- 11 minutes ago
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Shoot. Win this game, you will be my bride forever.
00:04Everyone knew billionaire Julian loved playing twisted games.
00:07Every time he collected ten beauties, there had to be an elimination round.
00:11Whoever won all 100 rounds would become his wife.
00:14I had made it to round 99.
00:16Julian's gaze grew more appreciative each time.
00:19He even brought me into his world, making everyone call me ma'am.
00:22Just when I was about to become the victor, I saw...
00:26Julian had Bella cornered outside the private room door.
00:28He was kissing her passionately.
00:30The fifth bullet. That's the real one.
00:32Got it?
00:33My heart clenched so hard I couldn't breathe.
00:35But before I could process it, the 100th game started.
00:39I watched Bella get the rigged turn order.
00:41Second to shoot.
00:42If I kept playing, I would lose.
00:45Hazel, still want to play?
00:48You know I always make sure you win.
00:50Julian's still got a soft spot for his girl. This round's a done deal.
00:52New girl's got guts challenging her.
00:54Doesn't she know who Julian loves?
00:55Just quit now. Save yourself the embarrassment.
00:57Bella sat across from us. Her body trembled, but she spoke up, stubborn.
01:01I won't quit. I want to play!
01:03Interesting. Right?
01:05He'd already rigged it for Bella, and he still put on this act like he cared about me.
01:09My heart felt submerged in ice water.
01:11Numb.
01:12I looked up, met his gaze.
01:15Fine. Let's begin.
01:17I wanted to see if this man, who kept saying he'd let me win, would really watch me take the
01:22fall.
01:24Let's make this quick, then.
01:26Can't wait to use the new sexy toys with you tonight.
01:29Pathetic. I'm afraid that's not with me.
01:31The game started.
01:32I drew first.
01:33Picked up the revolver.
01:34Pressed it to my chest.
01:36Pulled the trigger.
01:37Click.
01:37Empty.
01:38The room exhaled in relief.
01:40Some people even laughed.
01:42Hazel, don't worry.
01:43I'm always betting on you.
01:45Bella went next.
01:46Her hands shook with fear, but she pulled the trigger without hesitation.
01:49Click.
01:50Empty.
01:51Third turn.
01:52Me again.
01:52Empty.
01:53But my heart raced faster.
01:54The first turn card.
01:56Julian had arranged that.
01:57He wanted me to lose.
01:58Bella fired the fourth shot.
01:59She knew it was safe, but she still whimpered like she was scared.
02:03Just quit already!
02:04Kneel and apologize!
02:06Julian and his girl will let you go!
02:07Kid, this gun might not be real, but it still hurts like hell.
02:11Bella didn't back down.
02:13She pushed the gun toward me.
02:14I stared at Julian, waiting for him to stop this.
02:17But he just watched.
02:18A faint smile on his lips.
02:20No intention of stopping the rigged game.
02:21Julian frowned.
02:22Hazel, don't be scared.
02:25You'll be the winner.
02:26You always are.
02:27My mouth twisted into a bitter smile.
02:29My hand shook as I raised the gun to my chest.
02:31The bullet slammed into me.
02:33It was rubber, non-lethal, but it still hurt so much I couldn't breathe.
02:39I'm sorry!
02:40I didn't know it would be like this!
02:41By the rules, whoever got shot lost, the winner would become Julian's bride.
02:46Julian, this is...
02:48Julian stood slowly, looked down at Bella.
02:50His voice was ice cold.
02:53No problem.
02:54A deal's a deal.
02:57Hazel, you lost.
02:58I'm disappointed.
02:59But you're still the only queen in my heart.
03:02Bella flinched in his arms.
03:03But when she looked at me, her eyes flashed with triumph.
03:06My chest throbbed.
03:08Julian carried Bella toward the door.
03:10He didn't look back at me.
03:11Not even once.
03:12The game was never fair.
03:13Whoever he loved would win.
03:15Now, I was not the one he loved anymore.
03:17I wiped my eyes.
03:18Grabbed the wine glass on the table.
03:20Drank it all in one go.
03:21Outside, I clutched my aching chest.
03:24My hands shook as I dialed a number.
