The Bet That Ended My Marriage HD

12 hours ago

Transcript

00:00:00The private yacht was lit up against the dark sea on Christmas night, music thumping through the deck as laughter

00:00:05and champagne spilled freely into the air.

00:00:07What was supposed to be a quiet gathering before my wedding had turned into something far louder and far messier

00:00:12than I ever imagined.

00:00:14Alex insisted on calling it a bachelor party, even though he invited Lena, his so-called girl best friend, and

00:00:20made sure she stayed glued to his side the entire night.

00:00:22By the time I pushed through the crowd slightly dizzy from the noise and the smell of alcohol, I realized

00:00:28the situation had already slipped far beyond control.

00:00:31They had dragged the bed out onto the open deck.

00:00:33The crowd circled it, glasses raised, faces flushed with excitement.

00:00:37And right in the center of it all were Alex and Lena.

00:00:40They were sprawled across the sheets like they owned the place, laughing too loudly, touching too casually.

00:00:45Putting on a performance that felt deliberately designed for an audience.

00:00:48I felt my chest tighten as anger climbed up my throat, sharp and suffocating.

00:00:53And I was just about to explode when Alex finally noticed me.

00:00:56Instead of shame or panic, he casually wrapped an arm around Lena's shoulders and looked at me as if I

00:01:01were the one ruining the mood.

00:01:03It's just a joke.

00:01:04You don't really think we'd actually do anything, do you?

00:01:08Before I could respond, Lena leaned in closer, deliberately looping her arm around Alex's neck as she smiled at me

00:01:13with feigned innocence.

00:01:14Her voice was playful, almost sweet, but her eyes carried something far less friendly.

00:01:19Alex and I are just warming things up before your big day, she said, laughing softly.

00:01:23Why don't we make it more interesting?

00:01:25Let's play some bets, think of it as an extra gift for the bride and groom.

00:01:29The crowd erupted instantly.

00:01:30That sounds fair, someone shouted.

00:01:32Wedding night luck is always the best.

00:01:34Let's see who walks away a winner.

00:01:36And don't blame us if you lose, another voice added, followed by even more laughter.

00:01:40I didn't argue or scream like they probably expected.

00:01:43Instead, I quietly stepped forward and sat down on the edge of the bed, deliberately avoiding Alex's irritated gaze as

00:01:50the sheets dipped slightly under my weight.

00:01:52Alright, I'm in too.

00:01:53Let me make it a little more fun.

00:01:55The laughter faltered for a split second, but before anyone could respond, Alex's voice cut through the noise, sharp and

00:02:00impatient.

00:02:01Catherine, you don't even know how to play cards.

00:02:04Why bother embarrassing yourself?

00:02:06If you're tired, just go rest in the cabin.

00:02:08I glanced around at the familiar faces gathered around the bed, all of them ready to gamble on this ridiculous

00:02:13spectacle.

00:02:14And then looked back at Alex with a slow smile that didn't reach my eyes.

00:02:18What is it?

00:02:18Afraid I'll ruin your little game with Lena?

00:02:21His expression darkened immediately.

00:02:23Relax, I'm just joining in.

00:02:24That only seemed to make things worse.

00:02:26I already told you it's just a game.

00:02:29Lena is my best friend.

00:02:30What could happen between best friends?

00:02:32I turned my face away, a faint cold smile tugging at my lips and chose not to answer.

00:02:37He probably didn't even realize how many times he had used that same excuse.

00:02:41On our first anniversary, I spent the entire day cooking, waiting for him at home.

00:02:45Only for Lena to call and complain about a migraine.

00:02:48He left without hesitation to bring her medicine.

00:02:51Three years ago, when I was hospitalized after surgery complications, he stayed with me for barely an hour.

00:02:57Before rushing off because Lena claimed she couldn't sleep and needed help finding some special medication in the middle of

00:03:03a stormy night.

00:03:04We had grown up together, fallen in love over ten long years and were now standing on the edge of

00:03:08marriage.

00:03:09Yet on the night before our wedding, Lena casually mentioned a bachelor party.

00:03:13And Alex not only spent a fortune renting this yacht but even dragged our wedding bed onto the deck simply

00:03:18because she said she liked it.

00:03:20I had stepped away for no more than a few minutes and when I came back, they were already tangled

00:03:25together under the covers.

00:03:26Sharing the same blanket, calling each other best friends, as if that word could excuse everything.

00:03:32Watching them now, with the sheets twisted and their clothes disheveled.

00:03:35I couldn't help thinking that if I hadn't been trapped on this boat, this wouldn't have ended as a card

00:03:39game at all.

00:03:40Nearby, Alex's friends were clearly drunk enough to forget basic decency.

00:03:44Seriously, Alex, what's taking so long? You've been at it forever.

00:03:48If you can't handle it, let me help you out. Another?

00:03:50The moment they noticed me standing there, the laughter died abruptly, replaced by awkward coughs and uneasy glances.

00:03:57Catherine's back. Don't get the wrong idea. Alex was just messing around.

00:04:01Only then did Alex scramble away from Lena, both of them flushed and disordered.

00:04:05Their clothes rumpled in ways that told a story no one needed explained.

00:04:09Anyone who believed nothing had happened under those covers was either blind or lying to themselves.

00:04:13I swallowed the sharp pain rising in my chest and slowly slipped the diamond ring off my finger.

00:04:18The metal felt cold against my skin as I placed it down on the bed between us.

00:04:22This ring was custom made. It should be valuable enough for a bet, right?

00:04:26Deal the cards.

00:04:27The game began.

00:04:28Lena shuffled the deck with effortless confidence.

00:04:31Her fingers moved smoothly as if she had done this a thousand times before.

00:04:35Cards were handed out one by one, and the crowd leaned in, already buzzing with anticipation.

00:04:40The rules were simple. Whoever drew the king could pick two numbers.

00:04:44The people holding those cards had to complete a challenge together.

00:04:47Sounded innocent enough on the surface, which only made the tension underneath feel sharper.

00:04:52The moment the cards were flipped, Alex's friend Jack laughed and slapped his card onto the bed.

00:04:56The king stared back at us from the center of the mattress.

00:04:59Jack's grin widened as his eyes swept across the group.

00:05:02Alright, number three pours alcohol into their own mouth, and number seven has to finish it.

00:05:06Alex lifted his card without hesitation.

00:05:09Number seven.

00:05:10Lena glanced down at her card and smiled, number three.

00:05:13Oh, sorry Catherine.

00:05:14Her voice sweet enough to sound sincere, though her eyes sparkled with open provocation.

00:05:19She tilted her head slightly as she picked up the bottle, never breaking eye contact with me.

00:05:23She poured the alcohol into her mouth slowly, deliberately, letting the sharp scent fill the air.

00:05:28Before she could swallow, Alex's arm slid around her shoulders, pulling her closer.

00:05:32As his mouth pressed against hers, his tongue parted her lips with practiced ease and the alcohol spilled between them.

00:05:38Trailing down the corners of their mouths, the crowd erupted, cheers, whistles and laughter filled the deck, as if this

00:05:44were the highlight everyone had been waiting for.

00:05:47No one looked away as the kiss dragged on, far longer than any game required, their bodies pressed close under

00:05:52the excuse of entertainment.

00:05:53By the time they finally pulled apart, both of them were flushed and breathless, still lingering far too close.

00:06:00Lena laughed softly as if nothing about this moment was out of line.

00:06:03Before the next round could start, I spoke up.

00:06:06I want to place a bet too.

00:06:07I said, my voice calm as the cards were gathered again.

00:06:10If I draw the king this round, I get to change the rules.

00:06:14Lena paused mid-shuffle and raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.

00:06:17Oh, what kind of rules?

00:06:18I withdrew my hand from the bed and met her gaze.

00:06:21Deal the cards first.

00:06:22The diamond ring slipped from my fingers and landed on the sheet with the dull, final sound.

00:06:27Its shine looked cold under the lights, sharp enough to cut through the noise.

00:06:30The room fell quiet for a heartbeat before someone laughed.

00:06:33Now this is getting interesting, a man said, pulling a watch from his wrist.

00:06:38Limited edition, Switzerland, last year.

00:06:41I'll throw in diamond cufflinks, another voice chimed in eagerly.

00:06:45They'll look great next to that ring.

00:06:46The pile of bets grew as Lena resumed shuffling, her movements as smooth and controlled as ever.

00:06:51When the cards were finally placed face down, the anticipation felt almost unbearable.

00:06:55I turned my card over.

00:06:57The king.

00:06:58A ripple of surprise moved through the crowd followed by excited murmurs.

00:07:02I didn't react right away.

00:07:03Instead, my gaze drifted to Alex, to the hand still resting possessively on Lena's shoulder.

00:07:08As if he were daring me to say something.

00:07:10Since this is the final round, let's make it unforgettable.

00:07:13I reached for the nearly empty bottle of tequila on the table.

00:07:16Then produced a black silk tie from my bag.

00:07:19I placed both items carefully beside the pile of bets.

00:07:22Number 2 and number 10.

00:07:23I continued.

00:07:24My eyes never leaving Alex and Lena.

00:07:26The person with number 2 has to blindfold themselves using this tie.

00:07:30The other pours alcohol on any part of their body.

00:07:32A murmur spread through the group.

00:07:34The blindfolded person then has 30 seconds to find the wet spot using only touch and smell.

00:07:39And must say exactly which part of the body it is.

00:07:42I paused.

00:07:43Letting the weight of the rules settle before adding quietly.

00:07:46If they get it wrong, or if time runs out.

00:07:48The person holding number 10 has to stand by the balcony railing.

00:07:52And shout to the guests below.

00:07:53I'm a filthy slut who enjoys messing with other people's husbands.

00:07:57Three times.

00:07:58Silence crashed down on the deck.

00:08:00Lena slowly turned her card over.

00:08:02Number 10.

00:08:03Alex stared at his own card.

00:08:04Number 2.

00:08:05His jaw tightening as his fingers clenched around it.

00:08:08The color drained from his face.

00:08:09Replaced by something dangerously close to panic.

00:08:12This is too much, Catherine.

00:08:14More than humiliating me on the night before our wedding.

00:08:16Or more than all those best friend favors you've been trading for the past 10 years.

00:08:20I picked up the tie and smoothed the fabric between my fingers.

00:08:24The silk cool and unforgiving.

00:08:26You have a choice.

00:08:27Play the game or admit you've already lost.

00:08:29For the first time that night Lena looked genuinely shaken.

00:08:32Alex stared at the tie as if it were slowly tightening around his throat.

00:08:36Time starts now.

00:08:37The room fell into a heavy stillness.

00:08:40Broken only by the sound of breathing and the low hum of the air conditioner vent above us.

00:08:44Every pair of eyes was fixed on the bottle of tequila sitting on the table.

00:08:48As if it were some kind of trigger waiting to be pulled.

00:08:5130 seconds.

00:08:52The countdown starts the moment the blindfold is on.

00:08:55Alex hesitated before lifting the black silk tie.

00:08:57Then slowly wrapped it over his eyes.

00:08:59When the fabric finally blocked his sight.

00:09:01His jaw tightened hard enough.

00:09:03That the muscle jumped beneath his skin.

00:09:05He tied the knot behind his head with deliberate movements.

00:09:08The loose ends brushing his neck as he tilted his head slightly.

00:09:11The gesture looked controlled but the tension in his posture told a very different story.

00:09:15Go.

00:09:16Lena reached for the bottle.

00:09:17Her fingers trembled so badly.

00:09:19That the glass tapped softly against her collarbone before she managed to steady it.

00:09:24She tipped the bottle just enough for the amber liquid to spill.

00:09:27Sliding down the curve of her neck.

00:09:29Before disappearing beneath the open edge of her blouse.

00:09:32She was wearing an off-white silk shirt and the stain spread quickly.

00:09:35Darkening the fabric until it clung to her skin.

00:09:38The sharp scent of alcohol cut through the air.

00:09:40Mixing with her perfume.

00:09:41In a way that made the space feel uncomfortably intimate.

00:09:44Alex was guided forward by her wrist until they were standing close enough for their bodies to brush.

00:09:49His hands hovered in front of him.

00:09:51Suspended in midair as if he were afraid of where they might land.

00:09:5415 seconds.

00:09:55His fingertips finally touched her neck.

00:09:57The contact was light at first.

00:09:59Almost cautious.

00:09:59Following the damp trail left behind by the tequila.

00:10:02When his fingers reached the edge of her collar.

00:10:04They paused.

00:10:05Hovering for a brief moment that stretched far too long.

00:10:08Lena's breath caught.

00:10:09His hands slid just inside the collar.

00:10:11Pressing against the wet fabric and the warmth beneath it.

00:10:14The room seemed to hold its breath.

00:10:16As the scent of alcohol grew stronger.

00:10:18And someone nearby swallowed audibly.

00:10:20Alex's fingers stopped.

00:10:21They rested just above her left breast.

00:10:23Right where her heartbeat pulsed beneath the silk.

00:10:25Even from where I stood, I could see the tension in his hand as he registered the shape and the

00:10:30rhythm beneath his touch.

00:10:31Time's up.

00:10:32He tore the tie from his eyes.

00:10:34For a split second, his gaze dropped to his own hand.

00:10:37Still suspended where it had been moments before.

00:10:39Then his eyes lifted to Lena.

00:10:41To the faint outline of skin visible through the soaked fabric.

00:10:44Above the left breast.

00:10:46Three fingers below the collarbone.

00:10:47Correct.

00:10:48Lena stepped back abruptly.

00:10:49Grabbed a jacket from the chair and wrapped it tightly around herself.

00:10:52The stain continued to spread beneath the fabric creeping outward like something that refused to be hidden.

00:10:58Game over.

00:10:59The winner takes the bet.

00:11:00No objections, right?

00:11:02No one answered.

00:11:03The earlier excitement had drained from the room, leaving behind nothing but discomfort.

00:11:07Several people avoided my gaze, quietly gathering their belongings as if eager to disappear.

00:11:12Finally, Alex spoke.

00:11:13Catherine, we need to talk.

00:11:15About what?

00:11:16I asked without turning around, calmly collecting the items from the pile of bets.

00:11:20About how you managed to identify your best friend's exact spot in 30 seconds.

