Chapter 12 Chapter 12.

Chapter 12 Chapter 12.
(Lucian)

The look on her face as Mr. Lover Boy abandoned her for someone else was a twisted mix of satisfaction and heartbreak. Satisfying because if she had followed through with my offer, she wouldn’t be dealing with the sting of betrayal. But it was also disheartening to see someone once charmed by Mr. Lover Boy lose that sparkle in her eyes, as if she had suddenly transformed into a stranger.

Rebecca stood frozen, her complexion pale and her expression a canvas of confusion as she struggled to process the shock waves of what had just unfolded.

I made my way toward her, careful to be quiet, and it seemed she was too lost in her thoughts to notice my approach. Her gaze remained fixated on the spot where Daniel had stood moments before, as if hoping he might return.

"I guess it’s just you and me now," I finally spoke, determined to grab her attention. She turned to me, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. It stung my heart, though it wasn’t sympathy for her, it was the realization that no one should have to endure such a piercing betrayal.

"You should have saved yourself all this pain, though. If you had just stuck to the plan," I added, a hint of reproach in my tone.

Silence hung between us. A myriad of emotions danced across her features, yet she remained quiet, trying her best to fight back the tears that threatened to spill.

"The partner selection stage is now complete. Please settle in with your partner on the couch," Sia instructed, her voice pulling us back to the present.

I led the way to the couch, and she followed behind, a specter of her former self. We sank into the cushions with the rest of the couples, and I noticed how out of sorts she seemed. 

Sia spoke again, "Now let's get to know each other. Again, I’m Sia, your host. Please state your name, occupation, and why you're in this game." 

The introductions began, and as I glanced at Rebecca, it was like she wasn’t even there, her eyes seemed unfocused, her mind adrift in a fog that appeared impenetrable.

A familiar voice broke the stillness, pulling my attention. "I’m Tina Lohande. I’m an influencer and blogger. I joined this game just for the fun and to keep soaring in the media and entertainment world," she smiled widely and I scoffed. 

Liar. She’s definitely in this game for the prize money. I mean, she lives extravagantly, more extravagantly than anyone should considering her income. 

Mr. Lover Boy spoke next: "I'm Daniel Patrick. I work in the HR department at my company. I'm here for the thrill."

Another blatant liar. “Here for the thrill, my ass,” I thought, rolling my eyes.

Everyone was waiting for Rebecca to speak, but she seemed lost in her own thoughts. I gently tapped her to bring her back to the present. “Hey, it’s your turn now. Name, occupation, and why you're in the game,” I prompted, and she nodded, finally turning her attention to everyone.

Facing the group, she spoke softly, “Rebecca Clement, freelancer, and I’m in this game for reasons I don’t want to disclose.”

Reasons she doesn’t want to disclose? That piqued my curiosity. With her family being wealthy, money shouldn’t be a problem. And given her simple and quiet life, what on earth could be her reasons?

Now it was my turn. “Lucian Davis. I’m a bully, just as someone here claims,” I said, locking eyes with Rebecca. Her expression was still distant. “And I’m here… for you,” I finished with a challenge in my tone, hoping to reach her somehow.

Sia’s amused whistle cut through the tension, her excitement spilling over. “The game is just beginning, and we’re already seeing chemistry. I love this!” 

That seemed to snap Rebecca back to reality, but in an instant, her expression transformed from lost to furious. “What do you think you’re doing?” she hissed, her voice low and cutting.

“What do you think I’m doing?” I shot back, maintaining that same tempo, the air crackling with unspoken challenge.

Silence fell for a few tense seconds before she fired back, “Stay away from me.” 

I scoffed, a hint of mischief lighting up my eyes. “I wish that were possible. You’re bound to me for ninety days, sweetheart, so start getting used to me.” I grinned, relishing the irritation on her face.

With a mix of annoyance and intensity, she looked away, but I savored the moment. 

"Now that we all know each other, the game commences," Sia announced, her voice ringing with excitement as applause erupted around the room.

"On the table before you, there's a jar filled with notes. Each note contains an activity for your first challenge. Please pick a note each from the jar to begin," she instructed. I leaned back slightly, allowing my partner to choose for us while I watched her, noticing how she seemed lost in thought, the furrow in her brow deepening.

