MasukShare
Chapter 40 - An Unlikely Conversation
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-12-27 22:46:46Ayra’s phone buzzed on the nightstand, jolting her out of her quiet thoughts. For a moment, she considered ignoring it—it was probably another useless notification. Nothing important.
But curiosity got the better of her, and she reached for the phone, unlocking the screen to reveal a message from an unfamiliar number.
Unknown: Still awake?
Her brows knit together as she stared at the message, her thumb hovering over the screen. After a moment’s hesitation, she typed back.
Ayra: Who’s this?
The reply was almost immediate.
Unknown: Lucian.
Her heart skipped a beat. She blinked at the screen before carefully typing her response.
Ayra: I am. Awake, that is. What do you want?
Lucian: That’s not very friendly. Can’t a guy check in on you?
Ayra rolled her eyes, unable to suppress her irritation.
Ayra: You’re not exactly my favorite person.
Lucian: Oh, but I should be.
A scoff escaped her lips before she could stop it. She could practically hear the smugness in his tone.
Ayra: Bold of you to assume that.
Lucian: I don’t assume. I know.
Her lips quirked into a reluctant smile despite herself.
Ayra: Alright, Lucian. What do you actually want?
Lucian: Nothing much. Just checking in on you. How’s life at the manor?
She paused, staring at the message. The truth? Lonely. Suffocating. Dull. But admitting that to Lucian felt too vulnerable.
Ayra: It’s fine. Quiet, as always.
Lucian: Let me guess—you’ve been pacing around, thinking of ways to escape again.
Her fingers froze mid-reply. Then she erased her initial response and typed back furiously.
Ayra: Do you make it a habit to bother people late at night?
Lucian: Only when I think they need the distraction.
The simplicity of his answer caught her off guard. She stared at it for a moment, her thumb hesitating over the keyboard.
Ayra: What makes you think I need a distraction?
Lucian: Just a hunch. I’m good at reading people. Thought our game of cards would’ve proved that.
Her lips twitched at the memory, but she refused to give him the satisfaction.
Ayra: That’s debatable.
Lucian: Ouch. You wound me.
A soft laugh escaped her before she could stop it. His lighthearted banter was disarming, pulling her out of the gloom she hadn’t even realized she’d been sinking into.
Ayra: Well, I’m not pacing. And I’m definitely not plotting another escape.
Lucian: Sure you’re not. Let me guess—you’re lying in bed, staring at your phone, wishing you had something better to do.
She frowned, the accuracy of his guess both unnerving and irritating.
Ayra: Are you stalking me?
Lucian: I don’t need to stalk you. I just know you.
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard. Something about his words felt teasing, but there was an undertone of sincerity she didn’t know how to process.
Ayra: If you know me so well, then tell me—what am I thinking right now?
There was a pause before his reply.
Lucian: You’re wondering why I’m texting you out of nowhere. And you can’t decide if you’re annoyed or amused.
Well, yes. Now she truly was trying to decide if she was to be annoyed or amused.
Ayra: You’re absolutely wrong.
Lucian: I’m not. I’m a genius.
Ayra: Or you’re just lucky.
Lucian: Call it what you want. Either way, I win.
She bit her lip, staring at the screen. His texts threw her off balance, but in a way that felt... surprisingly normal.
Lucian: So, what are you really doing?
Ayra: Staring at the ceiling. Exciting, I know.
Lucian: Sounds riveting. I’m jealous.
Ayra: And you? What’s the mighty Director doing at this hour?
Lucian: Thinking about lunch.
She frowned, confused by his response.
Ayra: Lunch?
Lucian: Tomorrow. To be specific.
Her curiosity piqued.
Ayra: Why are you even awake? Shouldn’t someone like you be drowning in work?
Lucian: Someone like me?
Ayra: You know what I mean—busy, important.
Lucian: Busy, yes. Important? Debatable. But even 'someone like me' needs a break sometimes.
Her smirk grew despite herself. She found her fingers moving without much thought.
Ayra: And you decided to spend your break texting me? I’m flattered.
Lucian: You should be. I don’t text just anyone at 1 a.m.
She rolled her eyes, though the faint smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement.
Lucian: About that lunch I mentioned. Are you free tomorrow?
Her heart skipped.
Ayra: Why?
Lucian: Why not?
Ayra: That’s not an answer. Is this some kind of trap?
Lucian: Do I look like the trapping type?
Ayra: Yes.