00:11:24Or about how natural it looked when your fingers slid under her collar.

00:11:28Lena's voice came from inside her jacket, muffled and unsteady.

00:11:32We did not do anything.

00:11:33Did not do anything?

00:11:35I turned, holding up my wedding ring between my fingers.

00:11:38Then why is this sitting in the pile of bets?

00:11:41Do you expect me to gamble my symbol of marriage on a game where nothing happened?

00:11:45The engraving inside the ring caught the light, our initials and the date shining clearly.

00:11:49Everyone off the boat, you have five minutes.

00:11:52Catherine.

00:11:53Alex said, reaching for me.

00:11:54I pulled my hand away.

00:11:56Lowering my voice, I leaned in just enough for him to hear.

00:11:59When you touched her, were you afraid she would lose face if you failed the game?

00:12:03Or were you relieved you could touch her openly without seeing?

00:12:06His breath hitched.

00:12:07I gathered the remaining bets and locked myself in the bathroom, turning on the faucet until the

00:12:12sound of running water drowned out everything else.

00:12:14Footsteps faded, whispers disappeared, and finally the door closed.

00:12:18When I looked in the mirror my expression was calm, almost unfamiliar.

00:12:22Only my fingers trembled slightly against the cold marble.

00:12:25Half an hour later, I stepped back out.

00:12:28The yacht was empty except for Alex.

00:12:30The deck was a mess, sheets twisted, and the air thick with alcohol and something far more bitter.

00:12:35I did not answer.

00:12:36I stared at the sheets where they had lain earlier, then grabbed them and hurled the

00:12:40bundle into the sea.

00:12:41The fabric vanished into the dark water without a sound.

00:12:44They are gone.

00:12:45We need to talk.

00:12:46About how you turned our pre-wedding night into a performance for her.

00:12:49Or about how we are supposed to pretend to be a perfect couple after tonight.

00:12:53I replied evenly.

00:12:55I did not.

00:12:56From the moment you let her into our bed, from the moment you let your friends push you,

00:13:00fresh sheets had already been laid out smooth and untouched.

00:13:03I sat down on the edge of the bed as Alex approached, setting his glass aside.

00:13:07I love you.

00:13:08I looked at him coldly.

00:13:10Then you are remarkably skilled at hurting the person you claim to love.

00:13:13For ten years, every time you chose her, it cut me.

00:13:16Tonight was simply the deepest cut.

00:13:18What if I apologize?

00:13:20What if I promise it will never happen again?

00:13:22You already have, and yet here we are.

00:13:24I lifted my hand, hovering it over his chest where his heart beat steadily.

00:13:29Your apologies come easily, Alex.

00:13:31Just like breathing.

00:13:31And just like breathing, you never stop.

00:13:34He grabbed my wrist, his palm burning.

00:13:36So what do I do?

00:13:37What will make you believe me?

00:13:39Sell the beachfront condo, the one she loves.

00:13:41His eyes widened.

00:13:42I want you to destroy every place you ever hid her, starting there.

00:13:46And if I refuse?

00:13:47Then this ends tonight.

00:13:48You can keep being her best friend.

00:13:50I reached for the door handle, I paused.

00:13:52But I am done being your wife.

00:13:54The door handle was ice cold against my palm, and when I turned it,

00:13:58the metal spring clicked sharply inside the lock.

00:14:00The sound echoed in my chest like something sealing itself shut for good.

00:14:04I paused at the threshold as the sea breeze rushed in,

00:14:07carrying with it the sharp bite of agave and the lingering sweetness of Lena's perfume.

00:14:11The private yacht was lit up against the dark sea on Christmas night.

00:14:15Music thumping through the deck as laughter and champagne spilled freely into the air.

00:14:19What was supposed to be a quiet gathering before my wedding had turned into something

00:14:23far louder and far messier than I ever imagined.

00:14:25Alex insisted on calling it a bachelor party, even though he invited Lena,

00:14:29his so-called girl best friend, and made sure she stayed glued to his side the entire night.

00:14:34By the time I pushed through the crowd slightly dizzy from the noise and the smell of alcohol,

00:14:39I realized the situation had already slipped far beyond control.

00:14:42They had dragged the bed out onto the open deck.

00:14:44The crowd circled it, glasses raised, faces flushed with excitement.

00:14:48And right in the center of it all were Alex and Lena.

00:14:51They were sprawled across the sheets like they owned the place, laughing too loudly,

00:14:55touching too casually.

00:14:56Putting on a performance that felt deliberately designed for an audience.

00:15:00I felt my chest tighten as anger climbed up my throat, sharp and suffocating.

00:15:04And I was just about to explode when Alex finally noticed me.

00:15:08Instead of shame or panic, he casually wrapped an arm around Lena's shoulders

00:15:11and looked at me as if I were the one ruining the mood.

00:15:14It's just a joke.

00:15:15You don't really think we'd actually do anything, do you?

00:15:19Before I could respond, Lena leaned in closer,

00:15:21deliberately looping her arm around Alex's neck as she smiled at me with feigned innocence.

00:15:26Her voice was playful, almost sweet, but her eyes carried something far less friendly.

00:15:30Alex and I are just warming things up before your big day.

00:15:33She said, laughing softly.

00:15:35Why don't we make it more interesting?

00:15:36Let's play some bets.

00:15:38Think of it as an extra gift for the bride and groom.

00:15:40The crowd erupted instantly.

00:15:42That sounds fair, someone shouted.

00:15:44Wedding night luck is always the best.

00:15:46Let's see who walks away a winner.

00:15:47And don't blame us if you lose, another voice added, followed by even more laughter.

00:15:52I didn't argue or scream like they probably expected.

00:15:55Instead, I quietly stepped forward and sat down on the edge of the bed,

00:15:59deliberately avoiding Alex's irritated gaze as the sheets dipped slightly under my weight.

00:16:03All right, I'm in too.

00:16:05Let me make it a little more fun.

00:16:06The laughter faltered for a split second, but before anyone could respond.

00:16:10Alex's voice cut through the noise, sharp and impatient.

00:16:13Catherine, you don't even know how to play cards.

00:16:15Why bother embarrassing yourself?

00:16:17If you're tired, just go rest in the cabin.

00:16:20I glanced around at the familiar faces gathered around the bed,

00:16:23all of them ready to gamble on this ridiculous spectacle,

00:16:25and then looked back at Alex with a slow smile that didn't reach my eyes.

00:16:29What is it?

00:16:30Afraid I'll ruin your little game with Lena?

00:16:32His expression darkened immediately.

00:16:34Relax, I'm just joining in.

00:16:36That only seemed to make things worse.

00:16:38I already told you it's just a game.

00:16:40Lena is my best friend.

00:16:42What could happen between best friends?

00:16:44I turned my face away, a faint cold smile tugging at my lips and chose not to answer.

00:16:49He probably didn't even realize how many times he had used that same excuse.

00:16:52On our first anniversary, I spent the entire day cooking, waiting for him at home,

00:16:57only for Lena to call and complain about a migraine.

00:17:00He left without hesitation to bring her medicine.

00:17:02Three years ago, when I was hospitalized after surgery complications,

00:17:06he stayed with me for barely an hour,

00:17:08before rushing off because Lena claimed she couldn't sleep,

00:17:11and needed help finding some special medication in the middle of a stormy night.

00:17:15We had grown up together, fallen in love over 10 long years,

00:17:19and were now standing on the edge of marriage.

00:17:20Yet on the night before our wedding, Lena casually mentioned a bachelor party,

00:17:25and Alex not only spent a fortune renting this yacht,

00:17:27but even dragged our wedding bed onto the deck simply because she said she liked it.

00:17:31I had stepped away for no more than a few minutes,

00:17:34and when I came back, they were already tangled together under the covers,

00:17:38sharing the same blanket, calling each other best friends,

00:17:40as if that word could excuse everything.

00:17:43Watching them now, with the sheets twisted and their clothes disheveled,

00:17:46I couldn't help thinking that if I hadn't been trapped on this boat,

00:17:49this wouldn't have ended as a card game at all.

00:17:52Nearby, Alex's friends were clearly drunk enough to forget basic decency.

00:17:56Seriously, Alex, what's taking so long?

00:17:58You've been at it forever.

00:17:59If you can't handle it, let me help you out.

00:18:01Another?

00:18:02The moment they noticed me standing there,

00:18:04the laughter died abruptly,

00:18:06replaced by awkward coughs and uneasy glances.

00:18:08Catherine's back.

00:18:09Don't get the wrong idea.

00:18:11Alex was just messing around.

00:18:12Only then did Alex scramble away from Lena,

00:18:15both of them flushed and disordered.

00:18:16Their clothes rumpled in ways that told a story no one needed explained.

00:18:20Anyone who believed nothing had happened under those covers

00:18:23was either blind or lying to themselves.

00:18:25I swallowed the sharp pain rising in my chest

00:18:27and slowly slipped the diamond ring off my finger.

00:18:30The metal felt cold against my skin

00:18:31as I placed it down on the bed between us.

00:18:34This ring was custom made.

00:18:35It should be valuable enough for a bet, right?

00:18:38Deal the cards.

00:18:39The game began.

00:18:40Lena shuffled the deck with effortless confidence,

00:18:42her fingers moved smoothly

00:18:44as if she had done this a thousand times before.

00:18:46Cards were handed out one by one,

00:18:48and the crowd leaned in,

00:18:50already buzzing with anticipation.

00:18:51The rules were simple.

00:18:53Whoever drew the king could pick two numbers.

00:18:55The people holding those cards

00:18:57had to complete a challenge together.

00:18:59Sounded innocent enough on the surface,

00:19:00which only made the tension underneath feel sharper.

00:19:03The moment the cards were flipped,

00:19:05Alex's friend Jack laughed

00:19:06and slapped his card onto the bed.

00:19:08The king stared back at us

00:19:09from the center of the mattress.

00:19:11Jack's grin widened

00:19:12as his eyes swept across the group.

00:19:13All right,

00:19:14number three pours alcohol into their own mouth,

00:19:16and number seven has to finish it.

00:19:18Alex lifted his card without hesitation.

00:19:20Number seven.

00:19:21Lena glanced down at her card and smiled.

00:19:24Number three.

00:19:24Oh, sorry, Catherine.

00:19:26Her voice sweet enough to sound sincere,

00:19:28though her eyes sparkled with open provocation.

00:19:30She tilted her head slightly

00:19:31as she picked up the bottle,

00:19:33never breaking eye contact with me.

00:19:35She poured the alcohol into her mouth slowly,

00:19:37deliberately, letting the shop scent fill the air.

00:19:40Before she could swallow,

00:19:41Alex's arm slid around her shoulders,

00:19:43pulling her closer.

00:19:44As his mouth pressed against hers,

00:19:46his tongue parted her lips with practiced ease

00:19:48and the alcohol spilled between them,

00:19:50trailing down the corners of their mouths.

00:19:52The crowd erupted.

00:19:53Cheers, whistles, and laughter filled the deck.

00:19:55As if this were the highlight

00:19:56everyone had been waiting for.

00:19:58No one looked away as the kiss dragged on,

00:20:00far longer than any game required.

00:20:02Their bodies pressed close

00:20:03under the excuse of entertainment.

00:20:05By the time they finally pulled apart,

00:20:07both of them were flushed and breathless,

00:20:09still lingering far too close.

00:20:11Lena laughed softly

00:20:12as if nothing about this moment was out of line.

00:20:15Before the next round could start,

00:20:16I spoke up.

00:20:17I want to place a bet too.

00:20:19I said, my voice calm

00:20:20as the cards were gathered again.

00:20:22If I draw the king this round,

00:20:23I get to change the rules.

00:20:25Lena paused mid-shuffle

00:20:26and raised an eyebrow clearly amused.

00:20:28Oh, what kind of rules?

00:20:30I withdrew my hand from the bed

00:20:31and met her gaze.

00:20:32Deal the cards first.

00:20:33The diamond ring slipped from my fingers

00:20:35and landed on the sheet

00:20:36with the dull, final sound.

00:20:38Its shine looked cold under the lights,

00:20:40sharp enough to cut through the noise.

00:20:42The room fell quiet for a heartbeat

00:20:43before someone laughed.

00:20:45Now this is getting interesting,

00:20:46a man said,

00:20:47pulling a watch from his wrist.

00:20:49Limited edition.

00:20:50Switzerland.

00:20:51Last year.

00:20:52I'll throw in diamond cufflinks,

00:20:54another voice chimed in eagerly.

00:20:56They'll look great next to that ring.

00:20:58The pile of bets grew

00:20:59as Lena resumed shuffling,

00:21:00her movements as smooth

00:21:01and controlled as ever.

00:21:02When the cards were finally placed face down,

00:21:05the anticipation felt almost unbearable.

00:21:07I turned my card over.

00:21:08The king.

00:21:09A ripple of surprise moved through the crowd

00:21:11followed by excited murmurs.

00:21:13I didn't react right away.

00:21:15Instead, my gaze drifted to Alex,

00:21:17to the hand still resting possessively

00:21:18on Lena's shoulder.

00:21:19As if he were daring me to say something.

00:21:22Since this is the final round,

00:21:23let's make it unforgettable.

00:21:24I reached for the nearly empty bottle of tequila

00:21:27on the table,

00:21:28then produced a black silk tie from my bag.

00:21:30I placed both items carefully

00:21:32beside the pile of bets.

00:21:33Number two and number ten.

00:21:35I continued.

00:21:36My eyes never leaving Alex and Lena.

00:21:38The person with number two

00:21:39has to blindfold themselves using this tie.

00:21:41The other pours alcohol on any part of their body.

00:21:44A murmur spread through the group.

00:21:46The blindfolded person then has 30 seconds

00:21:48to find the wet spot using only touch and smell.

00:21:50And must say exactly which part of the body it is.

00:21:53I paused.

00:21:54Letting the weight of the rules settle

00:21:56before adding quietly.

00:21:57If they get it wrong or if time runs out,

00:22:00the person holding number ten

00:22:01has to stand by the balcony railing

00:22:03and shout to the guests below,

00:22:05I'm a filthy slut who enjoys messing

00:22:06with other people's husbands.

00:22:08Three times.

00:22:09Silence crashed down on the deck.

00:22:11Lena slowly turned her card over.

00:22:13Number ten.