03:27You want to get married?
03:29Fine.
03:29I agree.
03:30See you at the wedding in seven days.
03:34When I got home, I took several painkillers.
03:36I'd survived 99 rounds.
03:39My body could handle pain.
03:40But today, for some reason, it hurt more than usual.
03:43I stared at the wedding photo on the wall.
03:45By round 99, Julian had already taken me to get wedding photos done.
03:49I'd laughed and asked if that broke the rules.
03:51My game, my rules, and you're always the reason I break them.
03:55But now, for someone else, he'd not only broken the rules,
03:59he'd watched me get shot like some kind of clown.
04:01That night, Julian didn't come home.
04:04I saw the video Bella sent me.
04:06Julian with Bella.
04:07In every corner of his most luxurious mansion.
04:10Evidence of their passion everywhere.
04:12The rare black pearl he'd bought me last month at auction.
04:15He had it in his mouth now.
04:16Rolling it over Bella's skin.
04:18Making her scream.
04:19Julian looked feral with lust.
04:21I had never seen him like that.
04:23Hazel, you see how addicted he is to me.
04:25If you know what's good for you, leave.
04:27I stared at the message.
04:28I wept bitterly.
04:32When I'd first met Julian, my Nana had just been diagnosed with severe heart disease.
04:36We couldn't afford the hospital bills.
04:39Julian appeared like a god.
04:40Paid Nana's fees.
04:42Handed me a ticket to the elimination games.
04:45He looked at me like prey.
04:46A smile on his lips.
04:48It's just a game.
04:49Play it right, and you'll only benefit.
04:51I'd heard the rumors.
04:52Julian was twisted.
04:53He held these games because the woman he loved had betrayed him years ago.
04:57After that, he stopped believing in love.
04:59He played with emotions for fun.
05:01Wanted to see how far women would go to marry him.
05:03But I took the ticket anyway.
05:04I needed money.
05:05I needed to save Nana's life.
05:07In the game, Julian called himself the king.
05:09Sat on his throne.
05:11Watched countless women fight for the role of queen.
05:13I gritted my teeth through 99 rounds.
05:16Extreme bungee jumping.
05:18Locked in a box with snakes.
05:20Holding my breath underwater for seven minutes.
05:23Eating live spiders.
05:25Things that made others scream and break down.
05:28I endured them all in silence.
05:30One game involved skydiving.
05:32A competitor grabbed the only parachute.
05:35Slashed my arm with a knife.
05:37Left me stranded.
05:39The plane hovered over the ocean.
05:42In my despair, a crackling voice came through my earpiece.
05:45Julian's voice.
05:46Amused.
05:47You've won over 40 rounds.
05:49Didn't think you'd die here.
05:51Any last words?
05:55Transfer the medical fees to my Nana's account.
06:02When they pulled me out, I was in the ICU.
06:07Julian came to see me later.
06:09His eyes dark.
06:13I'm counting this as a win for you.
06:15I changed my mind.
06:16The rule was whoever's boldest wins.
06:22Still want to play?
06:23If you quit now, you get a hundred million.
06:25When he said it, his smile was self-mocking.
06:27I didn't answer.
06:28Just pulled him into a hug.
06:30Julian froze.
06:31Then, suddenly, he looked overjoyed.
06:33He grabbed the back of my head and kissed me deeply.
06:36Hazel, from now on, you're mine.
06:39I'll give you everything.
06:40He threw money at me.
06:41Bought me mansions.
06:42Gave me 10% of his company's shares.
06:45Brought me into his world.
06:46Even when his old flame came back, tried to humiliate me publicly, begged him to come back, he didn't hesitate.
06:53He smashed a bottle over the woman's head.
06:56Then he said,
06:57Anyone else want to insult my queen?
06:58Step forward.
07:00Julian's favoritism made everyone think I was special.
07:03Made me think I was special.
07:04That I could make him believe in love again.
07:06But tonight, I finally understood.
07:08It was all in my head.
07:10I turned off my phone.
07:11Sat alone in the empty mansion all night.
07:13By morning, I heard the lock turn.
07:16Julian came home.
07:18His expensive suit reeked of someone else's perfume.
