All Chapters of The Devil's Game: Chapter 41 - Chapter 44

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

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