00:22:14Alex stared at his own card.

00:22:16Number two, his jaw tightening

00:22:17as his fingers clenched around it.

00:22:19The color drained from his face

00:22:21replaced by something dangerously close to panic.

00:22:23This is too much, Catherine.

00:22:25More than humiliating me on the night

00:22:27before our wedding.

00:22:28Or more than all those

00:22:29best friend favors you've been trading

00:22:31for the past ten years.

00:22:32I picked up the tie

00:22:33and smoothed the fabric between my fingers.

00:22:35The silk cool and unforgiving.

00:22:37You have a choice.

00:22:38Play the game or admit you've already lost.

00:22:41For the first time that night,

00:22:42Lena looked genuinely shaken.

00:22:44Alex stared at the tie

00:22:45as if it were slowly tightening around his throat.

00:22:48Time starts now.

00:22:49The room fell into a heavy stillness,

00:22:51broken only by the sound of breathing

00:22:53and the low hum of the air conditioner vent above us.

00:22:55Every pair of eyes was fixed

00:22:57on the bottle of tequila sitting on the table,

00:22:59as if it were some kind of trigger

00:23:01waiting to be pulled.

00:23:02Thirty seconds.

00:23:03The countdown starts the moment

00:23:05the blindfold is on.

00:23:06Alex hesitated before lifting

00:23:07the black silk tie,

00:23:09then slowly wrapped it over his eyes.

00:23:11When the fabric finally blocked his sight,

00:23:13his jaw tightened hard enough

00:23:14that the muscle jumped beneath his skin.

00:23:16He tied the knot behind his head

00:23:18with deliberate movements,

00:23:19the loose ends brushing his neck

00:23:21as he tilted his head slightly.

00:23:22The gesture looked controlled,

00:23:24but the tension in his posture

00:23:25told a very different story.

00:23:27Go.

00:23:27Lena reached for the bottle.

00:23:29Her fingers trembled so badly

00:23:31that the glass tapped softly

00:23:32against her collarbone

00:23:33before she managed to steady it.

00:23:35She tipped the bottle just enough

00:23:37for the amber liquid to spill,

00:23:38sliding down the curve of her neck

00:23:40before disappearing beneath

00:23:41the open edge of her blouse.

00:23:43She was wearing an off-white silk shirt

00:23:45and the stain spread quickly,

00:23:47darkening the fabric

00:23:47until it clung to her skin.

00:23:49The sharp scent of alcohol

00:23:50cut through the air,

00:23:51mixing with her perfume

00:23:52in a way that made the space

00:23:54feel uncomfortably intimate.

00:23:56Alex was guided forward

00:23:57by her wrist

00:23:57until they were standing close enough

00:23:59for their bodies to brush.

00:24:00His hands hovered in front of him,

00:24:02suspended in midair

00:24:03as if he were afraid

00:24:04of where they might land.

00:24:05Fifteen seconds.

00:24:06His fingertips finally touched her neck.

00:24:09The contact was light at first,

00:24:10almost cautious,

00:24:11following the damp trail

00:24:12left behind by the tequila.

00:24:14When his fingers reached

00:24:15the edge of her collar,

00:24:16they paused,

00:24:17hovering for a brief moment

00:24:18that stretched far too long.

00:24:19Lena's breath caught.

00:24:21His hands slid just inside the collar,

00:24:23pressing against the wet fabric

00:24:24and the warmth beneath it.

00:24:25The room seemed to hold its breath

00:24:27as the scent of alcohol grew stronger,

00:24:29and someone nearby swallowed audibly.

00:24:31Alex's fingers stopped.

00:24:33They rested just above her left breast,

00:24:35right where her heartbeat

00:24:36pulsed beneath the silk.

00:24:37Even from where I stood,

00:24:38I could see the tension in his hand

00:24:40as he registered the shape

00:24:41and the rhythm beneath his touch.

00:24:43Time's up.

00:24:43He tore the tie from his eyes.

00:24:45For a split second,

00:24:46his gaze dropped to his own hand,

00:24:48still suspended

00:24:49where it had been moments before.

00:24:51Then his eyes lifted to Lena,

00:24:52to the faint outline of skin

00:24:53visible through the soaked fabric.

00:24:55Above the left breast,

00:24:57three fingers below the collarbone.

00:24:59Correct.

00:24:59Lena stepped back abruptly,

00:25:01grabbed a jacket from the chair

00:25:02and wrapped it tightly around herself.

00:25:04The stain continued to spread

00:25:05beneath the fabric,

00:25:06creeping outward like something

00:25:08that refused to be hidden.

00:25:09Game over.

00:25:10The winner takes the bet.

00:25:12No objections, right?

00:25:13No one answered.

00:25:14The earlier excitement

00:25:15had drained from the room,

00:25:17leaving behind nothing but discomfort.

00:25:19Several people avoided my gaze,

00:25:20quietly gathering their belongings

00:25:22as if eager to disappear.

00:25:24Finally, Alex spoke.

00:25:25Catherine, we need to talk.

00:25:27About what?

00:25:27I asked without turning around,

00:25:29calmly collecting the items

00:25:30from the pile of bets.

00:25:32About how you managed to identify

00:25:33your best friend's exact spot

00:25:35in 30 seconds.

00:25:36Or about how natural it looked

00:25:37when your fingers slid under her collar.

00:25:40Lena's voice came from inside her jacket,

00:25:42muffled and unsteady.

00:25:43We did not do anything.

00:25:45Did not do anything?

00:25:46I turned,

00:25:47holding up my wedding ring

00:25:48between my fingers.

00:25:50Then why is this sitting

00:25:51in the pile of bets?

00:25:52Do you expect me to gamble

00:25:54my symbol of marriage

00:25:55on a game where nothing happened?

00:25:56The engraving inside the ring

00:25:58caught the light,

00:25:59our initials and the date

00:26:00shining clearly.

00:26:01Everyone off the boat,

00:26:02you have five minutes.

00:26:03Catherine, Alex said,

00:26:05reaching for me.

00:26:06I pulled my hand away.

00:26:07Lowering my voice,

00:26:08I leaned in just enough

00:26:09for him to hear.

00:26:10When you touched her,

00:26:11were you afraid she would lose face

00:26:13if you failed the game?

00:26:14Or were you relieved

00:26:15you could touch her openly

00:26:16without seeing?

00:26:17His breath hitched.

00:26:19I gathered the remaining bets

00:26:20and locked myself in the bathroom,

00:26:22turning on the faucet

00:26:23until the sound of running water

00:26:24drowned out everything else.

00:26:26Footsteps faded,

00:26:27whispers disappeared,

00:26:28and finally the door closed.

00:26:30When I looked in the mirror,

00:26:31my expression was calm,

00:26:32almost unfamiliar.

00:26:33Only my fingers trembled

00:26:35slightly against the cold marble.

00:26:37Half an hour later,

00:26:38I stepped back out.

00:26:39The yacht was empty

00:26:40except for Alex.

00:26:41The deck was a mess,

00:26:43sheets twisted,

00:26:44and the air thick with alcohol

00:26:45and something far more bitter.

00:26:46I did not answer.

00:26:48I stared at the sheets

00:26:49where they had lain earlier,

00:26:50then grabbed them

00:26:51and hurled the bundle

00:26:52into the sea.

00:26:53The fabric vanished

00:26:54into the dark water

00:26:55without a sound.

00:26:56They're gone.

00:26:57We need to talk.

00:26:58About how you turned

00:26:59our pre-wedding night

00:26:59into a performance for her.

00:27:01Or about how we are

00:27:02supposed to pretend

00:27:03to be a perfect couple

00:27:04after tonight.

00:27:05I replied evenly.

00:27:06I did not.

00:27:07From the moment you let her

00:27:08into our bed,

00:27:09from the moment you let

00:27:10your friends push you,

00:27:11fresh sheets had already

00:27:12been laid out

00:27:13smooth and untouched.

00:27:14I sat down on the edge

00:27:16of the bed

00:27:16as Alex approached,

00:27:17setting his glass aside.

00:27:19I love you.

00:27:20I looked at him coldly.

00:27:21Then you are remarkably

00:27:22skilled at hurting

00:27:23the person you claim to love.

00:27:25For 10 years,

00:27:26every time you chose her,

00:27:27it cut me.

00:27:28Tonight was simply

00:27:29the deepest cut.

00:27:30What if I apologize?

00:27:31What if I promise

00:27:32it will never happen again?

00:27:34You already have

00:27:35and yet here we are.

00:27:36I lifted my hand,

00:27:37hovering it over his chest

00:27:38where his heart beat steadily.

00:27:40Your apologies come easily,

00:27:42Alex,

00:27:42just like breathing,

00:27:43and just like breathing

00:27:44you never stop.

00:27:45He grabbed my wrist,

00:27:46his palm burning.

00:27:47So what do I do?

00:27:48What will make you believe me?

00:27:50Tell the beachfront condo,

00:27:51the one she loves.

00:27:52His eyes widened.

00:27:54I want you to destroy

00:27:55every place you ever hid her,

00:27:57starting there.

00:27:57And if I refuse?

00:27:59Then this ends tonight.

00:28:00You can keep being

00:28:01her best friend.

00:28:02I reached for the door handle,

00:28:03I paused.

00:28:04But I am done being your wife.

00:28:06The door handle was ice cold

00:28:07against my palm

00:28:08and when I turned it,

00:28:09the metal spring

00:28:10clicked sharply inside the lock.

00:28:12The sound echoed

00:28:13in my chest

00:28:13like something sealing

00:28:14itself shut for good.

00:28:16I paused at the threshold

00:28:17as the sea breeze rushed in,

00:28:18carrying with it

00:28:19the sharp bite of agave

00:28:20and the lingering sweetness

00:28:21of Lena's perfume.

00:28:23The private yacht

00:28:24was lit up against

00:28:24the dark sea

00:28:25on Christmas night.

00:28:26Music thumping through

00:28:27the deck

00:28:27as laughter and champagne

00:28:29spilled freely into the air.

00:28:30What was supposed to be

00:28:31a quiet gathering

00:28:32before my wedding

00:28:33had turned into

00:28:34something far louder

00:28:35and far messier

00:28:35than I ever imagined.

00:28:37Alex insisted on

00:28:38calling it a bachelor party,

00:28:39even though he invited Lena,

00:28:41his so-called

00:28:41girl best friend,

00:28:42and made sure

00:28:43she stayed glued

00:28:44to his side

00:28:45the entire night.

00:28:46By the time I pushed

00:28:47through the crowd

00:28:47slightly dizzy

00:28:48from the noise

00:28:49and the smell of alcohol,

00:28:50I realized the situation

00:28:51had already slipped

00:28:52far beyond control.

00:28:54They had dragged the bed

00:28:55out onto the open deck.

00:28:56The crowd circled it,

00:28:57glasses raised,

00:28:58faces flushed

00:28:59with excitement.

00:29:00And right in the center

00:29:01of it all

00:29:01were Alex and Lena.

00:29:03They were sprawled

00:29:03across the sheets

00:29:04like they owned the place,

00:29:05laughing too loudly,

00:29:07touching too casually.

00:29:08Putting on a performance

00:29:09that felt deliberately

00:29:10designed for an audience.

00:29:12I felt my chest tighten

00:29:13as anger climbed up

00:29:14my throat,

00:29:15sharp and suffocating.

00:29:16And I was just about

00:29:17to explode

00:29:17when Alex finally noticed me.

00:29:19Instead of shame

00:29:20or panic,

00:29:21he casually wrapped

00:29:21an arm around

00:29:22Lena's shoulders

00:29:23and looked at me

00:29:24as if I were the one

00:29:25ruining the mood.

00:29:26It's just a joke.

00:29:27You don't really think

00:29:28we'd actually do anything,

00:29:30do you?

00:29:30Before I could respond,

00:29:32Lena leaned in closer,

00:29:33deliberately looping

00:29:34her arm around

00:29:34Alex's neck

00:29:35as she smiled at me

00:29:36with feigned innocence.

00:29:37Her voice was playful,

00:29:39almost sweet,

00:29:39but her eyes carried

00:29:40something far less friendly.

00:29:42Alex and I are just

00:29:43warming things up

00:29:43before your big day,

00:29:44she said,

00:29:45laughing softly.

00:29:46Why don't we make it

00:29:47more interesting?

00:29:48Let's play some bets.

00:29:49Think of it as an extra gift

00:29:50for the bride and groom.

00:29:52The crowd erupted instantly.

00:29:53That sounds fair,

00:29:54someone shouted.

00:29:55Wedding night luck

00:29:56is always the best.

00:29:57Let's see who walks away

00:29:58a winner.

00:29:59And don't blame us

00:30:00if you lose,

00:30:00another voice added,

00:30:02followed by even more laughter.

00:30:03I didn't argue or scream

00:30:05like they probably expected.

00:30:06Instead,

00:30:07I quietly stepped forward

00:30:08and sat down

00:30:09on the edge of the bed,

00:30:10deliberately avoiding

00:30:11Alex's irritated gaze

00:30:12as the sheets

00:30:13dipped slightly under my weight.

00:30:15All right,

00:30:15I'm in too.

00:30:16Let me make it

00:30:17a little more fun.

00:30:18The laughter faltered

00:30:18for a split second,

00:30:19but before anyone could respond,

00:30:21Alex's voice cut through

00:30:22the noise,

00:30:23sharp and impatient.

00:30:24Catherine,

00:30:25you don't even know

00:30:26how to play cards.

00:30:26Why bother embarrassing yourself?

00:30:29If you're tired,

00:30:30just go rest in the cabin.

00:30:31I glanced around

00:30:32at the familiar faces

00:30:33gathered around the bed,

00:30:34all of them ready

00:30:35to gamble

00:30:35on this ridiculous spectacle,

00:30:37and then looked back

00:30:38at Alex with a slow smile

00:30:39that didn't reach my eyes.

00:30:41What is it?

00:30:41Afraid I'll ruin

00:30:42your little game with Lena?

00:30:44His expression darkened

00:30:45immediately.

00:30:46Relax,

00:30:46I'm just joining in.

00:30:47That only seemed

00:30:48to make things worse.

00:30:49I already told you

00:30:50it's just a game.

00:30:52Lena is my best friend.