07:20The hickeys on his neck were impossible to miss.
07:23He saw me sitting stiffly on the couch.
07:25He paused.
07:26Rubbed his head.
07:27Annoyed.
07:27Hazel, don't tell me you stayed up all night waiting for me.
07:30My voice came out hoarse.
07:31Are you going to shower?
07:32Julian froze.
07:33Looked at my pale face.
07:35My bloodshot eyes.
07:36He frowned.
07:37Tossed his jacket aside.
07:40But there was a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.
07:43He walked over.
07:44Tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
07:46I know.
07:47You're upset because you lost the game.
07:50Winners and losers.
07:51That's the rule.
07:52According to the rules, this was round 100.
07:54Bella won.
07:55I should marry her.
07:56He paused.
07:57Pulled a million dollar pink diamond ring from his pocket.
08:00I'm letting you play one more round.
08:02You can take back the crown.
08:04This is my gift to you.
08:06So next time, make sure you win.
08:09Win?
08:10I wanted to laugh.
08:11I'd had a 50-50 chance.
08:13He was the one who handed my crown to Bella.
08:15Whoever won the final round would become his wife.
08:17Bella won.
08:18This ring was just a consolation prize.
08:20Julian seemed to remember something.
08:22His eyes glinted with challenge.
08:23He smirked.
08:24What, Hazel?
08:25Not happy?
08:26You used to fight tooth and nail to win me over?
08:28He expected me to cry.
08:29To yell.
08:30Like all the women he'd eliminated before.
08:32But I just looked up.
08:33My voice calm.
08:34No.
08:34I don't care.
08:37Julian, starting now, I'm quitting the game.
08:40Julian's expression froze.
08:41Not playing?
08:43Say that again?
08:44I lifted my head.
08:45Julian, I'm done with your game.
08:48I'll leave you.
08:49I won't cling to you.
08:51You can be with Bella in peace.
08:54Julian's breath pitched.
08:55He grabbed my arms.
08:56But then his phone buzzed in his pocket.
08:58He answered.
08:59Whatever the person said made him explode.
09:02Touch her and I'll kill you all!
09:05He hung up.
09:05His eyes went dark.
09:07He grabbed my wrist so hard.
09:08Ow!
09:09Julian, what are you-
09:10He dragged me to the car without a word.
09:12His voice was ice.
09:14Get in.
09:14Now.
09:15Look what you've done.
09:16I stumbled.
09:17He shoved me into the car.
09:19Julian drove like a maniac.
09:21Didn't say a word the whole way.
09:23We reached an abandoned warehouse.
09:24I froze.
09:26Bella was tied up.
09:27Blood at the corner of her mouth.
09:28Julian rushed over.
09:29Untied her.
09:30Pulled her into his arms.
09:32His eyes were red.
09:33Bella, don't be scared.
09:34I won't let anything happen to you.
09:36Bella clung to him, sobbing.
09:38Then she looked at me.
09:40Miss Hazel, if you don't want me near Julian, I can leave.
09:44I took a deep breath.
09:44But why did you have to send people to hurt me?
09:46Looked only at Julian.
09:48Julian, I didn't send anyone.
09:50Do you believe me?
09:52Julian held Bella protectively.
09:54But when he looked at me, his eyes were full of disappointment.
09:57She's an orphan.
09:58She doesn't cause trouble.
09:59Who else would hurt her except you, jealous because she won?
10:03If you can't handle losing, Hazel, you're the one who can't play the game.
10:07My fists clenched.
10:08Julian, I said I didn't do it!
10:15Julian, I'm okay.
10:17I don't blame Hazel.
10:19She just loves you too much.
10:21Julian sneered, turned to leave with Bella in his arms, but he called over security guards.
10:25The new queen was bullied by the old one.
10:28The old queen needs to be punished.
10:30The guards were professionals.
10:31They immediately twisted my arms behind my back.
10:34Mr. Voss, how should we punish her?
10:37You decide.
10:38You're my new queen.
10:40My heart shattered again.
10:42Julian, I don't really know the rules.
10:46Whatever punishment was used before, let's use that now.
