Chapter 103 - The Maiden Voyage

Allie's tears couldn't stop from streaming down her face as her emotion gripped on her. She just couldn't believe that her first and trial design, the one which she didn't gave so much thought, was now unfolding before her in vibrant breath of life. The people who happily booked for that maiden voyage gathered in two rows by the entrance as the processional march was played in the background. A male's voice was then heard from the vessel's internal public address system, announcing the arrival of the ship's owner and designer. Allie was stunned beyond her wild imagination that Hayri prepared so much to make their arrival so grand and unforgettable. She smiled tearfully and awkwardly for a moment, running her eyes across the crowd who divided themselves in two rows, applauding them elegantly as they marched into the red carpet especially designed for her first entry. The round of applause elated her feelings and she felt like soaring up in the sky while the voice from the background energetically welcomed and introduced her to the crowd. While she continued to walk , following the crew who ceremoniously ushered them, she looked up at Hayri who gazed back at her with love and pride in her eyes.

"Hayri, thank you. I hope this doesn't end."

Hayri consciously looked around before looking back at her. "Of course. What are you talking about?"

"Just mark my words. " Hayri was alarmed again at the deeper meaning of her words but with the crowd beside them, he chose to let it pass for now.

Allie was greatly delighted as she took in the scene of the great masterpiece which, two years ago, was just a dream she did not cherish much. She dreamed more on designing superyachts because cruise ship designing was Ajie's dream and she didn't wish to overshadow him. Who would ever know that Hayri took her first design seriously? And now she unintentionally became her husband's competitor.

The outburst of life, fun and glamour inside the vessel took her beyond her imagination. She thought it could only be in her dreams only or a mere sketch in her computer. The state - of- the art entertainment facilites, the sprawling waterparks which highlighted their featured slides, the dining options which included tea gardens, coffee shops and fine dining restaurants, the relaxation halls like spa and fitness center and their elegant AV rooms were all real before her.

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After the tour around, Hayri took her to their cabin which opened to balcony where they could enjoy the sea view while they would be on their journey. It was elegantly and romantically designed, giving a touch of an intimate atmosphere. Hayri obviously designed this for his planned courtship towards Allie, that by the end of their journey towards home, he could have her sweet 'yes'.

During the many days of their voyage, he would refrain from thinking about business plans so he could have a full blast in his romantic advances towards her. All these years, he had been wondering what held her back from accepting his love for her. And all he got was a reminder of her wish of not hating her when the time comes.

Standing by the deck in their cabin's balcony to watch the surroundings as the vessel maneuvered away from the dock, Allie turned her head towards Hayri who was slowly approaching her.

"Hayri, are you as excited to go home as me? " Allie exclaimed happily as she looked up to him.

"Home is where you are, my love."

"Hayri..." Allie could only sigh helplessly everytime she was caught offguard by his sweet advances.

"Yes."

Before Allie could shift back to another topic, Hayri began executing his steps. He clasped his arms around her, drawing her back to lean into his body.

"Hayri, not this way..." She began protesting. She didn't actually hated him, in fact, a soft spot for him was already beginning to occupy inside her heart.

"Just what is the right way?" He said as he tightened his embrace while burrying his face in her neck. He could not afford to be patient anymore. It had been more than five years of waiting. Everyday, she was such a temptation. A temptation to crush her in his arms and drown her with his kisses.

"Please..." Before she could complete her sentence, his hand swiftly but gently tilted her head while his other hand tipped her off from her balance so she could not resist. He then captured her lips into a deep kiss, releasing her only when she got out of breath.

While she was still panting, he lifted her off her feet in a sweetheart carry and brought her to the couch in the balcony.

"Hayri, what are you doing?" Allie hissed after she spoke, taken aback by his sudden agressiveness.

"Nothing, Zheena. Just loving you with all my heart. " He said as he sat beside her after placing her on the couch.

Allie closed her eyes and sighed

Just few more days, and this love of his would be completely blown away. Throughout this voyage, she decided to yield into his wishes, saved for that one which would be in bed.

"Hayri, can you arrange an aircraft to pick us up, few days before the ship will arrive? "

Hayri stared at her for a moment, wondering what was in her mind.

"Yes, dear. What do you plan?"

While waiting for her answer as he saw her reluctance, he laid down at the couch and placed his head on her lap, giving him the chance to look directly into her eyes. To his surprise, she had not stiffened. Instead, she brushed his tousled hair away from his forehead.

" I can't seem to wait to see my family again. I want them to be there when the vessel arrives. "

"Why not call them? This is our moment, Zheena. I want to spend this whole voyage with you."

" I ran away from home, Hayri. No one knew where I am. " Of course, she couldn't tell him yet about Ajie, who couldn't be reached anymore the moment he left the Istanbul airport.

"Okay. As long as you promise to let me go with you."

Just then, Hayri's phone vibrated. He picked it up from his pocket and placed it on a speaker mode.

"Dad!"

"Hayri, I'm already excited! I have already arranged for the blessing and thanksgiving party once you will arrive. " Mr.Dioko's voice sounded ecstatic, indeed.

"Dad, are you sure you can be a hundred percent safe in that decision to be a state witness?" Hayri did not favor this decision from the beginning.He was afraid that his father's business partners would rise up against him for directly exposing them.

"None of us is a hundred percent safe but if I am unlucky, at least I have finally done what is right. I won't regret this decision whatever will happen."