00:30:53What could happen

00:30:54between best friends?

00:30:55I turned my face away,

00:30:57a faint cold smile

00:30:57tugging at my lips

00:30:58and chose not to answer.

00:31:00He probably didn't even realize

00:31:01how many times

00:31:02he had used that same excuse.

00:31:04On our first anniversary,

00:31:05I spent the entire day cooking,

00:31:07waiting for him at home,

00:31:09only for Lena to call

00:31:10and complain about a migraine.

00:31:11He left without hesitation

00:31:13to bring her medicine.

00:31:14Three years ago,

00:31:15when I was hospitalized

00:31:16after surgery complications,

00:31:18he stayed with me

00:31:19for barely an hour,

00:31:20before rushing off

00:31:21because Lena claimed

00:31:22she couldn't sleep

00:31:23and needed help

00:31:24finding some special medication

00:31:25in the middle

00:31:26of a stormy night.

00:31:27We had grown up together,

00:31:28fallen in love

00:31:29over ten long years

00:31:30and were now standing

00:31:31on the edge of marriage.

00:31:32Yet on the night

00:31:33before our wedding,

00:31:34Lena casually mentioned

00:31:35a bachelor party

00:31:36and Alex not only

00:31:37spent a fortune

00:31:38renting this yacht

00:31:39but even dragged

00:31:39our wedding bed

00:31:40onto the deck

00:31:41simply because

00:31:42she said she liked it.

00:31:43I had stepped away

00:31:44for no more than

00:31:45a few minutes

00:31:45and when I came back,

00:31:47they were already

00:31:47tangled together

00:31:48under the covers,

00:31:49sharing the same blanket,

00:31:51calling each other

00:31:51best friends

00:31:52as if that word

00:31:53could excuse everything.

00:31:54Watching them now

00:31:55with the sheets twisted

00:31:56and their clothes disheveled,

00:31:58I couldn't help

00:31:58thinking that

00:31:59if I hadn't been

00:32:00trapped on this boat

00:32:01this wouldn't have

00:32:01ended as a card game

00:32:02at all.

00:32:03Nearby,

00:32:04Alex's friends

00:32:04were clearly drunk

00:32:05enough to forget

00:32:06basic decency.

00:32:07Seriously, Alex,

00:32:08what's taking so long?

00:32:09You've been at it forever.

00:32:11If you can't handle it,

00:32:12let me help you out.

00:32:13Another?

00:32:13The moment they noticed

00:32:14me standing there,

00:32:16the laughter died abruptly,

00:32:17replaced by awkward

00:32:18coughs and uneasy glances.

00:32:20Catherine's back.

00:32:21Don't get the wrong idea.

00:32:22Alex was just

00:32:23messing around.

00:32:24Only then did Alex

00:32:25scramble away from Lena,

00:32:26both of them

00:32:27flushed and disordered.

00:32:28Their clothes rumpled

00:32:29in ways that told a story

00:32:30no one needed explained.

00:32:32Anyone who believed

00:32:33nothing had happened

00:32:33under those covers

00:32:34was either blind

00:32:35or lying to themselves.

00:32:36I swallowed the sharp pain

00:32:38rising in my chest

00:32:39and slowly slipped

00:32:39the diamond ring

00:32:40off my finger.

00:32:41The metal felt cold

00:32:42against my skin

00:32:43as I placed it down

00:32:44on the bed between us.

00:32:45This ring was custom made.

00:32:47It should be valuable

00:32:48enough for a bet, right?

00:32:49Deal the cards.

00:32:50The game began.

00:32:51Lena shuffled the deck

00:32:52with effortless confidence.

00:32:54Her fingers moved smoothly

00:32:55as if she had done this

00:32:56a thousand times before.

00:32:58Cards were handed out

00:32:59one by one

00:33:00and the crowd leaned in,

00:33:01already buzzing

00:33:02with anticipation.

00:33:03The rules were simple.

00:33:04Whoever drew the king

00:33:05could pick two numbers.

00:33:07The people holding those cards

00:33:08had to complete

00:33:09a challenge together.

00:33:10Sounded innocent enough

00:33:11on the surface

00:33:12which only made

00:33:13the tension underneath

00:33:13feel sharper.

00:33:15The moment the cards

00:33:16were flipped

00:33:16Alex's friend Jack laughed

00:33:17and slapped his card

00:33:18onto the bed.

00:33:19The king stared back at us

00:33:20from the center

00:33:21of the mattress.

00:33:22Jack's grin widened

00:33:23as his eyes swept

00:33:24across the group.

00:33:25Alright, number three

00:33:26pours alcohol

00:33:27into their own mouth

00:33:28and number seven

00:33:28has to finish it.

00:33:29Alex lifted his card

00:33:31without hesitation.

00:33:32Number seven.

00:33:33Lena glanced down

00:33:34at her card and smiled.

00:33:35Number three.

00:33:36Oh, sorry Catherine.

00:33:37Her voice sweet enough

00:33:38to sound sincere

00:33:39though her eyes sparkled

00:33:40with open provocation.

00:33:42She tilted her head

00:33:43slightly as she picked

00:33:43up the bottle

00:33:44never breaking eye contact

00:33:45with me.

00:33:46She poured the alcohol

00:33:47into her mouth slowly,

00:33:48deliberately,

00:33:49letting the sharp scent

00:33:50fill the air.

00:33:51Before she could swallow

00:33:52Alex's arm slid

00:33:53around her shoulders

00:33:54pulling her closer

00:33:55as his mouth

00:33:56pressed against hers.

00:33:57His tongue parted

00:33:58her lips with practiced ease

00:34:00and the alcohol

00:34:00spilled between them.

00:34:01Trailing down the corners

00:34:02of their mouths

00:34:03the crowd erupted,

00:34:05cheers, whistles

00:34:05and laughter

00:34:06filled the deck

00:34:07as if this were

00:34:07the highlight

00:34:08everyone had been

00:34:09waiting for.

00:34:10No one looked away

00:34:11as the kiss dragged on

00:34:12far longer than

00:34:13any game required.

00:34:14Their bodies pressed

00:34:15close under the excuse

00:34:16of entertainment.

00:34:17By the time

00:34:17they finally pulled apart

00:34:19both of them

00:34:19were flushed and breathless.

00:34:20still lingering

00:34:21far too close.

00:34:22Lena laughed softly

00:34:23as if nothing about

00:34:24this moment was out of line.

00:34:26Before the next round

00:34:27could start

00:34:28I spoke up.

00:34:29I want to place a bet too.

00:34:30I said

00:34:31my voice calm

00:34:32as the cards

00:34:32were gathered again.

00:34:33If I draw the king

00:34:34this round

00:34:35I get to change the rules.

00:34:37Lena paused mid shuffle

00:34:38and raised an eyebrow

00:34:39clearly amused.

00:34:40Oh?

00:34:40What kind of rules?

00:34:41I withdrew my hand

00:34:42from the bed

00:34:42and met her gaze.

00:34:44Deal the cards first.

00:34:45The diamond ring

00:34:46slipped from my fingers

00:34:47and landed on the sheet

00:34:48with the dull

00:34:48final sound.

00:34:49Its shine looked cold

00:34:50under the lights

00:34:51sharp enough

00:34:52to cut through the noise.

00:34:53The room fell quiet

00:34:54for a heartbeat

00:34:55before someone laughed.

00:34:56Now this is getting interesting

00:34:58a man said

00:34:59pulling a watch

00:35:00from his wrist.

00:35:01Limited edition

00:35:01Switzerland

00:35:03last year.

00:35:04I'll throw in

00:35:05diamond cufflinks

00:35:06another voice

00:35:06chimed in eagerly.

00:35:07They'll look great

00:35:08next to that ring.

00:35:09The pile of bets grew

00:35:10as Lena resumed shuffling

00:35:11her movements

00:35:12as smooth and controlled

00:35:13as ever.

00:35:14When the cards

00:35:15were finally placed

00:35:16face down

00:35:16the anticipation

00:35:17felt almost unbearable.

00:35:18I turned my card over.

00:35:20The king.

00:35:21A ripple of surprise

00:35:22moved through the crowd

00:35:23followed by excited murmurs.

00:35:24I didn't react right away.

00:35:26Instead my gaze

00:35:27drifted to Alex

00:35:28to the hand

00:35:28still resting

00:35:29possessively on Lena's shoulder.

00:35:31As if he were

00:35:32daring me to say something.

00:35:33Since this is the final round

00:35:34let's make it unforgettable.

00:35:36I reached for the

00:35:37nearly empty bottle

00:35:38of tequila on the table

00:35:39then produced a

00:35:40black silk tie

00:35:41from my bag.

00:35:42I placed both items

00:35:43carefully beside

00:35:43the pile of bets.

00:35:45Number two

00:35:45and number ten

00:35:46I continued.

00:35:47My eyes never leaving

00:35:48Alex and Lena.

00:35:49The person with number two

00:35:50has to blindfold themselves

00:35:52using this tie.

00:35:53The other pours alcohol

00:35:54on any part of their body.

00:35:56A murmur spread

00:35:56through the group.

00:35:57The blindfolded person

00:35:58then has 30 seconds

00:35:59to find the wet spot

00:36:00using only touch and smell.

00:36:02And must say exactly

00:36:03which part of the body it is.

00:36:05I paused.

00:36:06Letting the weight

00:36:07of the rules settle

00:36:07before adding quietly

00:36:09if they get it wrong

00:36:10or if time runs out

00:36:11the person holding number ten

00:36:13has to stand by

00:36:13the balcony railing

00:36:14and shout to the guests below

00:36:16I'm a filthy slut

00:36:17who enjoys messing

00:36:18with other people's husbands

00:36:19three times.

00:36:21Silence crashed down

00:36:22on the deck.

00:36:23Lena slowly turned

00:36:23her card over.

00:36:25Number ten

00:36:25Alex stared at his own card.

00:36:27Number two

00:36:28his jaw tightening

00:36:29as his fingers

00:36:30clenched around it.

00:36:31The color drained

00:36:32from his face

00:36:32replaced by something

00:36:33dangerously close to panic.

00:36:35This is too much

00:36:36Catherine.

00:36:37More than humiliating me

00:36:38on the night

00:36:38before our wedding

00:36:39or more than all those

00:36:40best friend favors

00:36:41you've been trading

00:36:42for the past ten years?

00:36:43I picked up the tie

00:36:45and smoothed the fabric

00:36:46between my fingers.

00:36:47The silk cool

00:36:48and unforgiving.

00:36:49You have a choice.

00:36:50Play the game

00:36:50or admit you've already lost.

00:36:52For the first time

00:36:53that night

00:36:54Lena looked genuinely shaken.

00:36:55Alex stared at the tie

00:36:57as if it were slowly

00:36:57tightening around his throat.

00:36:59Time starts now.

00:37:00The room fell

00:37:01into a heavy stillness.

00:37:03Broken only

00:37:03by the sound of breathing

00:37:04and the low hum

00:37:05of the air conditioner

00:37:06vent above us.

00:37:07Every pair of eyes

00:37:08was fixed on the bottle

00:37:09of tequila sitting

00:37:10on the table

00:37:10as if it were

00:37:11some kind of trigger

00:37:12waiting to be pulled.

00:37:1330 seconds.

00:37:15The countdown starts

00:37:16the moment

00:37:16the blindfold is on.

00:37:18Alex hesitated

00:37:18before lifting

00:37:19the black silk tie

00:37:20then slowly wrapped

00:37:21it over his eyes.

00:37:22When the fabric

00:37:23finally blocked his sight

00:37:24his jaw tightened

00:37:25hard enough

00:37:26that the muscle

00:37:26jumped beneath his skin.

00:37:28He tied the knot

00:37:29behind his head

00:37:29with deliberate movements.

00:37:31The loose ends

00:37:31brushing his neck

00:37:32as he tilted

00:37:33his head slightly.

00:37:34The gesture

00:37:34looked controlled

00:37:35but the tension

00:37:36in his posture

00:37:36told a very different story.

00:37:38Go.

00:37:39Lena reached

00:37:39for the bottle.

00:37:40Her fingers

00:37:41trembled so badly

00:37:42that the glass

00:37:43tapped softly

00:37:44against her collarbone

00:37:45before she managed

00:37:46to steady it.

00:37:47She tipped the bottle

00:37:48just enough

00:37:48for the amber liquid

00:37:49to spill

00:37:49sliding down

00:37:50the curve of her neck

00:37:51before disappearing

00:37:53beneath the open

00:37:53edge of her blouse.

00:37:55She was wearing

00:37:55an off-white silk shirt

00:37:56and the stain

00:37:57spread quickly

00:37:58darkening the fabric

00:37:59until it clung

00:38:00to her skin.

00:38:00The sharp scent

00:38:01of alcohol

00:38:02cut through the air

00:38:03mixing with her perfume

00:38:04in a way that made

00:38:05the space feel

00:38:06uncomfortably intimate.

00:38:07Alex was guided

00:38:08forward by her wrist

00:38:09until they were standing

00:38:10close enough

00:38:10for their bodies

00:38:11to brush.

00:38:12His hands hovered

00:38:13in front of him

00:38:13suspended in midair

00:38:14as if he were afraid

00:38:15of where they might land.

00:38:1715 seconds.

00:38:18His fingertips

00:38:19finally touched her neck.

00:38:20The contact

00:38:21was light at first

00:38:21almost cautious

00:38:22following the damp trail

00:38:23left behind

00:38:24by the tequila.

00:38:25When his fingers

00:38:26reached the edge

00:38:26of her collar

00:38:27they paused

00:38:28hovering for a brief

00:38:29moment that stretched

00:38:30far too long.

00:38:31Lena's breath caught.

00:38:32His hands slid

00:38:33just inside the collar

00:38:34pressing against

00:38:35the wet fabric

00:38:35and the warmth

00:38:36beneath it.

00:38:37The room seemed

00:38:38to hold its breath

00:38:38as the scent

00:38:39of alcohol

00:38:40grew stronger

00:38:40and someone nearby

00:38:41swallowed audibly.

00:38:43Alex's fingers

00:38:44stopped.

00:38:44They rested

00:38:45just above her

00:38:45left breast

00:38:46right where her

00:38:47heartbeat pulsed

00:38:47beneath the silk.