10:51After every elimination round, Julian used to give me the power to punish the losers.
10:55I was soft-hearted.
10:57I always just told them to leave Julian alone.
10:58Away from Julian.
10:59No punishment.
11:00But now, Bella put on an innocent face.
11:03Her lips curled into a cruel smile.
11:05Julian understood immediately.
11:07He looked at me.
11:08Tried to read my expression.
11:10But all he saw was dead silence.
11:13His anger flared.
11:14He held Bella tighter.
11:16Spoke through gritted teeth.
11:17Didn't you hear the queen's order?
11:20I was dragged into the mansion.
11:22Pinned to the floor.
11:24They whipped me with saltwater-soaked leather.
11:27In the next room, Julian and Bella were tangled together.
11:30Their moans mixed with my screams.
11:32The sounds filled the entire house.
11:35My skin split open.
11:36But my heart hurt more.
11:38I remembered the day in the hospital.
11:40When we'd kissed deeply.
11:42Confirmed our feelings.
11:44I want to stop the game.
11:45I don't want you to get hurt anymore.
11:47But the elite players had bet hundreds of millions on the game.
11:50It wasn't just Julian's anymore.
11:53Hazel, I promise.
11:54Julian had held me.
11:56Eyes red.
11:57From now on, I'll never let you lose.
12:00And I'd lived up to that.
12:02Fought with everything I had in every round.
12:04Of course, some competitors hated me.
12:07Teamed up to cheat.
12:08Tried to kill me.
12:09But I, fueled by my love for Julian, always found a way to survive.
12:14Always ended up in his arms.
12:16Victorious.
12:17Those women who'd schemed against me, they were tied up just like this.
12:21Forced to listen to Julian and me all night.
12:25They went at it all night.
12:28But now, it was my turn.
12:30At dawn, Julian came out in a bathrobe.
12:33I heard him say,
12:34Call my doctor.
12:36Treat her properly.
12:37Don't let her die.
12:39Yes, sir.
12:39I lost consciousness.
12:42When I woke up, I was on the couch.
12:44Julian's jacket draped over me.
12:47You're awake?
12:48Mr. Voss took Miss Bella to the victory gala.
12:51He said to get dressed and meet them there.
12:52Sorry.
12:53I need to go to the hospital.
12:55My nana's having surgery today.
12:57Julian knows this.
12:57Julian had been the one to find nana's heart donor.
13:00It was my reward for passing round 99.
13:03What are you doing?
13:04I said I'm not going.
13:05Julian knows today is nana's heart transplant.
13:08I fought back.
13:09But my bones screamed in pain.
13:11The guards forced me into a dress.
13:13Didn't even let me take my phone.
13:14Shoved me into the car.
13:16I felt like I couldn't breathe.
13:18Julian used to go with me to visit nana every month.
13:21But today, he broke his promise.
13:23At the gala, Julian and Bella were already there.
13:26So were all the elite players.
13:28I wore a backless dress.
13:30My wounds were on full display.
13:33People whispered.
13:34Hazel, today's about celebrating Bella's win.
13:37As a former competitor, you should congratulate her.
13:40But you came empty-handed.
13:42Are you trying to embarrass her?
13:43Bella bit her lip.
13:44Maybe she thinks I didn't deserve to win.
13:46After all, she won the first 99 rounds.
13:49I already quit.
13:50I don't have to congratulate her.
13:52Julian, today is nana's surgery.
13:56Let me go.
13:58On such a good day, you want to bring up something depressing?
14:01What do I have to do for you to let me leave?
14:04He kissed Bella in front of me.
14:06Let my new queen decide.
14:08Bella pretended to think.
14:10How about Hazel strips naked, kneels in front of me, and barks like a dog three times?
14:15My breath stopped.
14:16I couldn't believe what I'd heard.
14:18Fine.
14:18And then Julian laughed softly.
14:21I stared at him.
14:24Julian, what if I refuse?
14:27Julian's smile was cold, mocking.
14:29When have you ever had the right to say no to me?
14:32He signaled his words.
14:33You are the lady?
14:34You are the lady.
14:34You are the lady.
14:35You are the lady.
14:36Julian was unpredictable.
