Ten The Game
Catalina’s POV
I sat in a leather chair, swirling the wine in my glass, a sly smile playing on my lips as the door creaked open. My hair was back to its original dark hue–Catalina’s signature
look.
How ironic that love, of all things, could drive people to madness. It was laughable, really, and the thought made me chuckle. Gracie Abrams‘ That’s What I’m Saying played softly in the background, and I hummed along, savoring the bittersweet melody.
Kallias and Kiton dragged a struggling Sophia into the room, her shouts echoing off the walls. “Let me go! I swear, if anything happens to me or my baby, Javier will kill you!” Her voice faltered the moment her eyes locked on me. Her struggles ceased, and her face paled as if she’d seen a ghost.
70% 14:35
1/6
Ten The Game:
She thought I was dead.
“You…” she whispered, her eyes wide with shock.
“Surprised?” I said, taking a deliberate sip of my wine. The sweetness lingered on my tongue as I savored her fear. “Not everyone burns so easily, Sophia. Did you really think I’d die in that factory fire your men set?”
Her voice trembled. “How… how are you still alive?”
I leaned forward, setting the glass down with a soft clink. “Kneel her in front of me,” I ordered, my voice cold and commanding.
Kallias and Kiton forced her down, and she glared up at me, her face twisted in anger. “If you‘ re planning to hurt me, Catalina, Javier will come for you!”
“Oh, I’m terrified,” I said with mock fright, placing a hand over my chest. dramatically. Then I burst into laughter, the sound sharp and unkind. “Really,
70% 14:35
2/6
Ten The Game
Sophia? Did you think I wouldn’t crawl back from the grave just for you? I swore I’d return, and here I am.”
For a moment, her bravado cracked, and I saw fear flicker in her eyes. “You won’t hurt me or my baby,” she said, her voice wavering. “Javier will save us.”
I smirked and picked up my phone, letting the screen illuminate my face. “Oh, don‘ t worry. I’ll call him for you. Let’s see how he reacts when he hears you begging for your life.”
Her face drained of color, and she lowered her head. “Please, Catalina,” she pleaded, her voice shaking. “Do whatever you want to me, but please… don‘ t hurt my baby.”
The wine glass in my hand creaked under my tightening grip. Her plea ignited the fury simmering within me. Did she think I’d forgotten the child I lost because of her and Javier?
“My child is gone because of you,” I said,
70% 14:35
3/6
Ten The Game
my voice low and dangerous. “And you think I’ll let you and your bastard live happily ever after?”
Tears welled in her eyes. “What do you want from me?”
I tilted my head, feigning sympathy. “Leave my husband, and maybe I‘ Il consider sparing your child.”
Her head snapped up, defiance blazing in her eyes. “I love Javier, and he loves me.
Our child needs a father. You understand
that, don’t you?”
“Understand?” I hissed, leaning closer. “Do. you even hear yourself? You expect me to step aside and let you play happy family with my husband?” I emphasized the words, letting them hang in the air. “Tell me, has Javier married you yet?”
She looked away, her silence deafening.
I smiled bitterly. “No, I didn’t think so. You‘ re clinging to promises while I’m still the one wearing his ring.”
70% 14 35
4/6
68
Ten The Game
Her defiance faltered for a moment before she spat, “Javier promised he‘ d marry me once voud
re out of the picture.”
“Promises,” I echoed mockingly, standing up and towering over her. “Tell me, Sophia, does he make promises as easily as he breaks them?”
“Don’t look at me like that!” she snapped, her voice shaking with anger and shame. “You can’t stand the fact that he loves me, not you. You‘ re the wife he thought who can’t even give him a child!”
The words stung, but I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of seeing it. I drained the rest of my wine and placed the glass down with deliberate calm. Then, I crouched in front of her, gripping her jaw tightly, forcing her to meet my gaze.
“You talk too much,” I said, digging my nails into her skin. Blood beaded under my nails, and she whimpered.
“Stop it, Catalina! You‘ re hurting me!” she
70.. 14:35
5/6
Ten The Game
cried.
I leaned closer, my voice cold and menacing. “This is nothing compared to the pain you’ve caused me.”
Her eyes widened as the realization of her predicament sank in. “Please,” she begged, her voice cracking. “Not my face. Anything but that.”
I released her with a smirk, watching her scramble back like a frightened rabbit.
“Let’s play a little game,” I said, my tone light but laced with malice. “If you win, I’ll spare your child.”
Sophia’s face twisted in anger. “You‘ re insane! Of course, you’ll rig the game in your favor!”
I shrugged, settling back into my chair and crossing my legs. “The game doesn’t depend on me, Sophia. It depends on the man you love. Let’s see just how far Javier is willing to go to save you and your
precious baby.”