00:38:48Even from where I stood

00:38:49I could see the tension

00:38:51in his hand

00:38:51as he registered

00:38:52the shape

00:38:52and the rhythm

00:38:53beneath his touch.

00:38:54Time's up.

00:38:55He tore the tie

00:38:56from his eyes.

00:38:57For a split second

00:38:58his gaze dropped

00:38:59to his own hand

00:38:59still suspended

00:39:00where it had been

00:39:01moments before.

00:39:02Then his eyes

00:39:03lifted to Lena

00:39:03to the faint outline

00:39:04of skin visible

00:39:05through the soaked fabric.

00:39:07Above the left breast

00:39:08three fingers

00:39:09below the collarbone.

00:39:10Correct.

00:39:11Lena stepped back

00:39:12abruptly

00:39:12grabbed a jacket

00:39:13from the chair

00:39:14and wrapped it

00:39:14tightly around herself.

00:39:15The stain continued

00:39:16to spread beneath

00:39:17the fabric

00:39:18creeping outward

00:39:18like something

00:39:19that refused

00:39:20to be hidden.

00:39:21Game over.

00:39:22The winner takes the bet.

00:39:23No objections, right?

00:39:25No one answered.

00:39:26The earlier excitement

00:39:27had drained

00:39:27from the room

00:39:28leaving behind

00:39:29nothing but discomfort.

00:39:30Several people

00:39:31avoided my gaze

00:39:32quietly gathering

00:39:33their belongings

00:39:33as if eager

00:39:34to disappear.

00:39:35Finally Alex spoke.

00:39:36Catherine,

00:39:37we need to talk.

00:39:38About what?

00:39:39I asked without

00:39:39turning around

00:39:40calmly collecting

00:39:41the items

00:39:42from the pile of bets.

00:39:43About how you managed

00:39:44to identify

00:39:45your best friend's

00:39:46exact spot

00:39:46in 30 seconds.

00:39:47Or about how natural

00:39:49it looked

00:39:49when your fingers

00:39:50slid under her collar.

00:39:51Lena's voice

00:39:52came from inside

00:39:53her jacket

00:39:53muffled and unsteady.

00:39:55We did not do anything.

00:39:56Did not do anything?

00:39:58I turned

00:39:58holding up my wedding ring

00:40:00between my fingers.

00:40:01Then why is this

00:40:02sitting in the pile of bets?

00:40:04Do you expect me

00:40:05to gamble my symbol

00:40:06of marriage

00:40:06on a game

00:40:07where nothing happened?

00:40:08The engraving inside

00:40:09the ring caught the light,

00:40:10our initials

00:40:11and the date

00:40:11shining clearly.

00:40:12Everyone off the boat,

00:40:13you have five minutes.

00:40:15Catherine,

00:40:16Alex said,

00:40:16reaching for me.

00:40:17I pulled my hand away.

00:40:19Lowering my voice,

00:40:19I leaned in

00:40:20just enough for him

00:40:21to hear.

00:40:21When you touched her,

00:40:23were you afraid

00:40:23she would lose face

00:40:24if you failed the game?

00:40:25Or were you relieved

00:40:27you could touch her

00:40:27openly without seeing?

00:40:29His breath hitched.

00:40:30I gathered the remaining bets

00:40:32and locked myself

00:40:32in the bathroom,

00:40:33turning on the faucet

00:40:34until the sound of running water

00:40:36drowned out everything else.

00:40:37Footsteps faded,

00:40:39whispers disappeared,

00:40:39and finally the door closed.

00:40:41When I looked in the mirror

00:40:42my expression was calm,

00:40:43almost unfamiliar.

00:40:45Only my fingers trembled

00:40:46slightly against the cold marble.

00:40:48Half an hour later,

00:40:49I stepped back out.

00:40:51The yacht was empty

00:40:51except for Alex.

00:40:53The deck was a mess,

00:40:54sheets twisted,

00:40:55and the air thick with alcohol

00:40:56and something far more bitter.

00:40:58I did not answer.

00:40:59I stared at the sheets

00:41:01where they had lain earlier,

00:41:02then grabbed them

00:41:03and hurled the bundle

00:41:03into the sea.

00:41:04The fabric vanished

00:41:05into the dark water

00:41:06without a sound.

00:41:07They are gone.

00:41:08We need to talk

00:41:09about how you turned

00:41:10our pre-wedding night

00:41:11into a performance for her,

00:41:12or about how we are supposed

00:41:14to pretend to be

00:41:15a perfect couple

00:41:16after tonight.

00:41:16I replied evenly.

00:41:18I did not.

00:41:19From the moment

00:41:19you let her into our bed,

00:41:21from the moment

00:41:21you let your friends push you,

00:41:23fresh sheets had already

00:41:24been laid out

00:41:25smooth and untouched.

00:41:26I sat down

00:41:27on the edge of the bed

00:41:28as Alex approached,

00:41:29setting his glass aside.

00:41:30I love you.

00:41:31I looked at him coldly.

00:41:33Then you are remarkably skilled

00:41:34at hurting the person

00:41:35you claim to love.

00:41:36For 10 years,

00:41:37every time you chose her,

00:41:38it cut me.

00:41:39Tonight was simply

00:41:40the deepest cut.

00:41:41What if I apologize?

00:41:43What if I promise

00:41:44it will never happen again?

00:41:45You already have,

00:41:46and yet here we are.

00:41:47I lifted my hand,

00:41:49hovering it over his chest

00:41:50where his heart beat steadily.

00:41:52Your apologies come easily, Alex,

00:41:53just like breathing,

00:41:54and just like breathing

00:41:55you never stop.

00:41:56He grabbed my wrist,

00:41:58his palm burning.

00:41:59So what do I do?

00:42:00What will make you believe me?

00:42:02Tell the beachfront condo,

00:42:03the one she loves.

00:42:04His eyes widened.

00:42:05I want you to destroy

00:42:06every place you ever hid her,

00:42:08starting there.

00:42:09And if I refuse?

00:42:10Then this ends tonight.

00:42:11You can keep being

00:42:12her best friend.

00:42:13I reached for the door handle,

00:42:15I paused.

00:42:15But I am done being your wife.

00:42:17The door handle was ice cold

00:42:18against my palm,

00:42:19and when I turned it.

00:42:21The metal spring clicked

00:42:22sharply inside the lock.

00:42:23The sound echoed in my chest

00:42:25like something sealing itself

00:42:26shut for good.

00:42:27I paused at the threshold

00:42:28as the sea breeze rushed in,

00:42:30carrying with it

00:42:30the sharp bite of agave

00:42:32and the lingering sweetness

00:42:33of Lena's perfume.

00:42:34The private yacht was lit up

00:42:36against the dark sea

00:42:36on Christmas night.

00:42:38Music thumping through the deck

00:42:39as laughter and champagne

00:42:40spilled freely into the air.

00:42:42What was supposed to be

00:42:43a quiet gathering

00:42:44before my wedding

00:42:44had turned into something

00:42:45far louder and far messier

00:42:47than I ever imagined?

00:42:48Alex insisted on calling

00:42:50it a bachelor party,

00:42:51even though he invited Lena,

00:42:52his so-called girl best friend,

00:42:54and made sure she stayed

00:42:55glued to his side

00:42:56the entire night.

00:42:57By the time I pushed

00:42:58through the crowd

00:42:59slightly dizzy from the noise

00:43:00and the smell of alcohol,

00:43:02I realized the situation

00:43:03had already slipped

00:43:04far beyond control.

00:43:05They had dragged the bed

00:43:06out onto the open deck.

00:43:07The crowd circled it,

00:43:09glasses raised,

00:43:10faces flushed with excitement.

00:43:11And right in the center

00:43:12of it all were Alex and Lena.

00:43:14They were sprawled

00:43:15across the sheets

00:43:16like they owned the place.

00:43:17Laughing too loudly,

00:43:18touching too casually,

00:43:19putting on a performance

00:43:20that felt deliberately

00:43:21designed for an audience.

00:43:23I felt my chest tighten

00:43:24as anger climbed up my throat,

00:43:26sharp and suffocating.

00:43:27And I was just about to explode

00:43:29when Alex finally noticed me.

00:43:31Instead of shame or panic,

00:43:32he casually wrapped an arm

00:43:33around Lena's shoulders

00:43:34and looked at me

00:43:35as if I were the one

00:43:36ruining the mood.

00:43:37It's just a joke.

00:43:38You don't really think

00:43:40we'd actually do anything,

00:43:41do you?

00:43:42Before I could respond,

00:43:43Lena leaned in closer,

00:43:44deliberately looping her arm

00:43:45around Alex's neck

00:43:46as she smiled at me

00:43:47with feigned innocence.

00:43:49Her voice was playful,

00:43:50almost sweet,

00:43:51but her eyes carried

00:43:52something far less friendly.

00:43:53Alex and I are just

00:43:54warming things up

00:43:55before your big day,

00:43:56she said, laughing softly.

00:43:58Why don't we make it

00:43:58more interesting?

00:43:59Let's play some bets.

00:44:01Think of it as an extra gift

00:44:02for the bride and groom.

00:44:03The crowd erupted instantly.

00:44:05That sounds fair,

00:44:06someone shouted.

00:44:07Wedding night luck

00:44:07is always the best.

00:44:09Let's see who walks away

00:44:10a winner.

00:44:10And don't blame us

00:44:11if you lose,

00:44:12another voice added,

00:44:13followed by even more laughter.

00:44:15I didn't argue or scream

00:44:16like they probably expected.

00:44:18Instead,

00:44:18I quietly stepped forward

00:44:19and sat down

00:44:21on the edge of the bed,

00:44:22deliberately avoiding

00:44:23Alex's irritated gaze

00:44:24as the sheets

00:44:24dipped slightly under my weight.

00:44:26Alright,

00:44:27I'm in too.

00:44:27Let me make it

00:44:28a little more fun.

00:44:29The laughter faltered

00:44:30for a split second,

00:44:31but before anyone

00:44:32could respond,

00:44:33Alex's voice cut through

00:44:34the noise,

00:44:34sharp and impatient.

00:44:36Catherine,

00:44:36you don't even know

00:44:37how to play cards.

00:44:38Why bother embarrassing yourself?

00:44:40If you're tired,

00:44:41just go rest in the cabin.

00:44:42I glanced around

00:44:43at the familiar faces

00:44:44gathered around the bed,

00:44:46all of them ready to gamble

00:44:47on this ridiculous spectacle,

00:44:48and then looked back at Alex

00:44:50with a slow smile

00:44:51that didn't reach my eyes.

00:44:52What is it?

00:44:53Afraid I'll ruin

00:44:54your little game with Lena?

00:44:55His expression

00:44:56darkened immediately.

00:44:57Relax,

00:44:58I'm just joining in.

00:44:59That only seemed

00:44:59to make things worse.

00:45:01I already told you

00:45:02it's just a game.

00:45:03Lena is my best friend.

00:45:05What could happen

00:45:06between best friends?

00:45:07I turned my face away,

00:45:08a faint cold smile

00:45:09tugging at my lips

00:45:10and chose not to answer.

00:45:11He probably didn't even realize

00:45:13how many times

00:45:14he had used that same excuse.

00:45:16On our first anniversary,

00:45:17I spent the entire day cooking,

00:45:19waiting for him at home,

00:45:20only for Lena to call

00:45:21and complain about a migraine.

00:45:23He left without hesitation

00:45:24to bring her medicine.

00:45:25Three years ago,

00:45:27when I was hospitalized

00:45:27after surgery complications,

00:45:29he stayed with me

00:45:30for barely an hour,

00:45:31before rushing off

00:45:32because Lena claimed

00:45:33she couldn't sleep

00:45:34and needed help

00:45:35finding some special medication

00:45:37in the middle

00:45:37of a stormy night.

00:45:38We had grown up together,

00:45:40fallen in love

00:45:40over ten long years

00:45:41and were now standing

00:45:42on the edge of marriage.

00:45:44Yet on the night

00:45:44before our wedding,

00:45:45Lena casually mentioned

00:45:46a bachelor party

00:45:47and Alex not only

00:45:49spent a fortune

00:45:49renting this yacht

00:45:50but even dragged

00:45:51our wedding bed

00:45:52onto the deck

00:45:52simply because

00:45:53she said she liked it.

00:45:54I had stepped away

00:45:55for no more than

00:45:56a few minutes

00:45:57and when I came back,

00:45:58they were already

00:45:59tangled together

00:45:59under the covers,

00:46:01sharing the same blanket,

00:46:02calling each other

00:46:03best friends

00:46:03as if that word

00:46:04could excuse everything.

00:46:06Watching them now

00:46:07with the sheets twisted

00:46:08and their clothes

00:46:08disheveled,

00:46:09I couldn't help

00:46:10thinking that

00:46:11if I hadn't been

00:46:11trapped on this boat

00:46:12this wouldn't have

00:46:13ended as a card game

00:46:14at all.

00:46:15Nearby,

00:46:15Alex's friends

00:46:16were clearly drunk

00:46:17enough to forget

00:46:17basic decency.

00:46:19Seriously, Alex,

00:46:20what's taking so long?

00:46:21You've been at it forever.

00:46:22If you can't handle it,

00:46:23let me help you out.

00:46:24Another?

00:46:25The moment they noticed

00:46:26me standing there,

00:46:27the laughter died abruptly,

00:46:29replaced by awkward

00:46:30coughs and uneasy glances.

00:46:31Catherine's back.

00:46:32Don't get the wrong idea.

00:46:34Alex was just

00:46:34messing around.

00:46:35Only then did Alex

00:46:37scramble away from Lena,

00:46:38both of them

00:46:38flushed and disordered.

00:46:40Their clothes rumpled

00:46:41in ways that told

00:46:41a story no one

00:46:42needed explained.

00:46:43Anyone who believed

00:46:44nothing had happened

00:46:45under those covers

00:46:46was either blind

00:46:46or lying to themselves.

00:46:48I swallowed the sharp pain

00:46:49rising in my chest

00:46:50and slowly slipped

00:46:51the diamond ring

00:46:52off my finger.

00:46:53The metal felt cold

00:46:54against my skin

00:46:54as I placed it down

00:46:55on the bed between us.

00:46:57This ring was custom made.

00:46:58It should be valuable

00:46:59enough for a bet,

00:47:00right?