14:37If I resisted, it would take even longer.
14:39And I needed to see nana.
14:41Right now, dignity didn't matter.
14:42I hope you keep your word.
14:44After I do this, let me go.
14:46My voice broke.
14:48Got on the floor.
14:49The room gasped.
14:52The first bark.
14:53Laughter exploded around me.
14:56Barked again.
14:58Someone kicked me.
14:59The third bark came out.
15:05Enough.
15:06Julian's voice cut through the noise.
15:08Get her out of here.
15:09Come on.
15:10I sobbed as I grabbed my clothes.
15:13Threw them on.
15:14Stumbled out of the room.
15:15It was pouring rain outside.
15:17I finally flagged down a car.
15:19Rushed to the hospital.
15:21I burst into nana's room.
15:25Empty.
15:27I searched frantically.
15:29Then I saw the operating room doors open.
15:31A hand hung from under it.
15:33Wearing the silver bracelet I'd given nana.
15:35My blood turned to ice.
15:37Nana!
15:38I screamed.
15:40Threw myself at the body.
15:41The doctor sighed deeply.
15:44I'm sorry.
15:45We did everything we could.
15:46She wanted to see you one last time.
15:48We tried calling, but your phone was off.
15:49We had no choice but to proceed with the surgery.
15:52I couldn't hear the rest.
15:54The world spun.
15:55I collapsed.
15:56When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed.
15:58A nurse came in to adjust my IV.
16:04Miss, I know you just lost someone you love.
16:06But you need to take care of yourself.
16:09Especially now that you're pregnant.
16:11The words hit like a hammer.
16:17What did you say?
16:18My voice shook.
16:20I'm pregnant?
16:22Yes.
16:23You're three months alone.
16:25Haven't you noticed anything?
16:26My hand trembled as it touched my stomach.
16:29I'd once imagined marrying Julian.
16:31Having his child.
16:33But it had to happen now.
16:34When he didn't love me anymore.
16:37The door opened.
16:38Julian walked in, holding half a piece of cake.
16:44Hazel, you embarrassed me today.
16:46Bella felt bad that you didn't eat.
16:48She saved you some cake.
16:53You didn't stay with Nana.
16:54You came here to fake being sick just to get my attention.
16:58I grabbed the cup on the table.
16:59Threw it at his face.
17:01Get out!
17:02Julian dodged.
17:07Ungrateful.
17:08You're nothing compared to Bella.
17:10He turned.
17:11Slammed the door.
17:13My pain and grief finally broke free.
17:15I sobbed uncontrollably.
17:18For days, Julian paraded Bella around.
17:22Showered her with affection.
17:23I handled Nana's funeral alone.
17:25The day of the burial.
17:26The sky was thick with clouds.
17:28Rain poured down.
17:30Meanwhile, Julian was at an auction.
17:33Bidding on a rare diamond for Bella.
17:35I returned to Julian's mansion.
17:37Packed all my things.
17:38Took my suitcase to a small rental apartment.
17:40When Julian realized I wasn't at the mansion, he called.
17:43Demanded to know where I was.
17:45Where are you?
17:46Julian, the game's over.
17:48We have nothing to do with each other anymore.
17:50I didn't answer his question.
17:52One day later, Julian found me.
17:55He looked at my tiny apartment.
17:56Wrinkled his nose in disgust.
17:58Hazel, you're living in this dump.
18:01You want to leave me this badly?
18:04This is just playing hard to get.
18:06None of your business.
18:07Get out.
18:08But Julian's eyes narrowed.
18:10He had security restrain me.
18:15Let's go.
18:16Bella wants to take you to an auction.
18:20I fought, but I was no match for the guards.
18:23They brought me to a massive private estate.
18:27Underground, there was an auction hall.
18:30The owner kept a giant python.
18:33He held events where the wealthy watched it feed.
18:35Bella was already there in an elegant gown.
18:38Hazel, they're doing a python feeding show.
18:40But I think it's boring.
18:44On stage, a cage held a 13-foot golden python.
18:46It was tearing into a chunk of bloody meat.
18:49You won 99 rounds.
18:52Handling a snake should be easy for you, right?
