Invisible Strings

Chapter 3

Imagine a sprawling estate nestled amidst rolling hills or perched on a dramatic cliffside. This is a large private resort, a haven of luxury and seclusion. As you approach the wrought iron gates, a sense of grandeur washes over you. Lush gardens, meticulously landscaped, frame the entrance, and a long driveway winds its way towards the main house. Spacious balconies adorned with terracotta tiles overlook the surrounding scenery, while arched doorways hint at the cool, inviting interiors. Stepping inside, you're greeted by a grand foyer with soaring ceilings and a sweeping marble staircase. This right here was our filming location.

It's a bit of a journey to get here - about a twelve-hour flight and then two more hours from the airport. It was tiring but I think I have been able to form bonds with some people and I think I have found my potential pair for the show. Yesterday morning we all arrived at the airport almost at same time with the exception of Bridget arriving fashionably late which she said was because of the fact the her sister came late to take her cat from her as she lives alone. No one said anything to that but we were all very shocked when Peter got up from his seat and went to her to carry her luggage. My chances of pairing with Peter were sabotaged by Dev who was now sitting alone at the corner bench busy doing something at his phone. He was not interacting with anyone. How does he think to play in this show? Whatever. And also I kind off found Peter a little sus especially after I heard him calling someone babe. He is definately hidding something.

A little later, we started boarding the flight and, to my utter horror, I realized that my seat was between two guys and one of them was none other than Dev. f**k me. The other one was Flynn Mart. Flynn was typing away something on his laptop while Dev was reading a novel, I suppose. I made my way to the seat and sat down quietly. Gone Girl. That is what he was reading. The next thing I did was petty. I know that, but after that party I had to get back at him.

"You know Amy was not actually kidn*pped? She faked that whole thing." At first, he didn't do anything, so I thought that maybe he did not hear me. But few seconds later he looked up from the book and turned his head towards me. He looked at me and I swear if murder was not a crime in this world he would have killed me right there.

"Did you just spoil this for me?" He said voice dripping with venom.I feigned ignorance.

"Dear Dev, a mere slip of tongue wouldn't you say? Besides who would have guessed it was..." I trailed off as he slammed his book close so hard that probably the entire plane heard it.

"You..."

"Hold up" I started "Don't think I am the bad guy here, I was just getting even for what you did at the party."

"What did I do that was so wrong?"

"You literally blackmailed me."

"Oh Maya, I was simply stating the facts."

"No you were not. Your tone was so threatening."

"I think you have some sort of memory loss. So let me jog your memory. You were liste-" Without thinking much I put my hand on his mouth to stop him from saying anything. He was probably caught off guard, which bought me some time.

"Fine okay! Don't say anything. Let's just say we are even. Okay?"

I cannot afford to have Flynn hear anything about it. Otherwise, it would terribly harm my reputation in front of him. I finally let go of my hand. I pleaded with my eyes for him to not say anything. "Fine, but, we are not even. Far from it. You just declared a war Maya."

Well guess what Dev I am not a quitter.

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I spent the rest of time watching movies and chatting with Flynn. He is a sweet guy as far as I could tell. His hair was a shade of blond and with his blue eyes he looked like the stereotypical boy next door from thousands of Hollywood movies. He was easy to talk to and hilarious as well and I realized that I could see myself maybe forming a pair with him in the show.

"Oh god stop! My stomach is hurting." I said as he finished telling me the story of how his high school friend ended up with a whistle in his stomach.

"But seriously you are fun to talk to unlike certain someone I know." I said, last part deliberatly louder so that the intended person can hear it. But when I turned towards him he was already asleep.

"Hey I am gonna go to the washroom real quick." Flynn told me.

"Sure."

I couldn't help but take a peek at him. Normally impeccably dressed he looked disheveled right now. His hair was a mess but he looked so calm. Different from the guy I have come to know. He looked so peaceful and innocent. There was a scar that ran from the base of his throat and disappeared under his shirt. When I looked up I realised he was staring at me a flicker of surprise crossed his face, quickly replaced by his usual cool facade. But I saw a hint of vulnerability in his gaze, a weariness that spoke of something that I couldn't comprehend.

Suddenly, the plane lurched violently, throwing both of us into our seats. I felt a pang of fear, my heart pounding against my ribs. A tense silence followed, broken only by the rhythmic hum of the engines.

He cleared his throat and I anticipated that he would say something but he never did.The flight attendants passed us water bottles, a small gesture that eased the tension. For the first time we weren't rivals trapped in a metal tube hurtling through the sky. For a brief moment, we were just two passengers, united by the shared human need for safety and a flicker of camaraderie in the face of a common fear.

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"Okay guys let's play never have I ever."

Bridgit said from her seat at the back. We were in the bus almost nearing our destination. The fluorescent lights of the bus buzzed overhead, casting a sterile glow on all of us. It was past midnight and we all were somehow wide awake. I was sitting with Flynn with who I am sure I am going to be pairing up with for the show right now. Peter and Flynn were seating together. Amara was with Blake and Dev was sitting with Joe.

"Okay cool."

We all agreed in unison. Glasses were passed which had some type of whisky inside it courtsy to Joe.

"I will go first." Bridgit said.

"Never have I ever lied about my age on a dating app."

Flynn, Peter, Amara, Joe and Bridgit took a sip.

Each then shared their story. As we continued, each statement was a playful jab that unearthed hidden stories. Turns out, even the seemingly fearless Blake had a childhood fear of clowns, while the quiet Amara secretly indulged in writing steamy romance novels. The laughter grew bolder as we all let loose because of the alcohol. Blake, the corporate climber, confessed to once accidentally showing up to a client meeting in pajamas thanks to a faulty alarm. Even the usually stoic Dev admitted to a youthful foray into competitive dance, earning a chorus of surprised whoops. With the destination almost coming, the city lights painting patterns on the windows, a sense of comfortable camaraderie filled the air. We weren't just colleagues anymore, we were a group who knew each other's embarrassing childhood dreams and secret passions.

"Alright, my turn," declared Joe, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Never have I ever... gotten kicked out of a fancy restaurant for a food fight."

A stunned silence followed, then a slow smile spread across my face. God. I took a sip from my glass hesitantly. The rest of the group erupted in a cacophony of questions and disbelief.

I can just feel it in my bones now, that the coming days are going to be some of the best times I am going to have.