A commotion broke out as someone raised their voice. "My note is blank!"

"Mine too!" echoed another, panic lacing the atmosphere.

"Please relax," Sia intervened, her tone calming. "The blank notes are intentional."

"But why? How can we be evaluated if we don’t have a task? Isn’t that cheating?" a woman challenged, her voice tinged with confusion as others murmured in agreement.

"I understand your concerns. However, I'm happy to announce that you've already passed this round," Sia declared, and a wave of confusion washed over the room, faces exchanging bewildered glances.

"I don’t understand. Why do some have tasks while others do not? How can that be fair?” another voice piped up, frustration evident.

"This is how this round is prepared, and that was their lot. Congratulations to those without tasks," Sia replied.

"To the rest with tasks, please let’s proceed," she continued, signaling for the game to move on.

The first couple stood up, eager and nervous. They read their challenge aloud: "Fix her bra."

I couldn’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and agitation. Curious to see how they would navigate this task, I felt my mood sour when I witnessed the execution. The way he hooked up her bra was stiff and mechanical, so unlike the tenderness such an act should hold. My stomach turned, and I felt a wave of shame wash over me, not just for him but for the entire spectacle that had turned a playful task into something painful to watch.

The next couple began their activity. I turned away, deciding I didn’t want to subject myself to further disgust. Suddenly, my phone rang, the familiar tone breaking through the tension in the room. I stepped outside to answer it. "Fire up."

"Boss, what do we do about the ship from Venezuela that's stuck in Maldock?" Andrew’s voice crackled with worry over the phone, his anxiety palpable.

One of my ships had been stranded at sea for months, held hostage by a mysterious adversary I was still trying to unearth.

"Bait it," I said firmly.

"What?" Andrew sounded shocked and confused, as if I’d suggested we leap off a cliff.

“Bait it and discover who the bastard is behind this,” I elaborated, feeling the weight of my decision settle over me.

“At the risk of billions of dollars? Are you serious?” he pressed.

He was right; the stakes were monumental, and bringing in my ship could end in catastrophic financial loss.

"At least we’ll get the bastard,” I replied, trying to mask my growing unease.

“But what about the lives we could lose in the process?” He was relentless now, and I couldn’t ignore his concern.

He was right again. The crew’s safety weighed heavily on my conscience.

"I'd suggest we give in to avoid greater losses," he proposed, his tone suggesting that I needed to heed his caution. But surrender wasn’t in my DNA.

“Get the job done regardless of the losses; I want that bastard’s head,” I ordered, my voice as cold as steel.

“But sir—” he started, but I cut him off, decided. 

Whatever sacrifices it took, I would not let this slide. I slammed the phone down, frustration simmering inside me.

With a sigh, I stepped back into the room, where I found Tina reading her task aloud, "French kiss."

“Ready, darling?” she winked at Daniel, her tone dripping with seduction. 

In a heartbeat, Daniel pulled her close and captured her lips with his. Like a true seductress, Tina melted into him, her moves so practiced it made me want to retch.

I quickly averted my gaze, disgusted by the display. Instead, my eyes landed on Rebecca, her expression distant and sorrowful as she watched the couple. Tears glimmered in her eyes, a stark contrast to the lighthearted atmosphere in the room.

The bell chimed, and Sia's voice pierced through the moment, "Time’s up."

“Now that was something," Sia commented with satisfaction in her voice. 

"Next couple, please," Sia instructed, her voice steady yet playful as she kept the energy alive in the room.

Rebecca hesitated for a moment, her fingers trembling slightly as she unfolded her note. "Share a drink," she announced, her tone low.

Within moments, a staff member approached us, balancing a sleek tray laden with two glasses of deep red wine. He placed it gently on the table, pouring the rich liquid into each glass, the aroma wafting up in the air. Once done, he stepped back, leaving us.

Rebecca picked up her glass, her eyes darting to me timidly. I lifted my own glass, our gazes locked in a moment that stretched deliciously long. 

Without any notice, I leaned in closer, the distance between us vanishing. I pressed my lips against hers.