00:47:01Deal the cards.

00:47:02The game began.

00:47:03Lena shuffled the deck

00:47:04with effortless confidence.

00:47:05Her fingers moved smoothly

00:47:07as if she had done this

00:47:08a thousand times before.

00:47:09Cards were handed out

00:47:10one by one

00:47:11and the crowd leaned in,

00:47:13already buzzing

00:47:13with anticipation.

00:47:15The rules were simple.

00:47:16Whoever drew the king

00:47:17could pick two numbers.

00:47:18The people holding those cards

00:47:20had to complete

00:47:20a challenge together.

00:47:22Sounded innocent enough

00:47:23on the surface

00:47:23which only made the tension

00:47:25underneath feel sharper.

00:47:26The moment the cards

00:47:27were flipped

00:47:28Alex's friend Jack laughed

00:47:29and slapped his card

00:47:30onto the bed.

00:47:31The king stared back at us

00:47:32from the center

00:47:33of the mattress.

00:47:34Jack's grin widened

00:47:35as his eyes swept

00:47:35across the group.

00:47:37Alright,

00:47:37number three pours alcohol

00:47:38into their own mouth

00:47:39and number seven

00:47:40has to finish it.

00:47:41Alex lifted his card

00:47:42without hesitation.

00:47:43Number seven.

00:47:44Lena glanced down

00:47:45at her card and smiled.

00:47:46Number three.

00:47:47Oh, sorry Catherine.

00:47:48Her voice sweet enough

00:47:49to sound sincere

00:47:50though her eyes

00:47:51sparkled with open provocation.

00:47:53She tilted her head

00:47:54slightly as she picked up

00:47:55the bottle

00:47:56never breaking eye contact

00:47:57with me.

00:47:57She poured the alcohol

00:47:58into her mouth slowly,

00:48:00deliberately letting

00:48:01the sharp scent fill the air.

00:48:02Before she could swallow

00:48:04Alex's arm slid around

00:48:05her shoulders

00:48:06pulling her closer

00:48:06as his mouth pressed

00:48:08against hers.

00:48:09His tongue parted

00:48:10her lips with practiced ease

00:48:11and the alcohol

00:48:12spilled between them.

00:48:13Trailing down the corners

00:48:14of their mouths

00:48:15the crowd erupted.

00:48:16Cheers, whistles

00:48:17and laughter filled the deck

00:48:18as if this were the highlight

00:48:19everyone had been waiting for.

00:48:21No one looked away

00:48:22as the kiss dragged on

00:48:23far longer than any game required.

00:48:25Their bodies pressed close

00:48:26under the excuse of entertainment.

00:48:28By the time they finally

00:48:29pulled apart

00:48:30both of them were flushed

00:48:31and breathless

00:48:32still lingering far too close.

00:48:34Lena laughed softly

00:48:35as if nothing about

00:48:36this moment was out of line.

00:48:38Before the next round

00:48:39could start

00:48:39I spoke up.

00:48:40I want to place a bet too.

00:48:42I said

00:48:42my voice calm

00:48:43as the cards were gathered again.

00:48:45If I draw the king this round

00:48:46I get to change the rules.

00:48:48Lena paused mid shuffle

00:48:49and raised an eyebrow

00:48:50clearly amused.

00:48:51Oh?

00:48:52What kind of rules?

00:48:52I withdrew my hand

00:48:53from the bed

00:48:54and met her gaze.

00:48:55Deal the cards first.

00:48:56The diamond ring slipped

00:48:57from my fingers

00:48:58and landed on the sheet

00:48:59with the dull final sound.

00:49:01Its shine looked cold

00:49:02under the lights

00:49:03sharp enough

00:49:03to cut through the noise.

00:49:05The room fell quiet

00:49:06for a heartbeat

00:49:06before someone laughed.

00:49:08Now this is getting interesting

00:49:09a man said

00:49:10pulling a watch

00:49:11from his wrist.

00:49:12Limited edition

00:49:13Switzerland

00:49:14last year.

00:49:15I'll throw in diamond cufflinks

00:49:17another voice

00:49:18chimed in eagerly.

00:49:19They'll look great

00:49:20next to that ring.

00:49:21The pile of bets grew

00:49:22as Lena resumed shuffling

00:49:23her movements

00:49:24as smooth and controlled

00:49:25as ever.

00:49:25When the cards

00:49:26were finally placed

00:49:27face down

00:49:28the anticipation

00:49:28felt almost unbearable.

00:49:30I turned my card over.

00:49:31The king.

00:49:32A ripple of surprise

00:49:33moved through the crowd

00:49:34followed by excited murmurs.

00:49:36I didn't react right away.

00:49:38Instead my gaze

00:49:38drifted to Alex

00:49:39to the hand

00:49:40still resting possessively

00:49:41on Lena's shoulder.

00:49:42As if he were daring

00:49:43me to say something.

00:49:45Since this is the final round

00:49:46let's make it unforgettable.

00:49:47I reached for the nearly

00:49:49empty bottle of tequila

00:49:50on the table

00:49:50then produced a black silk tie

00:49:52from my bag.

00:49:53I placed both items

00:49:54carefully beside

00:49:55the pile of bets.

00:49:56Number 2 and number 10.

00:49:57I continued.

00:49:58My eyes never leaving

00:50:00Alex and Lena.

00:50:01The person with number 2

00:50:02has to blindfold themselves

00:50:03using this tie.

00:50:04The other pours alcohol

00:50:05on any part of their body.

00:50:07A murmur spread

00:50:08through the group.

00:50:09The blindfolded person

00:50:10then has 30 seconds

00:50:11to find the wet spot

00:50:12using only touch and smell.

00:50:13And must say

00:50:14exactly which part

00:50:15of the body it is.

00:50:16I paused.

00:50:17Letting the weight

00:50:18of the rules settle

00:50:19before adding quietly.

00:50:20If they get it wrong

00:50:21or if time runs out

00:50:22the person holding number 10

00:50:24has to stand by

00:50:25the balcony railing

00:50:26and shout to the guests below

00:50:27I'm a filthy slut

00:50:29who enjoys messing

00:50:29with other people's husbands.

00:50:31Three times.

00:50:32Silence crashed down

00:50:33on the deck.

00:50:34Lena slowly turned

00:50:35her card over.

00:50:36Number 10.

00:50:37Alex stared at his own card.

00:50:39Number 2.

00:50:40His jaw tightening

00:50:40as his fingers

00:50:41clenched around it.

00:50:42The color drained

00:50:43from his face

00:50:44replaced by something

00:50:45dangerously close to panic.

00:50:46This is too much

00:50:47Catherine.

00:50:48More than humiliating me

00:50:49on the night before our wedding.

00:50:50Or more than all those

00:50:52best friend favors

00:50:53you've been trading

00:50:53for the past 10 years.

00:50:55I picked up the tie

00:50:56and smoothed the fabric

00:50:57between my fingers.

00:50:58The silk cool and unforgiving.

00:51:00You have a choice.

00:51:01Play the game

00:51:02or admit you've already lost.

00:51:04For the first time that night

00:51:05Lena looked genuinely shaken.

00:51:07Alex stared at the tie

00:51:08as if it were slowly

00:51:09tightening around his throat.

00:51:11Time starts now.

00:51:12The room fell

00:51:13into a heavy stillness.

00:51:14Broken only by the sound

00:51:15of breathing

00:51:16and the low hum

00:51:16of the air conditioner vent

00:51:18above us.

00:51:18Every pair of eyes

00:51:19was fixed on the bottle

00:51:20of tequila sitting on the table

00:51:22as if it were some kind

00:51:23of trigger waiting

00:51:24to be pulled.

00:51:2530 seconds.

00:51:26The countdown starts

00:51:27the moment the blindfold is on.

00:51:29Alex hesitated

00:51:30before lifting

00:51:30the black silk tie

00:51:31then slowly wrapped

00:51:33it over his eyes.

00:51:34When the fabric

00:51:34finally blocked his sight

00:51:36his jaw tightened

00:51:36hard enough

00:51:37that the muscle

00:51:38jumped beneath his skin.

00:51:39He tied the knot

00:51:40behind his head

00:51:41with deliberate movements.

00:51:42The loose ends

00:51:43brushing his neck

00:51:44as he tilted

00:51:44his head slightly.

00:51:45The gesture

00:51:46looked controlled

00:51:46but the tension

00:51:47in his posture

00:51:48told a very different story.

00:51:50Go!

00:51:50Lena reached for the bottle.

00:51:52Her fingers trembled

00:51:53so badly

00:51:53that the glass

00:51:54tapped softly

00:51:55against her collarbone

00:51:56before she managed

00:51:57to steady it.

00:51:58She tipped the bottle

00:51:59just enough

00:52:00for the amber liquid

00:52:00to spill

00:52:01sliding down the curve

00:52:02of her neck

00:52:03before disappearing

00:52:04beneath the open edge

00:52:05of her blouse.

00:52:06She was wearing

00:52:07an off-white silk shirt

00:52:08and the stain spread quickly

00:52:09darkening the fabric

00:52:10until it clung

00:52:11to her skin.

00:52:12The sharp scent

00:52:13of alcohol

00:52:13cut through the air

00:52:14mixing with her perfume

00:52:15in a way that made

00:52:16the space feel

00:52:17uncomfortably intimate.

00:52:19Alex was guided

00:52:19forward by her wrist

00:52:20until they were

00:52:21standing close enough

00:52:22for their bodies

00:52:22to brush.

00:52:23His hands hovered

00:52:24in front of him

00:52:25suspended in midair

00:52:26as if he were afraid

00:52:27of where they might land.

00:52:2815 seconds.

00:52:29His fingertips

00:52:30finally touched her neck.

00:52:31The contact was light

00:52:32at first

00:52:33almost cautious

00:52:34following the damp trail

00:52:35left behind

00:52:35by the tequila.

00:52:37When his fingers

00:52:37reached the edge

00:52:38of her collar

00:52:39they paused

00:52:39hovering for a brief

00:52:40moment that stretched

00:52:41far too long.

00:52:42Lena's breath caught.

00:52:43His hands slid

00:52:44just inside the collar

00:52:45pressing against

00:52:46the wet fabric

00:52:47and the warmth

00:52:48beneath it.

00:52:48The room seemed

00:52:49to hold its breath

00:52:50as the scent

00:52:51of alcohol

00:52:51grew stronger

00:52:52and someone nearby

00:52:53swallowed audibly.

00:52:54Alex's fingers

00:52:55stopped.

00:52:56They rested

00:52:56just above her

00:52:57left breast

00:52:58right where her

00:52:58heartbeat pulsed

00:52:59beneath the silk.

00:53:00Even from where

00:53:01I stood

00:53:01I could see

00:53:02the tension

00:53:02in his hand

00:53:03as he registered

00:53:03the shape

00:53:04and the rhythm

00:53:04beneath his touch.

00:53:06Time's up.

00:53:06He tore the tie

00:53:07from his eyes.

00:53:08For a split second

00:53:09his gaze dropped

00:53:10to his own hand

00:53:11still suspended

00:53:12where it had been

00:53:12moments before.

00:53:13Then his eyes

00:53:14lifted to Lena

00:53:15to the faint outline

00:53:16of skin visible

00:53:17through the soaked fabric.

00:53:18Above the left breast

00:53:19three fingers

00:53:21below the collarbone.

00:53:22Correct.

00:53:22Lena stepped back

00:53:23abruptly

00:53:24grabbed a jacket

00:53:24from the chair

00:53:25and wrapped it

00:53:26tightly around herself.

00:53:27The stain continued

00:53:28to spread beneath

00:53:29the fabric

00:53:29creeping outward

00:53:30like something

00:53:31that refused

00:53:31to be hidden.

00:53:32Game over.

00:53:33The winner takes the bet.

00:53:35No objections right?

00:53:36No one answered.

00:53:37The earlier excitement

00:53:38had drained

00:53:39from the room

00:53:39leaving behind

00:53:40nothing but discomfort.

00:53:41Several people

00:53:42avoided my gaze

00:53:43quietly gathering

00:53:44their belongings

00:53:45as if eager

00:53:45to disappear.

00:53:47Finally Alex spoke.

00:53:48Catherine.

00:53:48We need to talk.

00:53:50About what?

00:53:50I asked without

00:53:51turning around

00:53:52calmly collecting

00:53:53the items

00:53:53from the pile of bets.

00:53:54About how you managed

00:53:56to identify

00:53:56your best friend's

00:53:57exact spot

00:53:58in thirty seconds.

00:53:59Or about how natural

00:54:00it looked

00:54:00when your fingers

00:54:01slid under her collar.

00:54:03Lena's voice

00:54:04came from inside

00:54:04her jacket

00:54:05muffled and unsteady.

00:54:06We did not do anything.

00:54:08Did not do anything?

00:54:09I turned

00:54:10holding up

00:54:10my wedding ring

00:54:11between my fingers.

00:54:12Then why is this

00:54:13sitting in the pile

00:54:14of bets?

00:54:15Do you expect me

00:54:16to gamble

00:54:17my symbol of marriage

00:54:18on a game

00:54:18where nothing happened?

00:54:19The engraving

00:54:20inside the ring

00:54:21caught the light

00:54:21our initials

00:54:22and the date

00:54:23shining clearly.

00:54:24Everyone off the boat

00:54:25you have five minutes.

00:54:26Catherine.

00:54:27Alex said

00:54:28reaching for me

00:54:29I pulled my hand away

00:54:30lowering my voice

00:54:31I leaned in

00:54:31just enough

00:54:32for him to hear.

00:54:33When you touched her

00:54:34were you afraid

00:54:35she would lose face

00:54:35if you failed the game?

00:54:37Or were you relieved

00:54:38you could touch her

00:54:39openly without seeing?

00:54:40His breath hitched.

00:54:42I gathered the remaining

00:54:43bets and locked myself

00:54:44in the bathroom

00:54:45turning on the faucet

00:54:46until the sound

00:54:46of running water

00:54:47drowned out

00:54:47everything else.

00:54:49Footsteps faded

00:54:50whispers disappeared

00:54:51and finally

00:54:52the door closed.

00:54:53When I looked

00:54:53in the mirror

00:54:53my expression

00:54:54was calm

00:54:55almost unfamiliar.

