**TITLE: Raindrops Kissing Silent Streets – by Aadi Sharma**
**Chapter 11**
The sight of the vacant walk-in closet sent a jolt of anxiety through Adam’s veins, a sensation so palpable it felt as if time had momentarily frozen around him.
He couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that clung to him like a shadow, gnawing at his insides and causing his heart to thump erratically. What was it about this emptiness that felt like a premonition?
“I had some things dry cleaned, others sent for repairs,” Renee replied, her voice steady and calm, as if she was merely recounting a mundane task. “You know me, I’m a workaholic. Suddenly becoming a stay-at-home wife left me with too much time on my hands, so I thought I’d tidy up a bit.”
While her explanation flowed naturally, like a river meandering through a valley, Adam couldn’t shake off the lingering sense that something was amiss.
He observed her closely; her gaze remained fixed on the pages of her book, her brow furrowed in concentration, yet there was a subtle tension in her posture. Perhaps it was just his overactive imagination. He took a deep breath, feeling a bit of his anxiety dissipate.
With a gentle determination, he approached her, kneeling beside the plush armchair she occupied, and extended his hand, offering her a sleek black card. “Here, this is my supplementary card. There’s no spending limit on it. Use it however you wish. Your husband is always here to support you.”
Renee’s fingers froze mid-page as she processed his words, her eyes flickering to the card he presented. A smile broke across her face, warm and genuine. “No need. I have my own money,” she replied, her voice a soft melody that danced in the air.
“A woman should save her own money. Here—spend your husband’s,” Adam insisted playfully, gently tugging at her hand until the card nestled in her palm.
“I remember you mentioning wanting to open a coffee shop,” he continued, a spark of excitement lighting up his eyes. “There’s an amazing location on North Street. I’ll have Cole take care of it for you. It’s all yours.”
“Okay,” Renee nodded, a hint of surprise in her tone as she accepted the card, her expression shifting to one of contemplation.
Once they finished packing, Adam retreated to his study, seeking solace in work, while Renee took a long, refreshing shower before slipping into bed.
When Adam returned to their room, he found the lights dimmed, casting a serene glow over the space. He quietly flicked on the floor lamp, illuminating the room just enough to see Renee peacefully asleep, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. He felt a wave of tenderness wash over him as he approached her, leaning down to plant a soft kiss on her cheek.
“Renee, no matter what unfolds, I hope you can grasp just how challenging things are for me. You need to know… no one in this world loves you more than I do,” he murmured, almost as if sharing a secret with the night.
He lingered there for a moment, his fingertip tracing the delicate curve of her cheek before pressing his lips to her skin once more.
After showering, Adam slid into bed, wrapping his arms around Renee’s waist, pulling her close. The familiar scent of her hair enveloped him, igniting a flicker of desire within him. But with the promise of tomorrow’s cruise looming, he restrained himself, choosing to savor the moment instead.
The following morning, as the clock struck nine, Adam and Renee arrived at the bustling port together.
Stepping out of the car, Renee’s eyes widened as she spotted the Starlight Odyssey docked majestically in the harbor.
The ship loomed large, its grandeur almost overwhelming. She recalled reading that it measured 1,165 feet in length, 213 feet in width, and stood 187 feet tall, boasting 20 decks. It could accommodate nearly 8,000 passengers and featured amenities that spanned the spectrum of luxury, from gourmet restaurants to vibrant entertainment venues. It was, in essence, a floating city.
As it was the maiden voyage of the Starlight Odyssey, city officials and esteemed guests had gathered for a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony, the air thick with excitement and anticipation.
Renee wasn’t particularly fond of large crowds, so she clutched her luggage tightly and followed Adam onto the ship. They had secured tickets for the luxury section, entering through the VIP channel that whisked them directly to the 16th deck, where their suite awaited.
The suite was a slice of paradise—complete with a king-sized bed and a decor that exuded elegance. A small balcony offered breathtaking views of the ocean, the salty breeze beckoning her to step outside and breathe in the beauty.
“Want to go explore?” Adam asked, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Renee shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “It’s a bit chaotic with all the people. I think it’s better to wait a while.”
She strolled over to the balcony, leaning against the railing, her back to the bustling port. Tilting her head upwards, she welcomed the caress of the sea breeze, her gaze lost in the vastness of the ocean. A few seagulls glided gracefully nearby, their wings catching the sunlight, as if they were whisking away the burdens that weighed on her heart.
“You take it easy. I’m going to check things out,” Adam said, his excitement palpable as he waved before heading off into the throng.
At precisely ten-thirty, the ship’s horn sounded, a deep and resonant note that sliced through the air as it began to pull away from the dock, embarking on its journey.

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