Lucian: Fair. But this isn’t a trap. Just lunch. What do you say?
Ayra stared at the screen, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She wasn’t sure why she hesitated. It was just lunch.
But the thought of spending more time with Lucian, of being seen with him, made her stomach churn with a mix of nerves and distaste.
Ayra: I’ll think about it.
Lucian: Don’t overthink it. Just say yes.
Ayra: Why do you care so much?
Lucian: No reason in particular. Just lunch and some talk.
Ayra: And what’s in it for you?
Lucian: Company.
His words were simple, but there was an unexpected sincerity to them. She didn’t know how to respond, so she opted for deflection.
Ayra: You’re unusually chatty tonight.
Lucian: Guilty as charged. So? Lunch?
He was not falling for it.
She stared at the screen, biting her lip. The logical part of her wanted to say no, to keep her distance and avoid getting drawn further into... Whatever it was Lucian was spinning.
But another part of her, the part that was tired of the constant tension and loneliness that had accompanied her in recent days, considered saying yes.
Lucian: That’s not a yes.
Ayra: It’s not a no, either.
Lucian: Fair enough. I’ll take what I can get.
There was a pause before another message came through.
Lucian: We do have things to talk over though. And I know a good place for a break.
She sighed, tapping her fingers against the edge of her phone. The thought of a break from everything, even just for a little while, was tempting.
Ayra:
You’re persistent, aren’t you?
Lucian: One of my better qualities.
Ayra: Debatable.
Lucian: You wound me. Again. So, is that a yes?
She hesitated, her thumb hovering over the keyboard. Finally, she typed her response.
Ayra: Fine. But you truly are annoying.
Lucian: I’ll take that as a compliment.
Ayra: Don’t push your luck.
Lucian: Never.
Ayra shook her head, a reluctant smile breaking through her usual guarded expression.
Lucian: I’ll pick you up tomorrow.
Ayra: Aiit.
Lucian: Goodnight, Ayra.
Ayra: Goodnight.
She set her phone down, her smile lingering despite herself.
Bab terkait
The Devil's Game Chapter 41 - Lunch with the Director
Lunch with the Director does not start by noon, Ayra discovered. The next day arrived in a haze. It was as if Ayra's entire world had been compressed into a sleepless limbo of apprehension. She could barely recall collapsing into bed the night before with her mind too preoccupied with Lucian’s final words to truly rest. The morning was still young, with the faintest streaks of dawn painting the sky, when Ayra heard a knock at her bedroom door. She groaned, forcing her eyes open even as she pulled the blanket over her head. The knock came again, more insistent this time.“Ayra,” Lucian’s familiar voice filtered through the door. “We’re leaving in ten minutes. Get up.”Her eyes snapped open. Leaving? She’d agreed to lunch, not... whatever this was. She rolled out of bed begrudgingly, her movements sluggish. Her legs felt like lead as she trudged to the door and yanked it open.“What are you doing here at - ” she glanced morosely at the clock, “ - seven in the morning?”Lucian leaned
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-28The Devil's Game Chapter 42 - Loosening Up
The car eased to a halt in front of an elegant boutique, its towering glass panes flaunting mannequins draped in flowing evening gowns, crisp suits, and glinting accessories. Ayra cast a sideways glance at Lucian, her brow furrowed in perplexity."Why are we here?" she asked.Lucian killed the engine and stepped out. “We’re having lunch somewhere upscale, remember? That outfit isn’t exactly appropriate.”Her gaze dropped to her jeans and cozy sweater. “It’s perfectly fine,” she said, brow raised. “It is.” he circled around the car to open her door. “But this is about more than fine. Humor me. And by the way, you've worn that since this morning, no?”She slid out reluctantly, her steps dragging as she trailed behind him into the boutique. Quite like the hotel, the interior was a study in luxury. The floors were polished to a shine, the air smelled of lavender, and sleek racks of clothing were arranged with museum-like precision. A soft piano melody played in the background, as if t
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-29The Devil's Game Chapter 43 - Little Revelations
The restaurant exuded an air of understated elegance, its tranquil atmosphere a welcome contrast to the chaos of the city. Instead of harsh lighting, soft, flickering candles bathed their secluded table in a golden glow. Placed away from prying eyes, the setting offered them privacy. It was perfect for a conversation neither of them wanted to have. Or at least , Ayra didn't want to have.Ayra picked at her appetizer - it was a delicate arrangement of smoked salmon on crisp bread - while Lucian sipped his wine. Their initial conversation was light, almost trivial, revolving around the restaurant's decor and the quality of the food. But beneath the pleasantries, Ayra could feel the weight of unspoken words pressing down on her.“So,” Lucian said, breaking the silence that had settled over their initial small talk. His tone was calm, his words deliberate and plodding. “We need to discuss the matter of our marriage.”Ayra stiffened slightly, her fork halting midway to her mouth, though
