Chapter 135 - A Pair of New Eyes

The loud noise of the crowd which grew larger every minute, rocked the entire new port that the Gretel's Shipping Lines prepared for the coming of the world's second largest cruise ship, the Omnia Vincit de Amor. Flashes of cameras flickered everywhere like endless waves of tiny torches surrounding the shoreline. News portals and internet were buzzing with their headlines rotating around the arrival of Omnia Vincit de Amor from its maiden voyage, the breakthrough of Gretels Shipping Lines and the curiousity revolving around the life of its unheard designer, Zheena Kiamko. Though many of them heard the news of its ceremonial launching, the majority had not; and an uncontrolled size of curious spectators rushed to the venue.

In one corner, the dignitaries were gathered, including the Lopez's and the Dioko's. Only Allie was not there, Hayri did not allow her. The curious spectators may be uncontrollable and he couldn't allow to expose her to the risk especially now that she was pregnant. The discomfort of the first trimester of pregnancy was pressing on her and her nauseated status would exacerbate in the mixed-up odor of this large group of people. She sat quietly in her heavily-tinted car with personal guards on close watch. She just waited for the time where she would go down for the short exposure once the vessel would finally be anchored.

"Louise boy, I don't see Allie. Where is she?"

Two pairs of eyes turned to look at Mr. Lopez, both were waiting for the answer. Both Ajie and Jane had long wanted to ask but couldn't dare bring up the topic. He knew she was around, how could the designer be absent in this event?

"She'll come out later. She's not feeling well," Hayri replied, observing

Ajie's reaction through his peripheral vision.

Mr. Lopez's brows knitted, showing his worries. Today is her big event and she should be in her best stamina to rejoice in the recognition.

"Sorry to hear that but why?" he asked further, moving his eyes from Jane to Ajie.

"It's just the ugly symptoms of pregnancy." Hayri's expression was that of a great worry and Ajie couldn't help himself but look away.

"Jane, why do women have to suffer that? I really hate the discomfort."

Jane got startled, she wasn't just prepared for this topic.

"It's indeed troublesome. That's where the father of the child is needed. It is in this stage that they need emotional gratification. Pregnant women have mood changes, oftentimes crying for no reason."

Jane didn't know that her statement worsened Ajie's pain and longing to be with Allie again. He was not around during her pregnancy on Chloe and the sense of remorse haunted him further.

He kept his eyes away from them to conceal the trace of pain in his eyes until the sound of giant ropes dropping on the water and the screeching of steels and iron bars indicated that the anchor was lowered down on the seabed. The master of the ceremony's voice on a public address system then floated into the air and with a cheerful and loud voice, he welcomed the arrival of Omnia Vincit de Amor, the world's second largest and luxurious cruise ship!

A deafening round of applause and squeals bursted in and Allie stepped down from her car, accompanied by the guards and ushered by Hayri and the construction team.

Followed by thunderous round of applause and sea of camera lights, the entourage climbed up into the accomodation ladder until they reached the top platform of the stern. Facing the crowd, Allie then waved and smiled as her name reverberated into the open air.

"Honored guests, friends and family, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present Miss Zheena Kiamko, the beautiful and young designer of the world's second largest and luxurious cruise ship, Amor Omnia Vincit."

Bowing down before the audience as an acknowledgment, she then gestured for everyone to come up into the vessel and join in the banquet.

The crowd were then ushered to see the breathtaking beauty and luxury of the spacious internal structure of the gigantic vessel. Gasps of pleasure and admiration were heard everywhere as everyone made their tour around. Looking at the people's reaction, Ajie's heart swell with pride and regret. This was his wife's creation, supposedly his and her family's greatest pride.

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Allie and Hayri remained standing up at the stage until all the guests were properly accomodated into their designated tables in the banquet hall. Before they went down to join the dignitaries on the VIP lane, she placed an arm around Hayri's waist and gestured for him to stop.

"Hayri," she paused while waiting for him to look at her, "can you just please announce ahead the details of our marriage?"

Hayri just responded with a questioning smile.

"The aroma of the food makes me want to throw up. I must get inside the room as soon as possible."

Hayri nodded again with an assuring look that he understood. However, his next words astounded her.

"Zheen..." he paused to swallow the lump forming in his throat, "I'm sorry to tell you this. I have changed my mind."

Allie threw at him a puzzled look as her arm loosened itself away from around his waist.

"I am about to tell you that I am leaving in 15 minutes for an important matter," Hayri tried his best to say it in his most calm way.

"What? Today is also our engagement party. Is it not important to you? Why didn't you cancel the appointment?" Allie threw him a disgruntled look, almost crying in her humiliation.

"I'm sorry, Zheen. I'm breaking off the engagement. I'll come back someday as soon as I can look at you with a new pair of eyes."

His statement came as a bomb to Allie that she froze and stared at him in disbelief for a long while. What does he mean? Is he cancelling because he couldn't accept her pregnancy? How could he disappoint and put her to shame?

Perhaps due to her pregnancy affecting her mood, she got emotional. Her eyes reddened instantly and tears threatened a deluge. To spare herself from public shame, she sprang up to her feet and paced hurriedly towards the direction of the cabin. Somehow, her sudden movement caused her to feel dizzy and her world seemed to spin harder that she staggered. All of a sudden, her vision blurred and before she knew it, she lost her balance and fell down.

The last thing she remembered was that she was about to hit the floor, but to her surprise, a strong hand steadied her.