18:59Julian, I want to see Hazel tame the python.
19:02My blood ran cold.
19:04The tiny life in my stomach seemed to sense danger.
19:07It trembled.
19:08Are you insane?
19:09This could kill someone!
19:11Julian looked at my pale face.
19:12For a moment, his eyes softened.
19:15Hazel, you know what I hate most about you?
19:17You're too stubborn.
19:19If you just acted weak, I would have let you win.
19:21I'm giving you one more chance.
19:23Beg me, and I'll make sure you win the final round.
19:27But I just stared at him, my eyes dead.
19:29I let out a hollow laugh.
19:30Julian, my biggest regret is joining your game in the first place.
19:40How can you be so ungrateful?
19:42Julian's giving you a chance.
19:44If I were you, I'd be so thankful.
19:48If you don't play, it just means you don't really love him.
19:55Put her in!
19:57Security threw me into the cage.
19:59The python saw me.
20:00Treated me like prey.
20:01Its body tense.
20:02It slithered toward me, tongue flicking.
20:04I tried to dodge, but the snake wrapped around my leg.
20:08Julian, please let me out!
20:10I'm pregnant!
20:11My scream was piercing, but the crowd was too loud.
20:14No one could hear me.
20:15Julian frowned slightly, tried to make out what I was saying.
20:18But Bella hooked her arms around his neck, whispered in his ear.
20:21Julian, she looks like she's having so much fun.
20:24Julian, I want to play too.
20:25Let's go backstage.
20:27Julian's throat bobbed.
20:28Without hesitation, he scooped Bella up, carried her toward the back.
20:32I had been bitten multiple times.
20:34The python coiled tighter around my body, started to squeeze.
20:37I couldn't break free.
20:38I was suffocating.
20:39My face turned purple.
20:40Finally, I let out a blood-curdling scream.
20:43The audience realized something was wrong.
20:45Oh my god, the snake's gone feral!
20:47That woman's bleeding!
20:48Call an ambulance!
20:51When I regained consciousness, I was in a hospital bed.
20:54My lower abdomen burned with tearing pain.
20:57I threw off the blanket.
20:58My stomach was flat.
20:59The baby was gone.
21:00A wave of unbearable grief crashed over me.
21:02I screamed.
21:03Nana was already gone.
21:04This baby had been my only family left in the world.
21:07Why?
21:08Why did Julian have to kill my child?
21:11Why did he take away my last shred of hope?
21:13The door opened.
21:14Julian walked in.
21:15I heard you got your period.
21:17That's why you were sent to the hospital?
21:19Hazel, this isn't like you.
21:21You survived 99 rounds.
21:23You've never been this dramatic before.
21:25I took a deep breath.
21:26Ignored the pain.
21:27Then I used every ounce of strength I had and slapped him across the face.
21:30Julian, I hope you rot in hell!
21:36Have I been too lenient with you lately?
21:45Bella, I'm on my way.
21:48Don't be scared.
21:50Bella's stomach hurts.
21:51I need to go.
21:52And I canceled the lease on your new apartment.
21:54Stay here and behave.
21:56He left without looking back.
21:59I stared after him.
22:01Then I made a call.
22:02Before you come get me, I need you to help me stage something.
22:06Make it believable.
22:07I need him to think I'm dead.
22:09I hung up.
22:10A message popped up on my phone.
22:11Bella, curled up in Julian's arms.
22:13Her fingers tracing circles on his chest.
22:16Hazel, see?
22:17Even when you're hurt by a snake, one word from me and Julian leaves you behind.
22:22He doesn't love you.
22:23Even after you almost died for him, he only loves me.
22:26You're pathetic.
22:27I gripped my phone so hard it hurt.
22:29Tears blurred the screen.
22:31Hospital security guards blocked the exits.
22:33I had nowhere to go.
22:34I stayed in the bed.
22:35Every time I closed my eyes, I had nightmares.
22:37I dreamed of the 99 brutal games.
22:40Julian's cold gaze.
22:41Nana dying in a hospital bed.
22:42The baby I never got to meet.
22:44A day later, Julian came back with Bella.
22:46Julian really cares about you.