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-30The Devil's Game Chapter 44 - The Deal
She frowned, her mind racing. “And I’m... what? A bargaining chip?”“You are not necessarily that. This marriage benefits us both, Ayra. Think of it as a partnership. We both stand to gain, and in the process, you’ll have the freedom to carve out your own space."She turned back to him, her expression unreadable. “Freedom? You’re marrying me to close business deals and save my family’s reputation. Where’s the freedom in that?”Lucian didn’t flinch under her scrutiny, shrugging instead. “Freedom is what you make of it, Ayra. You can resent the circumstances or leverage them to your advantage. It also provides you with protection from external pressures. You’ve seen how things have been unraveling. Hate it if you want, but I’m offering you a way to gain control over the chaos around you.”Ayra bit her lips, staring almost hatefully at the man before her. Finally, she whispered, “And if I say no?”“Then the Russo business collapses. Your father’s debts consume everything. Your family be
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-31The Devil's Game Smokes and Mirrors
Lucian’s office was shrouded in a quiet stillness when he returned late in the evening. His thoughts still lingering on the earlier conversation with Ayra. For the first time in years, he felt a sliver of relief. Ayra was Isa. She had to be. The resemblance was too uncanny, and there were too many small moments that tugged at old memories. He had convinced himself of it. The sinking feeling of uncertainty he'd carried for so long was finally giving way to certainty.Nico was waiting in the corner of the room, flipping through a folder with a look of deep concentration. He stood up the moment Lucian entered.“You’re back earlier than I expected,” Nico said, his tone casual. But there was a weight in his voice that Lucian didn’t miss.“What is it?” Lucian asked as he shrugged off his coat and tossed it onto the nearest chair."It's... about the investigation." Nico said; his tone was cautious. “We have something about Ayra.”Lucian frowned and waved dismissively. “There’s no need. Cal
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27The Devil's Game Chapter 46 - A Different Side
Ayra sat before the mirror, watching as the makeup artist dusted a fine layer of powder over her face, softening the natural glow of her skin. The room was quiet except for the occasional murmurs of the stylists as they worked on her, but it did nothing to ease the tightness in her chest.Her reflection stared back at her, the image of a bride-to-be, yet she felt nothing close to what a bride should feel. The dress hung elegantly on the stand beside her, an intricate design of ivory silk and delicate embroidery, but all she could focus on was the unfamiliar weight pressing on her shoulders.The marriage was happening. Today.She should have expected it. Lucian was too pragmatic to waste time. They had agreed—or rather, she had relented—to a simple court marriage with minimal witnesses, and now the reality of it was sinking in. She was going to be tied to a man she barely knew, a man who had changed overnight into something unreadable, cold.The soft click of the door opening made her h
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27The Devil's Game Chapter 47 - Sudden Change
Lisbeth stepped out of the room and bumped into her Father. Ferdinand glowered at her, arms crossed and brows furrowed deeply. "You're messing things up," he said. "How polite of you to eavesdrop," Lisbeth responded snarkily."Don't change the subject," he warned. Lisbeth sighed, her posture softening. "I'm... It's just... It's been so long... I -"Ferdinand sighed too and held open his arms and Lisbeth embraced him. She was just so damn composed and perfect that sometimes he forgot she was only twenty four. "It's alright," he murmured. "Stay strong. We can't afford to mess up now.""I know," Lisbeth sniffed into his shoulder. .....Ayra’s fingers curled into the fabric of her dress as the car rolled to a stop in front of the courthouse. A quiet hush settled over her thoughts, the reality of what was happening pressing down on her.This was it.She had expected a grand venue, a luxurious hall, maybe even a private estate turned into an impromptu wedding location—because that was
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-28The Devil's Game Chapter 48 - A Cold Welcome
The car rolled to a stop in front of the grand estate. Even though Ayra had been prepared for luxury, the sheer scale of Lucian’s house still made her pause. It was the kind of place that belonged in glossy magazines—elegant but imposing, with towering columns, expansive windows, and a wrought-iron gate that had opened for them without a word.Lucian stepped out first, shutting the car door behind him without so much as a glance in her direction. Ayra hesitated for a moment before following, her heels clicking against the stone driveway. She turned to grab her bag, but one of the staff members had already taken it, whisking it away with practiced efficiency.She stepped into the entrance hall, where the marble floors gleamed beneath the soft lighting. Everything smelled of expensive wood, clean linen, and something faintly herbal—like freshly cut leaves. It was as lavish as she’d expected, but the atmosphere felt cold. Not in the temperature, but in the way the house seemed too quiet,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-02