00:54:57Only my fingers

00:54:57trembled slightly

00:54:58against the cold marble.

00:55:00Half an hour later

00:55:01I stepped back out.

00:55:02The yacht was empty

00:55:03except for Alex.

00:55:04The deck was a mess

00:55:05sheets twisted.

00:55:07and the air thick

00:55:07with alcohol

00:55:08and something far

00:55:09more bitter.

00:55:09I did not answer.

00:55:11I stared at the sheets

00:55:12where they had lain earlier

00:55:13then grabbed them

00:55:14and hurled the bundle

00:55:15into the sea.

00:55:16The fabric vanished

00:55:17into the dark water

00:55:18without a sound.

00:55:19They are gone.

00:55:20We need to talk

00:55:21about how you turned

00:55:22our pre-wedding night

00:55:22into a performance

00:55:23for her

00:55:24or about how we are

00:55:25supposed to pretend

00:55:26to be a perfect couple

00:55:27after tonight.

00:55:28I replied evenly.

00:55:29I did not.

00:55:30From the moment

00:55:31you let her into our bed

00:55:32from the moment

00:55:33you let your friends

00:55:33push you

00:55:34fresh sheets had already

00:55:35been laid out

00:55:36smooth and untouched.

00:55:37I sat down

00:55:38on the edge of the bed

00:55:39as Alex approached

00:55:40setting his glass aside.

00:55:42I love you.

00:55:43I looked at him coldly.

00:55:44Then you are remarkably

00:55:45skilled at hurting

00:55:46the person you claim to love.

00:55:48For 10 years

00:55:48every time you chose her

00:55:50it cut me.

00:55:51Tonight was simply

00:55:51the deepest cut.

00:55:53What if I apologize?

00:55:54What if I promise

00:55:55it will never happen again?

00:55:57You already have

00:55:58and yet here we are.

00:55:59I lifted my hand

00:56:00hovering it over

00:56:01his chest

00:56:01where his heart

00:56:02beat steadily.

00:56:03Your apologies

00:56:04come easily Alex

00:56:05just like breathing

00:56:06and just like breathing

00:56:07you never stop.

00:56:08He grabbed my wrist

00:56:09his palm burning.

00:56:10So what do I do?

00:56:11What will make you

00:56:12believe me?

00:56:13Sell the beachfront condo

00:56:14the one she loves.

00:56:16His eyes widened.

00:56:17I want you to destroy

00:56:18every place you ever

00:56:19hid her

00:56:19starting there.

00:56:20And if I refuse?

00:56:21Then this ends tonight.

00:56:23You can keep

00:56:23being her best friend.

00:56:25I reached for

00:56:25the door handle.

00:56:26I paused.

00:56:27But I am done

00:56:27being your wife.

00:56:28The door handle

00:56:29was ice cold

00:56:30against my palm

00:56:31and when I turned it

00:56:32the metal spring

00:56:33clicked sharply

00:56:34inside the lock.

00:56:35The sound echoed

00:56:36in my chest

00:56:36like something

00:56:37sealing itself

00:56:37shut for good.

00:56:39I paused

00:56:39at the threshold

00:56:40as the sea breeze

00:56:40rushed in

00:56:41carrying with it

00:56:42the sharp bite

00:56:43of agave

00:56:43and the lingering

00:56:44sweetness

00:56:44of Lena's perfume.

00:56:46The private yacht

00:56:46was lit up

00:56:47against the dark sea

00:56:48on Christmas night.

00:56:49Music thumping

00:56:50through the deck

00:56:50as laughter

00:56:51and champagne

00:56:51spilled freely

00:56:52into the air.

00:56:53What was supposed

00:56:54to be a quiet

00:56:55gathering before

00:56:55my wedding

00:56:56had turned

00:56:56into something

00:56:57far louder

00:56:57and far messier

00:56:58than I ever imagined.

00:57:00Alex insisted

00:57:00on calling it

00:57:01a bachelor party

00:57:02even though

00:57:02he invited Lena

00:57:03his so-called

00:57:04girl best friend

00:57:05and made sure

00:57:06she stayed glued

00:57:07to his side

00:57:08the entire night.

00:57:09By the time

00:57:09I pushed through

00:57:10the crowd

00:57:10slightly dizzy

00:57:11from the noise

00:57:12and the smell

00:57:12of alcohol

00:57:13I realized

00:57:14the situation

00:57:14had already slipped

00:57:15far beyond control.

00:57:17They had dragged

00:57:17the bed out

00:57:18onto the open deck.

00:57:19The crowd circled it

00:57:20glasses raised

00:57:21faces flushed

00:57:22with excitement

00:57:22and right in the center

00:57:24of it all

00:57:24were Alex and Lena.

00:57:25They were sprawled

00:57:26across the sheets

00:57:27like they owned

00:57:28the place

00:57:28laughing too loudly

00:57:29touching too casually

00:57:30putting on a performance

00:57:32that felt deliberately

00:57:33designed for an audience.

00:57:35I felt my chest tighten

00:57:36as anger climbed up

00:57:37my throat

00:57:37sharp and suffocating

00:57:38and I was just about

00:57:40to explode

00:57:40when Alex finally

00:57:41noticed me.

00:57:42Instead of shame

00:57:43or panic

00:57:43he casually wrapped

00:57:44an arm around

00:57:45Lena's shoulders

00:57:46and looked at me

00:57:47as if I were the one

00:57:48ruining the mood.

00:57:49It's just a joke.

00:57:50You don't really think

00:57:51we'd actually do anything

00:57:53do you?

00:57:53Before I could respond

00:57:55Lena leaned in closer

00:57:56deliberately looping

00:57:57her arm around

00:57:57Alex's neck

00:57:58as she smiled at me

00:57:59with feigned innocence.

00:58:00Her voice was playful

00:58:01almost sweet

00:58:02but her eyes

00:58:03carried something

00:58:03far less friendly.

00:58:05Alex and I are just

00:58:05warming things up

00:58:06before your big day.

00:58:07She said laughing softly.

00:58:09Why don't we make

00:58:10it more interesting?

00:58:11Let's play some bets

00:58:12think of it as an extra gift

00:58:13for the bride and groom.

00:58:15The crowd erupted instantly.

00:58:16That sounds fair

00:58:17someone shouted.

00:58:18Wedding night luck

00:58:19is always the best.

00:58:20Let's see who

00:58:21walks away a winner.

00:58:21And don't blame us

00:58:23if you lose

00:58:23another voice added

00:58:24followed by even more laughter.

00:58:26I didn't argue or scream

00:58:27like they probably expected.

00:58:29Instead I quietly

00:58:30stepped forward

00:58:31and sat down

00:58:32on the edge of the bed

00:58:33deliberately avoiding

00:58:34Alex's irritated gaze

00:58:35as the sheets

00:58:36dipped slightly

00:58:37under my weight.

00:58:38Alright I'm in too

00:58:39let me make it

00:58:39a little more fun.

00:58:41The laughter

00:58:41faltered for a split second

00:58:42but before anyone

00:58:43could respond

00:58:44Alex's voice

00:58:45cut through the noise

00:58:46sharp and impatient.

00:58:47Catherine

00:58:48you don't even know

00:58:48how to play cards.

00:58:49Why bother

00:58:50embarrassing yourself?

00:58:51If you're tired

00:58:52just go rest in the cabin.

00:58:54I glanced around

00:58:55at the familiar faces

00:58:56gathered around the bed

00:58:57all of them ready to gamble

00:58:58on this ridiculous spectacle

00:59:00and then looked back

00:59:01at Alex with a slow smile

00:59:02that didn't reach my eyes.

00:59:04What is it?

00:59:04Afraid I'll ruin

00:59:05your little game with Lena?

00:59:06His expression

00:59:07darkened immediately.

00:59:09Relax

00:59:09I'm just joining in.

00:59:10That only seemed

00:59:11to make things worse.

00:59:12I already told you

00:59:13it's just a game.

00:59:15Lena

00:59:15is my best friend.

00:59:16What could happen

00:59:17between best friends?

00:59:18I turned my face away

00:59:19a faint cold smile

00:59:20tugging at my lips

00:59:21and chose not to answer.

00:59:23He probably didn't even realize

00:59:24how many times

00:59:25he had used that same excuse.

00:59:27On our first anniversary

00:59:28I spent the entire day cooking

00:59:30waiting for him at home

00:59:31only for Lena to call

00:59:33and complain about a migraine.

00:59:34He left without hesitation

00:59:35to bring her medicine.

00:59:37Three years ago

00:59:38when I was hospitalized

00:59:39after surgery complications

00:59:40he stayed with me

00:59:42for barely an hour

00:59:43before rushing off

00:59:44because Lena claimed

00:59:45she couldn't sleep

00:59:46and needed help

00:59:47finding some special medication

00:59:48in the middle

00:59:49of a stormy night.

00:59:50We had grown up together

00:59:51fallen in love

00:59:52over ten long years

00:59:53and were now standing

00:59:54on the edge of marriage.

00:59:55Yet on the night

00:59:56before our wedding

00:59:57Lena casually mentioned

00:59:58a bachelor party

00:59:59and Alex not only

01:00:00spent a fortune

01:00:01renting this yacht

01:00:02but even dragged

01:00:02our wedding bed

01:00:03onto the deck

01:00:04simply because

01:00:05she said she liked it.

01:00:06I had stepped away

01:00:07for no more than

01:00:08a few minutes

01:00:08and when I came back

01:00:09they were already

01:00:10tangled together

01:00:11under the covers.

01:00:12Sharing the same blanket

01:00:13calling each other

01:00:14best friends

01:00:15as if that word

01:00:16could excuse everything.

01:00:17Watching them now

01:00:18with the sheets twisted

01:00:19and their clothes disheveled

01:00:20I couldn't help

01:00:21thinking that

01:00:22if I hadn't been

01:00:23trapped on this boat

01:00:24this wouldn't have

01:00:24ended as a card game

01:00:25at all.

01:00:26Nearby

01:00:27Alex's friends

01:00:27were clearly drunk enough

01:00:28to forget basic decency.

01:00:30Seriously Alex

01:00:31what's taking so long?

01:00:32You've been at it forever.

01:00:33If you can't handle it

01:00:34let me help you out.

01:00:36Another?

01:00:36The moment they noticed

01:00:37me standing there

01:00:38the laughter died abruptly

01:00:40replaced by awkward

01:00:41coughs and uneasy glances.

01:00:43Catherine's back.

01:00:44Don't get the wrong idea.

01:00:45Alex was just messing around.

01:00:47Only then did Alex

01:00:48scramble away from Lena

01:00:49both of them

01:00:50flushed and disordered.

01:00:51Their clothes rumpled

01:00:52in ways that told a story

01:00:53no one needed explained.

01:00:55Anyone who believed

01:00:55nothing had happened

01:00:56under those covers

01:00:57was either blind

01:00:58or lying to themselves.

01:00:59I swallowed the sharp pain

01:01:01rising in my chest

01:01:01and slowly slipped

01:01:02the diamond ring

01:01:03off my finger.

01:01:04The metal felt cold

01:01:05against my skin

01:01:06as I placed it down

01:01:07on the bed between us.

01:01:08This ring was custom made.

01:01:10It should be valuable

01:01:11enough for a bet, right?

01:01:12Deal the cards.

01:01:13The game began.

01:01:14Lena shuffled the deck

01:01:15with effortless confidence.

01:01:17Her fingers moved smoothly

01:01:18as if she had done this

01:01:19a thousand times before.

01:01:21Cards were handed out

01:01:22one by one

01:01:23and the crowd leaned in

01:01:24already buzzing

01:01:25with anticipation.

01:01:26The rules were simple.

01:01:27Whoever drew the king

01:01:28could pick two numbers.

01:01:30The people holding those cards

01:01:31had to complete

01:01:32a challenge together.

01:01:33Sounded innocent enough

01:01:34on the surface

01:01:35which only made the tension

01:01:36underneath feel sharper.

01:01:37The moment the cards

01:01:39were flipped

01:01:39Alex's friend Jack laughed

01:01:40and slapped his card

01:01:41onto the bed.

01:01:42The king stared back at us

01:01:43from the center

01:01:44of the mattress.

01:01:45Jack's grin widened

01:01:46as his eyes swept

01:01:47across the group.

01:01:48Alright, number three

01:01:49pours alcohol

01:01:50into their own mouth

01:01:51and number seven

01:01:51has to finish it.

01:01:52Alex lifted his card

01:01:53without hesitation.

01:01:55Number seven.

01:01:56Lena glanced down

01:01:57at her card and smiled.

01:01:58Number three.

01:01:59Oh, sorry Catherine.

01:02:00Her voice sweet enough

01:02:01to sound sincere

01:02:02though her eyes

01:02:03sparkled with open provocation.

01:02:05She tilted her head

01:02:05slightly as she picked

01:02:06up the bottle

01:02:07never breaking

01:02:08eye contact with me.

01:02:09She poured the alcohol

01:02:10into her mouth slowly,

01:02:11deliberately,

01:02:12letting the sharp scent

01:02:13fill the air.

01:02:14Before she could swallow

01:02:15Alex's arm slid

01:02:16around her shoulders

01:02:17pulling her closer

01:02:18as his mouth

01:02:19pressed against hers.

01:02:20His tongue parted

01:02:21her lips with practiced ease

01:02:22and the alcohol

01:02:23spilled between them.

01:02:25Trailing down the corners

01:02:25of their mouths

01:02:26the crowd erupted,

01:02:28cheers, whistles

01:02:28and laughter

01:02:29filled the deck

01:02:29as if this were

01:02:30the highlight

01:02:31everyone had been waiting for.

01:02:33No one looked away

01:02:33as the kiss dragged on

01:02:35far longer

01:02:35than any game required,

01:02:37their bodies pressed close

01:02:38under the excuse

01:02:38of entertainment.

01:02:40By the time

01:02:40they finally pulled apart

01:02:41both of them

01:02:42were flushed and breathless,

01:02:44still lingering

01:02:44far too close.

01:02:45Lena laughed softly

01:02:46as if nothing about

01:02:47this moment was out of line.

01:02:49Before the next round

01:02:50could start,

01:02:51I spoke up.

01:02:51I want to place a bet too.

