Chapter 2

The atmosphere in the cabin turned awkward and tense.

Kyle glanced nervously between us and forced a smile. "I'll be the dealer for now, guys."

With that, he pushed all the chips into the center of the table.

"Betting starts now."

Preston's cards lay on the table. He didn't even lift a finger,

slouched lazily in his chair as he casually tossed out another chip.

"Raise."

Claire giggled flirtatiously as she called, practically melting into Preston's arms.

I pinched the corner of my cards and peeked. It was a mediocre hand.

When my turn came, I didn't hesitate and pushed out matching chips.

"Whoa, Mara's playing for keeps today?" Someone nearby egged us on.

I tugged at the corner of my mouth and smiled faintly. "Just playing the game."

The first three community cards were dealt. The board looked unimpressive.

After a few betting rounds, chips started piling up on the table.

Preston seemed bored, and his raises got bigger, with an arrogant, bullying edge.

Claire followed his lead closely, looking at me provocatively. "You gonna call or not? If you can't handle it, just fold early and save yourself."

I gripped those two cards in my hand, my knuckles whitening slightly.

I knew my hand was already behind. Preston most likely had a solid made hand.

He was waiting for me to back down, waiting for me to show weakness in front of him, then

forgive my overreaction with his usual fake magnanimity.

My heart turned ice cold.

I looked at the cozy couple across from me.

Preston's hand was even resting casually on Claire's bare thigh.

"Call."

I heard my own calm voice as I pushed another stack of chips forward.

Preston raised an eyebrow, looking somewhat surprised.

The fourth community card was dealt. Nothing changed.

My heart sank.

"All in."

Preston said casually, pushing all his remaining chips to the center of the table.

The huge pile of chips drew gasps from everyone.

The pressure immediately fell on me. I had very few chips left. Calling meant betting everything I had.

Claire covered her mouth and giggled softly. "Just fold. Preston's being nice—he doesn't want to see you lose too badly."

Everyone's eyes were on me.

Whispers filled my ears.

"What's Mara even thinking? Why is she trying to embarrass Preston?"

"Oh please, everyone knows Mara's head over heels for Preston. She's usually too scared to even speak up. Now that they're engaged, she thinks she can play the wife."

"Yeah right, like Preston would ever settle down."

My right hand balled into a fist without thinking.

Ever since I was fourteen, when Preston saved me from those street thugs,

I'd been following in his footsteps.

I didn't care about the teasing or the jokes.

I only wanted Preston.

But tonight of all nights, our engagement party, why did I suddenly not want to play this game anymore?

"I call."

I pushed all my remaining chips forward.

Showdown.

Preston revealed two pair.

And I had nothing but garbage cards.

"Heh." He let out a faint scoff, hard to read.

Claire laughed sweetly. "My luck's not bad—I've got a baby straight."

"A bet's a bet." Claire whistled at me. "Take something off."

The cabin went quiet, leaving only the sound of waves and the engine's hum.

Preston gave me a cool look

but didn't say a word.

My face went a little pale.

Without a word, I slipped off my jacket.

Kyle let out a relieved breath and quickly said,

"C'mon, let's keep going."

"Wait."

Claire spoke up suddenly.

"If I remember right, I won this hand."

She dragged out her words, like a cat playing with a mouse. "According to the rules, I can make anyone do anything, right?"

No one said a word. The vibe got weird.

"Then I'll pick Mara..."