Bab terbaru
The Devil's Game Chapter 62 - Playing with Fire
The message came just before dinner.Leon: Had a great time chatting today. Wouldn’t mind another round—this time, somewhere quieter?Ayra sat back on the plush sofa of her sitting room, twirling the phone in her fingers. She had been expecting him to reach out. Encouraging it, even. Yet, staring at the message, she hesitated. The line between playing a game and getting caught in it was dangerously thin.But Lucian had yet to react to anything she’d done. Not the staff replacement, not the disorder she’d caused in the estate, not even her blatant attempts to provoke him. He remained distant, untouchable, as though she didn’t even exist. It burned.Maybe this would be the thing to get under his skin.She typed her response carefully.Ayra: I wouldn’t mind that. Where do you suggest?His reply came within moments.Leon: I know a private lounge near the East District. Great wine, even better company.She smiled faintly. He was charming, smooth. Just enough to make this easier.Ayra: Send
The Devil's Game Chapter 61 - Another Phase
The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the city as Ayra stepped out of the car, the sleek black vehicle blending seamlessly with the polished luxury of the district. The streets here were lined with designer boutiques, private lounges, and high-end cafés—places that oozed exclusivity, where only the elite could afford to linger. It was the kind of setting she had been raised in for the later part of her life, yet now, standing before one of the finest cafés in the city, she felt strangely like an outsider.The café, Bellaria, was known for its privacy and refinement. It wasn’t a place for loud conversation or rushed meetings; here, the rich came to drink imported coffee, discuss business, and subtly flaunt their power. It was exactly the kind of place Lucian would be seen in.That was part of the reason she had come.Ayra pushed open the glass door, a small bell chiming above her head. Inside, the space was decorated in dark wood and gold, the air rich with the scent of roasted co
The Devil's Game Chapter 60 - A Thorn in His Side
Nico stepped into Lucian’s office, the weight of his report pressing down on him. The room was dimly lit, the glow of the evening cityscape filtering through the large windows behind the man seated at the desk. Lucian didn’t look up immediately, his attention fixed on the documents before him, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the polished wood.“Speak,” Lucian said, his voice low, controlled.Nico took a slow breath before delivering the news. “It’s about Ayra.”Lucian’s fingers stilled. He finally looked up, his expression unreadable. “What did she do now?”“She’s replaced the staff.”Silence.Lucian leaned back in his chair, studying Nico with an eerie calm. “Come again?”Nico’s jaw tightened. “She fired the entire estate staff. Threw them out and replaced them with her own people. None of the original staff are left. Worse, they refuse to return.”Lucian’s gaze snapped up. “Refuse?”Nico hesitated, then nodded. “They’re scared, boss.”Lucian scoffed, leaning back in his cha
The Devil's Game Chapter 59 - Come to Talk
By the time the dust settled, the house was eerily quiet.The last of the protesting staff had been escorted off the premises, their voices still ringing in Ayra’s ears.The replacement staff stood awkwardly near the foyer, waiting for orders. But Ayra had none to give.She should have felt victorious.She had made her statement. She had taken control.But all she felt was exhaustion.The butler was the only one who hadn’t been forcibly removed. He still stood by the staircase, arms clasped behind his back. Unlike the others, he hadn’t fought. He hadn’t shouted.And that made him all the more annoying.Ayra met his gaze, a strange tension hanging between them.“You’re still here,” she observed.“I am,” he replied.“I told you to leave.”“You told them to leave,” he said with an insipid little look on his eye. “But you did not fire me.”Ayra exhaled through her nose. “Do you really think Lucian would let me? Would he be happy if I did so?”The butler smiled slightly, but it was devoid o
The Devil's Game Chapter 58 - Use of Force
To be fair, Ayra hated this.Hated how cruel and bothersome she had to be.But if Lucian refused to acknowledge her, then she had to force his attention. No matter how ugly it got.....When Ayra stepped into the grand foyer, the staff had already gathered. There were more of them than she had realized—over a dozen pairs of wary eyes turned toward her as she entered.She could feel their resentment like a thick fog in the air.She took her place on the marble staircase, gripping the banister tightly before speaking. “You all had a day to leave,” she began, her voice cold. “And yet, you’re still here.”The butler took a step forward, his face unreadable. “As we have stated, madam, we serve the master of the house. Not you.”Ayra let out a quiet breath. She had expected this.“Fine,” she said smoothly. “If you won’t leave willingly, then I’ll make you.”At her cue, the front doors swung open.A group of people stepped inside, dressed in crisp serving uniforms, their expressions neutral.
