TRUTH OR TRAP?
604 Words
[CHAPTER FIFTEEN --- TRUTH OR TRAP?]
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Challenge #3 – Compatibility Questions (Truth or Trap?)
The sun had dipped low, casting a warm orange hue over the elegant honeymoon villa nestled in the hills. The terrace was aglow with fairy lights, the soft clink of wine glasses echoing in the background. Royal sat on one end of the cushioned outdoor bench, Ruby on the other, a thick silence between them broken only by the soft chirps of crickets.
A crisp white envelope lay between them on the table. “Challenge #3” was written in elegant gold.
Royal picked it up, broke the seal, and read aloud.
*“Tonight’s challenge: You must both answer five questions about each other. No help. No hints. No lies. Fail three questions, and you must complete the punishment task together… which remains a mystery. Good luck.”*
Ruby smirked. “This is ridiculous. What is this, a dating show?”
Royal leaned back, cocky as ever. “Afraid you’ll fail, Ruby?”
She rolled her eyes, snatching a pen and a notepad from the table. “You go first, hotshot.”
Royal narrowed his eyes, thinking. “What’s my biggest pet peeve?”
Ruby didn’t flinch. “Being interrupted.”
He blinked. “Correct.”
She smirked. “Your turn.”
Royal thought again. “What’s the name of my childhood dog?”
Ruby hesitated. “You… had a dog?”
He smirked. “Fail one.”
“Ugh,” she groaned, crossing her arms. “Fine. Your turn.”
“What’s my go-to stress food?” she asked.
“Chocolate croissants,” he said without blinking.
Ruby’s eyes widened. “Okay… lucky guess.”
“You eat them like it’s therapy,” he teased.
She cleared her throat, brushing hair behind her ear. “Alright, Mr. Confident. What’s my biggest fear?”
Royal paused. His gaze softened.
“…Being controlled,” he said slowly.
Ruby’s lips parted slightly. “How did you…?”
“I listen. You think I don’t, but I do,” he said quietly.
Silence.
Her voice came softer. “Your turn.”
“What was my dream job before I took over the company?”
“Architect,” she answered without hesitation.
Royal looked impressed. “Damn.”
“See? I pay attention too,” she said, almost shyly.
They both smiled. The air shifted.
Until the envelope buzzed—a small note slid out.
*“You failed two. That’s two out of five. One more wrong… and punishment is next.”*
Ruby chuckled nervously. “Okay, last one. Let’s make this count.”
Royal leaned in, lips tugged in a challenge. “Alright. What’s my favorite part of your personality?”
She blinked. “Wait… What kind of question is that?”
“Answer it,” he grinned.
Ruby looked away, heart pounding.
“My confidence?” she guessed.
Royal leaned even closer.
“No,” he said, voice low. “It’s the way you pretend not to care, when really, you care too much.”
Her breath caught in her throat.
They locked eyes—neither looking away.
"BZZZT."
The envelope buzzed again. *“Correct. Challenge passed.”*
But Ruby barely noticed. Because Royal was still staring at her.
And for a second, it felt like the world stood still.
Until Royal sat back, grabbing his wine glass casually. “Well, guess we’re more compatible than we thought.”
Ruby laughed nervously, sipping hers.
But her heart was beating like a drum.
And she had a feeling… the next challenge might be surviving this chemistry.
- Writer
