The day was far from over, but the scavenger hunt had already wound down, its echoes of laughter and playful rivalry trailing behind the group as they made their way back toward the grand hotel. The air was sharp with the scent of pine and the faint sweetness of wildflowers crushed beneath hurried feet. Couples walked in twos and threes, chatting about the clues, the tricks, and the victories that had stirred everyone into a childish, unguarded joy.
Helena Cross walked with her husband, Edward, the two keeping a regal pace even in the casualness of the setting. Helena's presence was commanding, her tall frame and elegant poise refusing to be diminished by the lightheartedness of the day. Her hand rested in the crook of Edward's arm, her expression soft but still carrying that sharpness that reminded anyone who looked too long who she was. Edward, amused, murmured something into her ear, earning a glance that was equal parts fondness and warning. They had joined the hunt midway, and Helena, though aloof, had surprised everyone by solving two of the trickiest riddles with effortless wit. For Edward, watching her like this had been a reminder of the woman he had fallen in love with—unbending, proud, and sharper than any blade.
Behind them, couples trailed at varied distances. Brielle walked at Logan's side, her eyes alight with an eagerness that wasn't just about the games. For her, this wasn't merely a social retreat—it was a chance to turn an arrangement into something more. She laughed brightly at every quip, leaned in whenever Logan spoke, and made it a point to bump her shoulder against his in playful contact. Logan, though polite, was distracted. His gaze kept flickering forward, to where Damien and Maya walked ahead, their steps close, their conversation easy. It was the kind of natural intimacy that twisted like a knife in Logan's chest.
Maya, oblivious to the storm brewing in Logan's mind, was caught in Damien's orbit. Their laughter came easily, their banter smooth, the kind that made them look as if they belonged in each other's company without effort. Damien had made it his mission to keep her at his side throughout the hunt, ensuring no one else had the chance to claim her attention for long. It wasn't just protectiveness—it was possession. And though Maya didn't name it as such, she felt its weight every time his hand brushed against hers or when he lowered his voice so only she could hear.
Evelyn, walking with her fiancé, had the contented glow of someone who had orchestrated a perfect day. Yet even in her joy, her eyes drifted often to Maya, her smile never faltering but her mind taking careful notes. There was something about the girl's ease with Damien that unsettled her—a familiarity too smooth, too practiced. She tucked the thought away, masking it with another burst of laughter as her fiancé teased her about nearly leading them in the wrong direction.
By the time they reached the hotel's wide steps, the group had splintered slightly—some already disappearing inside, others lingering on the veranda to relive the funniest moments of the hunt. Helena excused herself with grace, her arm still looped through Edward's, commanding without needing to say a word. "We'll freshen up," she said, her tone leaving no room for question, and together they disappeared into the grandeur of the building.
It was then that Logan saw his chance. Maya had paused near the entrance, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek as she glanced around, momentarily separated from Damien. Logan's heart kicked against his ribs. He moved forward, but just as his lips parted, Damien appeared at her side, hand pressing lightly against her back as he leaned in to whisper something that made her laugh. Logan froze, jaw tightening, his opportunity stolen. Brielle noticed the shift in him immediately, her smile faltering, but she quickly masked it, looping her arm through his and tugging him toward the doors.
The night fell quickly, and with it came the hush of anticipation for the next day's games. The air seemed charged when dawn finally broke. The hotel grounds buzzed with activity as Evelyn's staff prepared for what she promised would be an unforgettable event. The couples were gathered in the garden once more, the greenery washed in morning light, chairs and small tables arranged for breakfast before the games began.
Helena and Edward sat apart but in perfect sync, their presence dominating the space without effort. Helena's gaze swept over the crowd with the cool detachment of a queen surveying her court. When Edward leaned in to remark on the liveliness of the younger couples, Helena's lips curved into a rare smile, but her eyes remained sharp. She saw everything, catalogued everything.
The event of the morning was announced: a relay of challenges blending wit and playfulness, designed to spark both laughter and rivalry. There were stations spread across the meadow—puzzles, balancing acts, riddles scrawled onto cards, and even a blindfolded trust exercise. Couples buzzed with excitement, eager to prove themselves once again.
Damien claimed Maya almost instantly, guiding her toward the first station with an ease that left little room for interruption. Their teamwork was effortless—her quick thinking paired with his steady strength. They laughed when she nearly toppled during the balance beam challenge, his hand catching her waist before she could fall, holding her a moment too long, eyes lingering a moment too deep. The spectators cheered, but Logan could only stand taut, Brielle's voice in his ear doing little to ground him.
Brielle saw it too, and a spark of determination lit within her. She clung tighter to Logan, her laughter exaggerated, her praise for him effusive as though trying to redirect his attention. Yet every time his gaze drifted back to Maya and Damien, her smile faltered, the hollowness gnawing at her beneath the façade.
Evelyn, meanwhile, navigated the morning with grace, her laughter ringing bright as she guided couples through each challenge. But her eyes were never far from Maya. The girl was clever, too clever, slipping into the games with an ease that made her stand out. Evelyn watched, measured, calculated.
The games stretched long into the morning, ending in a final riddle that required every pair to work in seamless tandem. When Damien and Maya solved it first, applause burst from the group, their victory cementing the impression of their closeness. Logan clapped with the others, but his jaw remained tight, his applause a beat too late.
As the group dispersed for lunch, laughter echoing across the grounds, Logan lingered. His moment had to come. He shadowed the flow of guests, slipping between small groups until he found her. Maya had stepped away, drawn by the quiet shade of the garden's edge, her gaze lowered as she fiddled with the edge of her sleeve. She hadn't noticed him approach.
"Maya," he said, voice low.
She startled, spinning to face him, eyes wide. For the first time all day, she was alone, no Damien at her side, no Evelyn's watchful gaze hovering. Logan's heart hammered as silence stretched between them. He had her, finally, and no one else knew.