The Devil's Game Chapter 57 - What it Means to Escalate
Ayra sat at the breakfast table, untouched tea growing cold before her. The silence in the house had become suffocating. No matter what she did, no matter how much she tried to stir the waters, Lucian remained utterly indifferent. He ignored her tantrums, her disruptions, her passive-aggressive antics. He had locked her in this gilded cage and simply left her to rot, acting as if she didn’t exist.Fine.She set her cup down with deliberate care and rose to her feet. Without hesitation, she strode out of the dining room, her silk robe flowing behind her. The butler was walking past.“Stop,” she commanded.The butler paused, turning to her with polite detachment. “Madam?”Ayra folded her arms across her chest, lifting her chin slightly. “I want you to inform the staff that they are all fired.”The butler’s expression didn’t shift, but his silence stretched for a moment too long.“They have until the end of the day to pack their things and leave,” she continued. “I don’t want to see a si
The Devil's Game Chapter 55 - Call to Chaos
Two days later Ayra lay sprawled on the plush velvet chaise lounge in her room, her fingers drumming impatiently on the armrest. The air in the house had grown heavier over the past two weeks. The polished floors gleamed, the scent of fresh flowers filled the halls, and every detail of the house was maintained to perfection—yet it felt like a lifeless shell. The staff worked diligently, moving about as if on eggshells around her, but no matter what Ayra did, they remained unwavering. Frustrated and angry, yes, but unwavering. Perhaps Lucian paid them more to put up with her antics. She wasn’t going to be ignored. If Lucian refused to engage, if the staff refused to react, then she would create a situation that could not be brushed aside.There came in Pedro.He was one of the few people from her mother’s past that Ayra had ever met. He was an old acquaintance, someone who she'd known since she was little. He wasn’t exactly a friend, but he had been there, lingering in the backgroun
The Devil's Game Chapter 54 - A Plan in motion
This became a pattern for a brief while.Lunch? Too cold.Dinner? Not what she wanted anymore.Snacks? She changed her mind after they were made.She sent dishes back multiple times a day, forcing the kitchen staff to remake meals repeatedly before she would eat just enough to keep them from outright rebelling.Within days, the tension in the household thickened. The butler was visibly on edge, the chef was snapping at the assistants, and the maids were whispering amongst themselves in frustration.By the fifth day, the head butler had had enough.Ayra was lounging in the parlor, flipping through a book she had no intention of reading, when he approached. His posture was stiff, his jaw tight—yet he remained respectful.“Madam, forgive my boldness, but may I ask if something is troubling you?”Ayra looked up, feigning innocence. “Troubling me? Not at all.”The butler’s eyes twitched ever so slightly. “Then may I ask why the staff has had to remake your breakfast four times this morning?
The Devil's Game Chapter 53 - The Art of Inconvenience
It started with breakfast.The chef prepared the usual—a beautifully plated meal of toast, eggs, and fruit, presented with meticulous care. But as soon as the plate was placed in front of her, Ayra wrinkled her nose.“This isn’t what I wanted,” she said casually, pushing the plate away.The maid hesitated. “Madam, this is what you requested yesterday.”“Did I?” Ayra tilted her head, frowning. “I don’t remember. But I’m not in the mood for this today. Make me something else.”The staff exchanged glances, but after a slight hesitation, the maid nodded. “Of course.”Twenty minutes later, a fresh plate of food was brought to her. She picked at it, took a single bite, and sighed. “This is too salty. Can you make it again?”The chef’s patience visibly thinned, but they couldn’t refuse her. She was Lucian’s wife, after all, and despite the slight disregard they had for her, their orders had been to serve her and make her comfortable.But Ayra was just getting started. Breakfast the next day
