that even if she picked him up, he wouldn’t keep his word. This game would only continue endlessly.

Determined, Yvonne turned off her phone.

Minutes ticked by, and the phone screen remained dark Benson, though unfamiliar with Yvonne’s thoughts, had anticipated this outcome. A faint, almost imperceptible smile played on his lips as he swirled his drink, the clintang of ice against glass echoing softly.

He thought, “Yvonne, you’re quite interesting.”

Morning sunlight peeled through the curtains, spilling onto Yvonne’s bed. She slowly opened her eyes, welcoming a new day.

With her phone back on, she saw a message from Marcus, reminding her of their beach trip. Feeling slightly relieved, Yvonne got ready, filled with anticipation for the upcoming trip.

Soon, Marcus’s car arrived at her building. He held a bouquet of flowers, especially for Yvonne. Seeing the flowers, Yvonne smiled and accepted them gratefully. “Marcus, you’re so thoughtful. Thank you.”

Marcus smiled back, “It’s my pleasure. I hope today brings you joy.

As they drove to the beach, Marcus played some light music. Their conversation was easy and cheerful, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

At the beach, the sun was bright, the breeze gentle, and the waves lapping softly against the shore. Yvonne took off her shoes, walking barefoot on the soft sand, feeling it under her feet and relaxing with each step.

35 2 2 2 2 2 23

Marcus watched her stroll along the shore, occasionally stopping to pick up shells or chase the waves. He captured these moments with his camera, recording her carefree spirit.

As Yvonne looked into the camera, she smiled, feeling like she had returned to a carefree time before her marriage.

Marcus wore a casual white shirt with rolled–up sleeves, revealing his strong arms. Turning to Yvonne, he asked, “We have many activities to try today. Which one do you want to start with?”

Wearing a light dress that fluttered in the breeze, Yvonne smiled, “Theard the diving experience here is amazing. Can we start with that?”

Marcus nodded and arranged for a diving instructor.

They donned diving gear and followed the instructor into the clear waters. The vibrant coral reefs and various marine life left Yvonne in awe. Excitedly, she pointed out, “Look at the sea anemones and those little fish. They’re so beautiful!”

Marcus smiled, “Yes, the underwater world is always mysterious and beautiful.”

After diving, they returned to the yacht. Marcus suggested, “How about trying jet skiing next?”

Yvonne eagerly agreed. They rode the jet ski across the water, with Yvonne holding on tightly to Marcus, exhilarated by the speed.

“This is amazing! Thank you for bringing me here!” she shouted over the wind.

Marcus glanced back, smiling, “As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”

At lunchtime, they enjoyed a seafood feast prepared by a private chef on the yacht. Tasting the delicious lobster and oysters, Yvonne remarked, “This is the best seafood I’ve ever had.”

Marcus raised his glass, “To today’s joy. Cheers!”

After lunch, they tried windsurfing and parasailing

Yvonne, soaring above the blue sea, felt a sense of freedom and joy. She told Marcus, “I never thought I’d experience so many thrilling activities. Today is so special.”

Looking at her with gentle eyes, Marcas said, “If you like, we can come here often.

As the sunset, they dined at a cliffside restaurant overlooking the bay. Gazing at the sea view, Yvonne softly said, “Today feels like a dream. I’m truly grateful

In the evening, they reluctantly left the beach. On the way back, Marcus selected two photos of Yvonne at the beach and posted them on Facebook. He wrote, “Spent a wonderful day at the beach with my princess. Hope this joy lasts forever.”

Benson sat alone in a dark comer, the glow of his phone casting shadows on his tense face.

His finger idly scrolled through social media, and the photos of Yvonne at the beach, smiling like a flower, caught his eye,

Reading Marcus’s caption, “Spent a wonderful day at the beach with my princess. Hope this joy lasts forever,” Benson’s lips curled into a cold smile. An inexplicable emotion rose within him.

He muttered to himself, “Princess? In this real world, who can live in a fairy tale forever?”