Chapter 108-A sweet wager

Chapter 108: 108-A sweet wager

"Then... let’s stay up," Aymara declared, squeezing Nathaniel’s hand.

Nathaniel turned to look at her. "All night?"

"Of course. We need to monitor the situation and ensure nothing threatens the ship."

"Interesting." He raised an eyebrow. "And here I thought you were going to tuck me into bed and order me to rest because I’m sick."

Aymara’s expression stiffened and then they gleamed ever so softly. "Who said I wouldn’t?"

"Then why are we staying up?"

"Because I said so!" She lifted her chin. "Besides, I can take care of you while we stay awake. What’s the problem?"

Nathaniel chuckled at her attempt to sound authoritative. "No problem, Captain."

"I’m not the captain!"

"Yes, dear."

She glared at him, but he only smiled and squeezed her hand.

Truthfully, Nathaniel didn’t mind staying up for a while. The situation outside was concerning, and he wanted to understand the changes taking place beneath the ocean. However, he wasn’t about to let Aymara spend the entire night staring at surveillance screens and worrying herself sick.

He knew her well enough to recognize that she was trying to distract herself from the uncertainty and he had just the solution.

"Mara," he whispered her name.

"What?"

"Since we’re staying up, why don’t we do something enjoyable?"

She blinked. "Like what?"

"Eat something delicious. Play a game. Maybe watch a movie. We can check the surveillance feeds between activities instead of staring at them until our eyes fall out."

Aymara stared at him for two seconds before her expression brightened. "That’s actually a wonderful idea!"

"I know. I’m full of wonderful ideas."

"Don’t ruin the moment."

He laughed as she stood and pulled him toward the door. "Come on! Let’s start with food."

Aymara led Nathaniel to the private dining room, where she immediately accessed her storage space.

With a cheerful expression, she retrieved several dishes that she had bought from famous hotels and preserved using her system.

A moment later, the table was covered with fragrant roasted chicken, glazed ribs, buttery mashed potatoes, fresh salad, and a platter of golden fried seafood.

She added freshly baked bread, a bowl of fruit, and two glasses of chilled juice.

Nathaniel stared at the feast and he looked at her. "Mara, how much food do you have in that storage space?"

"Enough to last us a few decades."

"That’s the second time you’ve given me that answer and I’m starting to feel frightened about your abilities," he said. "You’re too good," he added with a smile, relieved that even if she hadn’t come back for him, she would’ve lived well.

"Would you prefer a spreadsheet?"

"Actually, yes."

She burst out laughing. "You’re impossible!"

"You’re feeding me like a king in such times. How can I not be impossible?"

"You deserve to be treated well."

The words slipped out naturally, but they made Nathaniel pause. His heart ached as his mind wondered, why did it take you leaving Dylan to realize that?

Aymara was already busy arranging the plates, apparently unaware of the effect her statement had on him.

In his previous life, he had spent so much time watching her lavish affection on Dylan that he had gradually convinced himself he wasn’t worthy of asking for anything from her.

Now, she was the one making sure he ate properly, stayed comfortable, and had everything he needed. Sometimes, he wondered what he had done to deserve this second chance or whether it was just that in her mind, he was only worthy of Dylan’s leftovers.

"Mara," he let out subconsciously as though confirming she was there with him and not a figment of his imagination.

"Hmm?"

He reached across the table and gently caught her hand. "Thank you," he expressed.

Whether it was to use him as a rebound or just because Dylan wasn’t there anymore, he was just happy she was seeing him again.

Aymara looked at him, surprised by the sudden seriousness in his voice but it didn’t stop her smile. "You don’t have to thank me every time I give you something."

"I know," he didn’t know. He was afraid of what will happen the next time Dylan showed up. "I’m just doing it because it feels right."

"Good. Now eat before the food gets cold."

Nathaniel obediently picked up his fork. The first bite made him close his eyes briefly in appreciation.

Aymara watched him with a satisfied smile. "Delicious?"

"Very."

"Then have more," she spoke and placed another piece of chicken on his plate.

Nathaniel looked down at it, then back at her. "If you keep feeding me like this, I’m going to become spoiled."

"That’s the plan."

He laughed and for the next half hour, they enjoyed their meal while occasionally checking the surveillance reports. Although the heatwave continued outside, the temperature inside the cruise ship remained comfortable, and the automated systems reported no immediate threat to their vessel.

For once, they could enjoy a little peace without feeling guilty about it.

When they finished eating, Aymara gathered the empty plates and returned them to storage for cleaning. Then she turned to Nathaniel with a mischievous smile.

"Now, let’s play something!"

His eyes lit up. "What do you have in mind?"

"Come and see."

The gaming room was one of the areas Aymara had upgraded using her system. It contained several large screens, comfortable reclining seats, virtual reality equipment, and a collection of games that could be played alone or with multiple people.

Nathaniel stopped at the entrance, looking around with genuine interest. "You even have a gaming room?"

"Naturally."

"Of course." He shook his head, smiling. "Why am I still surprised by anything you show me?"

"Because you haven’t seen everything yet."

Aymara selected a competitive racing game and settled into one of the seats. Nathaniel sat beside her, accepting the controller she offered.

"Let’s make this interesting," she announced.

Nathaniel glanced at her. "What’s the wager?"

"If I win, you have to answer every question I ask about Roa."

He paused and raised an eyebrow, "And if I win?"

Aymara considered it for a full minute, decided and then said, "Then you can ask me for anything reasonable and I’ll do it."

"Anything?" That was a window that he could use to fulfil any wish: stay up late watching the stars, talk about the dreams and more. He had to confirm it.

"Reasonable, Nathaniel!" She corrected, she wouldn’t let herself do anything harmful or humiliating to herself and knowing Nathaniel, he wouldn’t let her do something that would harm her.

Nathaniel laughed and leaned back at how guarded she was with the terms. "Very well. Prepare to lose, Mara."

She scoffed. "In your dreams!"

Aymara’s fingers froze on the controller. She recalled the games she used to play with Dylan. The way he’d use every minute to put her down, never allowed her to win and would talk trash about her and call it "game talk" and her fingers trembled.

"Let’s begin," Nathaniel said. His voice pulled Aymara out of her thoughts.

"Let’s begin," she manages with forced difficulty while swallowing the bitter memories.

The game began.

For the first few minutes, Aymara was convinced victory was hers. She drove aggressively, taking sharp turns and using every available shortcut.

Nathaniel, however, was surprisingly skilled. He anticipated her movements, avoided obstacles with precise timing, and gradually pulled ahead.

"What?" Aymara exclaimed when his car overtook hers. "How did you do that?"

"Experience," he let out a one word response.

"Experience? Have you been secretly practicing?"

"Perhaps, I have," he smiled softly. "Just wait to eat dust, dearest."

She narrowed her eyes. Even while gaming, no demeaning words left his mouth. The feeling was so different.

"You’re suspicious, Nate."

"And you’re losing to me. Focus or you’ll have to grant me a wish."