01:02:53I said,

01:02:54my voice calm

01:02:55as the cards

01:02:55were gathered again.

01:02:56If I draw the king

01:02:57this round

01:02:58I get to change the rules.

01:02:59Lena paused mid shuffle

01:03:01and raised an eyebrow

01:03:02clearly amused.

01:03:03Oh, what kind of rules?

01:03:04I withdrew my hand

01:03:05from the bed

01:03:05and met her gaze.

01:03:06Deal the cards first.

01:03:08The diamond ring

01:03:09slipped from my fingers

01:03:10and landed on the sheet

01:03:11with the dull,

01:03:11final sound.

01:03:12Its shine looked cold

01:03:13under the lights,

01:03:14sharp enough

01:03:15to cut through the noise.

01:03:16The room fell quiet

01:03:17for a heartbeat

01:03:18before someone laughed.

01:03:19Now this is getting interesting,

01:03:21a man said,

01:03:22pulling a watch

01:03:22from his wrist.

01:03:23Limited edition.

01:03:25Switzerland.

01:03:26Last year.

01:03:27I'll throw in

01:03:28diamond cufflinks,

01:03:29another voice chimed in eagerly.

01:03:30They'll look great

01:03:31next to that ring.

01:03:32The pile of bets grew

01:03:33as Lena resumed shuffling,

01:03:35her movements as smooth

01:03:36and controlled as ever.

01:03:37When the cards

01:03:38were finally placed face down,

01:03:39the anticipation felt

01:03:40almost unbearable.

01:03:41I turned my card over.

01:03:43The king.

01:03:44A ripple of surprise

01:03:45moved through the crowd

01:03:46followed by excited murmurs.

01:03:47I didn't react right away.

01:03:49Instead,

01:03:50my gaze drifted to Alex,

01:03:51to the hand still resting

01:03:52possessively on Lena's shoulder.

01:03:54As if he were daring me

01:03:55to say something.

01:03:56Since this is the final round,

01:03:57let's make it unforgettable.

01:03:58I reached for the nearly

01:04:00empty bottle of tequila

01:04:01on the table,

01:04:02then produced a black silk tie

01:04:04from my bag.

01:04:05I placed both items

01:04:06carefully beside

01:04:06the pile of bets.

01:04:08Number two and number ten.

01:04:09I continued.

01:04:10My eyes never leaving

01:04:11Alex and Lena.

01:04:12The person with number two

01:04:13has to blindfold themselves

01:04:15using this tie.

01:04:16The other pours alcohol

01:04:17on any part of their body.

01:04:18A murmur spread

01:04:19through the group.

01:04:20The blindfolded person

01:04:21then has 30 seconds

01:04:22to find the wet spot

01:04:23using only touch and smell.

01:04:25And must say exactly

01:04:26which part of the body it is.

01:04:27I paused.

01:04:29Letting the weight

01:04:29of the rules settle

01:04:30before adding quietly.

01:04:32If they get it wrong

01:04:33or if time runs out,

01:04:34the person holding number ten

01:04:36has to stand by

01:04:36the balcony railing

01:04:37and shout to the guests below,

01:04:39I'm a filthy slut

01:04:40who enjoys messing

01:04:41with other people's husbands.

01:04:42Three times.

01:04:44Silence crashed down

01:04:45on the deck.

01:04:45Lena slowly turned

01:04:46her card over.

01:04:48Number ten.

01:04:49Alex stared at his own card.

01:04:50Number two,

01:04:51his jaw tightening

01:04:52as his fingers

01:04:52clenched around it.

01:04:53The color drained

01:04:54from his face

01:04:55replaced by something

01:04:56dangerously close to panic.

01:04:58This is too much,

01:04:59Catherine.

01:05:00More than humiliating me

01:05:01on the night

01:05:01before our wedding.

01:05:02Or more than all those

01:05:03best friend favors

01:05:04you've been trading

01:05:05for the past ten years.

01:05:06I picked up the tie

01:05:07and smoothed the fabric

01:05:08between my fingers.

01:05:10The silk cool

01:05:10and unforgiving.

01:05:11You have a choice.

01:05:13Play the game

01:05:13or admit you've already lost.

01:05:15For the first time

01:05:16that night,

01:05:17Lena looked genuinely shaken.

01:05:18Alex stared at the tie

01:05:19as if it were slowly

01:05:20tightening around his throat.

01:05:22Time starts now.

01:05:23The room fell

01:05:24into a heavy stillness,

01:05:25broken only by the sound

01:05:27of breathing

01:05:27and the low hum

01:05:28of the air conditioner

01:05:29vent above us.

01:05:30Every pair of eyes

01:05:31was fixed on the bottle

01:05:32of tequila sitting

01:05:33on the table,

01:05:34as if it were some kind

01:05:35of trigger waiting

01:05:35to be pulled.

01:05:36Thirty seconds.

01:05:38The countdown starts

01:05:39the moment the blindfold

01:05:40is on.

01:05:40Alex hesitated

01:05:41before lifting

01:05:42the black silk tie,

01:05:43then slowly wrapped

01:05:44it over his eyes.

01:05:45When the fabric

01:05:46finally blocked his sight,

01:05:47his jaw tightened

01:05:48hard enough

01:05:48that the muscle

01:05:49jumped beneath his skin.

01:05:50He tied the knot

01:05:52behind his head

01:05:52with deliberate movements,

01:05:54the loose ends brushing

01:05:55his neck as he tilted

01:05:56his head slightly.

01:05:57The gesture looked controlled

01:05:58but the tension

01:05:59in his posture

01:05:59told a very different story.

01:06:01Go.

01:06:02Lena reached for the bottle.

01:06:03Her fingers trembled

01:06:04so badly

01:06:05that the glass tapped

01:06:06softly against her collarbone

01:06:08before she managed

01:06:09to steady it.

01:06:09She tipped the bottle

01:06:10just enough

01:06:11for the amber liquid

01:06:12to spill,

01:06:13sliding down the curve

01:06:14of her neck

01:06:14before disappearing

01:06:15beneath the open edge

01:06:16of her blouse.

01:06:17She was wearing

01:06:18an off-white silk shirt

01:06:19and the stain spread quickly,

01:06:21darkening the fabric

01:06:22until it clung to her skin.

01:06:23The sharp scent of alcohol

01:06:25cut through the air,

01:06:26mixing with her perfume

01:06:27in a way that made

01:06:28the space feel

01:06:29uncomfortably intimate.

01:06:30Alex was guided forward

01:06:31by her wrist

01:06:32until they were standing

01:06:33close enough

01:06:33for their bodies to brush.

01:06:35His hands hovered

01:06:36in front of him,

01:06:36suspended in midair

01:06:37as if he were afraid

01:06:38of where they might land.

01:06:4015 seconds.

01:06:41His fingertips

01:06:42finally touched her neck.

01:06:43The contact was light

01:06:44at first,

01:06:45almost cautious,

01:06:45following the damp trail

01:06:46left behind

01:06:47by the tequila.

01:06:48When his fingers

01:06:49reached the edge

01:06:49of her collar,

01:06:50they paused,

01:06:51hovering for a brief moment

01:06:52that stretched far too long.

01:06:54Lena's breath caught.

01:06:55His hands slid

01:06:56just inside the collar,

01:06:57pressing against

01:06:58the wet fabric

01:06:58and the warmth

01:06:59beneath it.

01:07:00The room seemed

01:07:01to hold its breath

01:07:01as the scent of alcohol

01:07:02grew stronger

01:07:03and someone nearby

01:07:04swallowed audibly.

01:07:06Alex's fingers stopped.

01:07:07They rested

01:07:08just above her left breast

01:07:09right where her heartbeat

01:07:10pulsed beneath the silk.

01:07:11Even from where I stood,

01:07:13I could see the tension

01:07:14in his hand

01:07:14as he registered

01:07:15the shape

01:07:15and the rhythm

01:07:16beneath his touch.

01:07:17Time's up.

01:07:18He tore the tie

01:07:19from his eyes.

01:07:20For a split second,

01:07:21his gaze dropped

01:07:21to his own hand,

01:07:22still suspended

01:07:23where it had been

01:07:24moments before.

01:07:25Then his eyes

01:07:26lifted to Lena,

01:07:27to the faint outline

01:07:27of skin visible

01:07:28through the soaked fabric.

01:07:30Above the left breast,

01:07:31three fingers

01:07:32below the collarbone.

01:07:33Correct.

01:07:34Lena stepped back

01:07:35abruptly,

01:07:35grabbed a jacket

01:07:36from the chair

01:07:36and wrapped it

01:07:37tightly around herself.

01:07:38The stain continued

01:07:39to spread beneath

01:07:40the fabric,

01:07:41creeping outward

01:07:41like something

01:07:42that refused

01:07:43to be hidden.

01:07:44Game over.

01:07:44The winner takes

01:07:46the bet.

01:07:46No objections,

01:07:47right?

01:07:47No one answered.

01:07:49The earlier excitement

01:07:50had drained from the room,

01:07:51leaving behind

01:07:52nothing but discomfort.

01:07:53Several people

01:07:54avoided my gaze,

01:07:55quietly gathering

01:07:55their belongings

01:07:56as if eager

01:07:57to disappear.

01:07:58Finally,

01:07:58Alex spoke.

01:07:59Catherine,

01:08:00we need to talk.

01:08:01About what?

01:08:02I asked without

01:08:02turning around,

01:08:03calmly collecting

01:08:04the items

01:08:05from the pile of bets.

01:08:06About how you managed

01:08:07to identify

01:08:08your best friend's

01:08:09exact spot

01:08:09in 30 seconds.

01:08:10Or about how natural

01:08:11it looked when your fingers

01:08:13slid under her collar.

01:08:14Lena's voice came

01:08:15from inside her jacket,

01:08:17muffled and unsteady.

01:08:18We did not do anything.

01:08:19Did not do anything?

01:08:21I turned,

01:08:22holding up my wedding ring

01:08:22between my fingers.

01:08:24Then why is this sitting

01:08:25in the pile of bets?

01:08:27Do you expect me

01:08:28to gamble my symbol

01:08:29of marriage

01:08:29on a game

01:08:30where nothing happened?

01:08:31The engraving

01:08:31inside the ring

01:08:32caught the light,

01:08:33our initials

01:08:34and the date

01:08:34shining clearly.

01:08:35Everyone off the boat,

01:08:36you have five minutes.

01:08:38Catherine,

01:08:39Alex said,

01:08:39reaching for me.

01:08:40I pulled my hand away.

01:08:42Lowering my voice,

01:08:42I leaned in just enough

01:08:43for him to hear.

01:08:44When you touched her,

01:08:45were you afraid

01:08:46she would lose face

01:08:47if you failed the game?

01:08:48Or were you relieved

01:08:50you could touch her openly

01:08:51without seeing?

01:08:52His breath hitched.

01:08:53I gathered the remaining bets

01:08:54and locked myself

01:08:55in the bathroom,

01:08:56turning on the faucet

01:08:57until the sound

01:08:58of running water

01:08:58drowned out everything else.

01:09:00Footsteps faded,

01:09:01whispers disappeared,

01:09:02and finally the door closed.

01:09:04When I looked in the mirror,

01:09:05my expression was calm,

01:09:06almost unfamiliar.

01:09:08Only my fingers trembled

01:09:09slightly against the cold marble.

01:09:11Half an hour later,

01:09:12I stepped back out.

01:09:13The yacht was empty

01:09:14except for Alex.

01:09:16The deck was a mess,

01:09:17sheets twisted,

01:09:18and the air thick with alcohol

01:09:19and something far more bitter.

01:09:21I did not answer.

01:09:22I stared at the sheets

01:09:23where they had lain earlier,

01:09:25then grabbed them

01:09:26and hurled the bundle

01:09:26into the sea.

01:09:27The fabric vanished

01:09:28into the dark water

01:09:29without a sound.

01:09:30They are gone.

01:09:31We need to talk.

01:09:32About how you turned

01:09:33our pre-wedding night

01:09:34into a performance for her.

01:09:35Or about how we are supposed

01:09:37to pretend to be a perfect couple

01:09:38after tonight.

01:09:39I replied evenly.

01:09:41I did not.

01:09:42From the moment you let her

01:09:43into our bed,

01:09:44from the moment you let

01:09:44your friends push you,

01:09:46fresh sheets had already

01:09:47been laid out smooth

01:09:48and untouched.

01:09:49I sat down on the edge

01:09:50of the bed as Alex approached

01:09:52setting his glass aside.

01:09:53I love you.

01:09:54I looked at him coldly.

01:09:56Then you are remarkably skilled

01:09:57at hurting the person

01:09:58you claim to love.

01:09:59For 10 years,

01:10:00every time you chose her,

01:10:01it cut me.

01:10:02Tonight was simply

01:10:03the deepest cut.

01:10:04What if I apologize?

01:10:06What if I promise

01:10:07it will never happen again?

01:10:08You already have

01:10:09and yet here we are.

01:10:10I lifted my hand,

01:10:12hovering it over his chest

01:10:13where his heart beat steadily.

01:10:14Your apologies come easily, Alex.

01:10:16Just like breathing

01:10:17and just like breathing,

01:10:18you never stop.

01:10:19He grabbed my wrist,

01:10:21his palm burning.

01:10:22So what do I do?

01:10:23What will make you believe me?

01:10:24Sell the beachfront condo,

01:10:26the one she loves.

01:10:27His eyes widened.

01:10:28I want you to destroy

01:10:29every place you ever hid her,

01:10:31starting there.

01:10:32And if I refuse?

01:10:33Then this ends tonight.

01:10:34You can keep being her best friend.

01:10:36I reached for the door handle.

01:10:38I paused.

01:10:38But I am done being your wife.

01:10:40The door handle was ice cold

01:10:41against my palm

01:10:42and when I turned it,

01:10:44the metal spring clicked

01:10:45sharply inside the lock.

01:10:46The sound echoed in my chest

01:10:48like something sealing itself

01:10:49shut for good.

01:10:50I paused at the threshold

01:10:51as the sea breeze rushed in,

01:10:53carrying with it

01:10:53the sharp bite of agave

01:10:55and the lingering sweetness

01:10:56of Lena's perfume.

01:10:57The sound echoed in my chest würde

The Bet That Ended My Marriage HD

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