22:48Even though you're like this, he still wants me to compete with you fairly one more time.
22:52If you don't play, it means you don't really love Julian.
22:55That you don't want him at all.
22:57Fine.
22:58I'll play.
22:59Bella froze.
23:00Hadn't expected me to agree so easily.
23:02I'm happy to compete fairly, but this time, I get to decide the rules.
23:07Of course.
23:08You won last time.
23:09Last time we played Russian Roulette, you lost.
23:12You must have been so frustrated.
23:13So this time, let's play with a gun again.
23:15How about it?
23:17Fine.
23:17Then it's settled.
23:18Julian, let's go prepare.
23:20We shouldn't disturb Hanen while she rests.
23:22The next night, we were brought to a cliffside.
23:24A table.
23:25Two chairs.
23:26A black handgun sat in the center.
23:27The barrel gleamed cold in the moonlight.
23:29Bella and I took our seats on opposite sides.
23:33Julian's Bentley pulled up.
23:36He stepped out slowly.
23:38Sat in a luxurious throne-like chair.
23:42A bodyguard held champagne beside him.
23:46When the game ends, I'll announce on the spot that I'm marrying the winner.
23:52Now, begin.
23:54Bella put on a humble face.
23:55You roll the dice, Hazel.
23:57Fair and square.
23:58If you roll an odd number, you go first.
24:00I didn't hesitate.
24:02Rolled the dice.
24:04Odd number.
24:05I'd go first.
24:07I heard Julian's breath hitch.
24:09His fists clenched tight.
24:11His nerves gave it away.
24:13The bullet was in an even-numbered chamber.
24:15No, no!
24:16That's two out of three!
24:17I laughed bitterly.
24:19Didn't stop her.
24:21Bella cheated somehow.
24:23Rolled odd numbers twice.
24:24Now she'd go first.
24:26I'm first, so I'll start.
24:28Get on with it.
24:30Bella smiled flirtatiously at Julian.
24:32Held the gun to her own chest.
24:34Pulled the trigger.
24:34Click.
24:35Empty.
24:36The gun passed to me.
24:37I waited for a moment.
24:39Then laughed coldly.
24:40This wasn't the fake gun from last time.
24:42This was real.
24:43Real gun.
24:45Real bullet.
24:48What are you waiting for?
24:50Are you scared?
24:51Did you only agree to play to make Julian happy?
24:56Hazel, it's your turn.
24:57I still didn't move.
24:58A bodyguard spoke up.
25:00Miss Hazel, once the game starts, you can't stop.
25:02If you refuse, you'll face punishment.
25:04This is round 101.
25:06The punishment is the sum of all 100 previous punishments.
25:10Are you sure you can handle that?
25:11What a joke.
25:14Julian and Bella probably made that rule up on the spot.
25:16He just wanted to watch me suffer.
25:18Because I hadn't fallen apart after losing the last round.
25:21Hadn't cried and begged him on my knees like a dog.
25:23Hadn't groveled for him to stay.
25:25He'd been betrayed before.
25:26So he only wanted someone who'd love him enough to die.
25:29But even that couldn't fill the black hole in his heart.
25:31He was incapable of love.
25:33I looked at Julian.
25:34A mocking glint in my eyes.
25:36My voice barely above a whisper.
25:38Julian, I'm asking you one last time.
25:41Do you really want me to keep playing this game?
25:43Julian's body stiffened.
25:45His pupils trembled.
25:46After a long pause, he said,
25:48Hazel, a game is a game.
25:49The last thread in my heart snapped.
25:51The sea wind whipped my hair around my pale face.
25:54I looked fragile, broken, beautiful.
25:57I gripped the gun, pressed it to my chest.
25:59Julian, this shot is to repay you for covering Nana's medical bills.
26:03For letting her stay with me for three more years.
26:06Click.
26:07Empty.
26:08Julian frowned.
26:09Didn't understand why I'd bring that up now.
26:11The gun went back to Bella.
26:13She was confident, but still put on a frightened, brave ass.
26:16Julian, I love you.
26:19As long as I can win, I'm not afraid to die.
26:22Click.
26:23Empty again.
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