Ariel was walking out of the cozy cafe with her iced cappuccino, when an expensive Ford mustang screeched to a halt in front of her. Startled, she stopped and fixed her gaze on its doors in confusion to see who’d emerge from it.

A polite gentleman dressed in a black smartly tailored suit steps down and opens the back door.

“Miss, sir Jaques wants to see you, he asked me to pick you up.”

He beckons on her to get in.

“I'm busy.” She lied.

“That's fine, he expects you to decline. But I'll lose my job if you don't come.”

Ariel was stunned, was he seriously trying to blackmail her?

“I need your help, miss, my boss means every word.”

Ariel was silent. Whatever approach he applied was working. A part of her wished to meet Jaques. The mysterious young man that had piqued her curiosity in the board room.

“Please.” The man pleaded desperately, hoping she'd comply.

Ariel looked at her hoodie and jeans, she was underdressed.

“I need to get changed.”

“That has already been taken care of, come with me .”

Ariel's jaw dropped in surprise.

She quietly got into the car.

The car came to a stop in front of a luxurious spa tucked between tall glass buildings. The driver stepped out and opened the door with a polite smile.

“This is the first stop,” he said.

Confused but curious, Ariel stepped out. A hostess in a soft pink uniform greeted her at the entrance, her smile warm and knowing.

“Right this way,” the hostess said, guiding her into the serene lobby scented with lavender. Gentle music floated through the air.

She was ushered into a softly lit room where a team of stylists were waiting.

The ladies at the spa yanked off her hoodie and gave her a soothing massage.

They treated her to a pampering session, a light facial and a makeover .

She was led into a private dressing room where a sleek outfit hung waiting for her. A card was pinned to the hanger: “For the most beautiful girl in my world.”

Ariel blushed and put it on.

The gorgeous seductive red dress hugged her figure perfectly, paired with elegant shoes and delicate accessories.

Another staff member approached, holding a bouquet of fresh roses tied with a satin ribbon. Tucked into the blooms was a handwritten note: “ Thank you for coming with my driver. I can't wait to see you.”

— Jaques.

Ariel looked stunning as always. The driver was satisfied he had carried out his boss' orders perfectly. They were leaving Pepa the next day. Jaques was occupied, but he was desperate to see her. He was happy he got to play a role in their love story.

“You look amazing.” He complimented the pretty Ariel without holding back.

His boss's taste in women was perfect.

“Thank you.”

“We should get going, the boss is waiting.” He said with a hint of urgency in his voice as they strolled out of the spa.

After a short ride, they got to a sea shore. The sight of water made Ariel's heart drop to her stomach.

She could remember how she sank helplessly with no means to save herself, she could remember Axel teleporting her to the coldest lake in the city. The memory sent shivers down her spine.

It was a miracle she had not died from cold.

“Miss, are you alright?.” The driver asked the absent minded Ariel. “I'm fine.” She forced a smile.

He led her to the boat. Ariel's jaw dropped in surprise.

The deck was decorated with roses and fairy lights.

Different delicacies were lined on a table.

An orchestra played soft romantic violin sounds in the background.

Upon sighting her, Jaques stood.

He was holding a rose and smiling at the breathtaking sight before him.

Ariel was gorgeous. Seeing her again filled his heart with pride, he was glad he had picked the best one for himself.

Although he was worried she may not accept his true form, at least he had to give it a try.

Ariel took shy calculated steps towards him.

He handed her the sweet smelling rose and helped her settle on a seat beside him.

“It's not so much angel, I hope you like it."

“Are you kidding me? It's more than perfect, I love it.” She replied in adoration, absorbing the decor with her eyes.

He picked some glazed shrimps from a plate with a chop stick. “You should try these. I had them prepare several meals, I didn't know which one you'd like.”

Ariel smiled, she was pleased. His thoughtfulness melted her heart.

Ariel had opened her mouth to be spoon fed when his chill raspy voice interrupted their little cozy moment. “Having a party without me?.” He said. Ariel froze. That voice…

Jaques dropped the chopsticks.

“Mr Wilbury, what a pleasant surprise.” He greeted the aloof Axel. He wondered how he got on the ship. A servant ran in just then and bowed to Jaques in apology. “I'm sorry sir, I had to let him in. He said it was urgent.”

Jaques dismissed him with a wave of hand, and turned to Axel.

“It's good to see you too Mr Jaques. Something pressing came up, and I'll like to review some papers with my secretary. If you don't mind.” He demanded as he watched Ariel squirm uncomfortably under his gaze.

Jaques looked at Ariel from the corner of his eyes, he could sense her discomfort. He tucked both hands in his pockets and faced Axel squarely.

“Out here she's not your employee.”

He said in her defense. Ariel could feel Axel's cold stare and the tension brewing between the two men. Axel's icy stare sent chills down her spine, his eyes were blazing with fury.

Ruining Jaques life would be breeze for Axel, and she did not want that to happen.

Jaques was a mere human, Axel was a god. She walked up to Jaques and placed her hand gently on his shoulder. “It's fine, I'll go with him. Thanks for the evening.”

Left with no choice, Jaques watched in resignation as his date left with Axel.

The walk out of the deck was agonizing and quiet. Ariel was seething in rage. This was her first proper date, and somehow, he had managed to ruin it.

“Why did you decide to come with me? You seemed reluctant.”

“He would lose the deal if I don't. You looked like you were ready to throw hands.”

Axel could feel a flame of anger, rising in his chest.

“You followed me because of him?.”

“Yes.” Ariel replied unapologetically.

“Seems you're into that type. I didn't know you'd flirt with my business partner as well.” Ariel was mad, but she was not going to let his taunts get to her.

“Why did you bring me out here? “Stay away from him, you trust too easily. He replied.

Ariel scoffed in disbelief.

“I know you don't like me, but it has nothing to do with Jaques. I was having fun some moments before, stop trying to make my life miserable.”

“Why would I want to make your life miserable? Your life is useless.” He replied to the distraught Ariel. She could feel her heart shatter in a million bits. His words had struck her soul. Ariel reminisced about the time she had spent at the orphanage, and how chaotic her life had been growing up. Tears pooled her eyes as all the painful memories flooded her mind. Maybe he was right after all, her life was pathetic.

“Why do you hate me so much?.” She whispered faintly in tears. Her voice was broken. “What did I ever do to you?.”

“I know I never should have saved that man, I was wrong. But your hate runs deep.” She cried.

Axel calmly walked toward her, and grabbed her wrist. Time froze, her body felt light, like they were passing through a port key. Ariel felt her feet land on solid ground. They had teleported. She looked around to ascertain where she was, recognition slowly dawned on her. She was standing outside Aunty Rain 's Cafe.

“You should check up on your little friend.” He muttered and walked off, leaving the speechless Ariel.

Khan! She whispered in alarm.

Blood rushed into her brain, her heart began to pound against her rib cage as she ran towards the cafe in panic.