Andrew leaned back against the wall, frustration tightening his features as he thought carefully about his next words. “Actually, I never doubted Jessica because…” He hesitated, anger simmering under his cool demeanor. “I thought I loved her.” He clenched his fists, disgusted by the confession. “No—scratch that. It wasn’t love. It was lust.”

He closed his eyes, trying to push Jessica from his mind, but instead, another face appeared—the soft curve of a smile, warm eyes, and the way she always seemed to care despite his coldness. Eva. The thought startled him, and he cursed inwardly. What the hell?

Across the room, Tristan studied Andrew with a skeptical look. “So, it was lust, not love?” he asked coolly. “Are you sure?”

Andrew nodded curtly, biting down his irritation.

Evander, leaning against the doorway, crossed his arms. “You trusted her way too much, Andrew. You even pushed everyone else away—especially me.” There was no accusation in his tone, just disappointment. “You really let her mess things up.”

Andrew’s anger turned inward, burning at the realization that Evander was right. “I did,” he muttered bitterly, hating himself for it.

Tristan pressed on. “Are you sure you’re not still lusting after her? No lingering feelings?”

Andrew’s expression darkened with fury. “Absolutely fucking not!” he snapped. “I hate her. And she’ll pay.”

Tristan leaned back, satisfied with Andrew’s response. “Good. We’ll stick with my plan, then.”

Before the conversation could continue, they heard Eva’s voice echo through the house. “Dinner’s ready!”

The three men exchanged glances, the tension momentarily dissipating. They made their way to the dining room, where the women were already setting the table.

As they sat down, Evander clasped his hands together dramatically. “Let’s pray,” he said, making the sign of the cross. Then, with a mischievous grin, he added, “Lord, I hope I don’t die today.”

Andrew rolled his eyes and smacked Evander lightly on the back of the head. “Stop overreacting.”

Surprisingly, the food was delicious, and everyone ate with enthusiasm.

“You ladies did a great job,” Evander praised, nodding approvingly. “I didn’t think you had it in you.”

Eva beamed, thrilled that everyone liked her cooking. After the meal, someone suggested they play a game, and Irene immediately proposed, “Let’s play Truth or Dare.”

Andrew groaned, rubbing his temple. “I’m not playing that.”

But Irene wasn’t one to back down. “Oh, come on. It’ll be fun.”

After some coaxing, Andrew reluctantly agreed, and soon they were gathered on the terrace. The maids had arranged light snacks and drinks, and the night breeze felt cool against the soft glow of outdoor lanterns.

“This terrace is gorgeous,” Mia whispered in awe, admiring the beautiful view.

Eva nodded in agreement. “It’s hard to believe this is Andrew’s personal spot.”

“It’s where he goes when he’s stressed,” Irene added with a smirk. Eva looked around, still surprised that the cold, aloof Andrew had such a peaceful retreat.

The game began, and Evander was the first to spin the bottle. It landed on Mia, who shyly picked truth.

Irene grinned. “Who’s the last person you stalked on social media?”

Mia hesitated for a moment, then admitted, “I… actually have a crush. I stalk him online sometimes.”

Irene leaned in eagerly. “Do you still like him?”

Mia decided it was safer to lie. “No, not anymore.”

Evander’s jaw clenched as he quietly thought, If I find out who he is, I’ll bury him.

Next, Irene spun the bottle, and it landed on Tristan. Before he could choose, Irene added mischievously, “If you refuse to answer or do the dare, you have to take a shot.”

Andrew shot his sister a warning look. “Irene, that’s too much.”

But everyone else agreed with the rule, and Tristan chose truth.

Evander leaned forward. “How long was your longest relationship?”

Eva chuckled softly. “My brother has never been in a relationship.”

The room fell into stunned silence. Irene’s eyes widened. “Wait… Are you a—”

“Not a word,” Tristan snapped, glaring at her. “And no, I’m not.”

Eva decided to break the awkward silence, spinning the bottle herself. It landed on Irene, who boldly chose dare.

Tristan smirked, ready to challenge her. “Read out the last ten things in your search history.”

Irene’s eyes widened with panic, and without hesitation, she grabbed a shot glass and downed it. “Nope.”

Mia giggled. “Now I have to know. What are you hiding?”

Irene waved her off and spun the bottle again, this time landing on Andrew. He begrudgingly picked truth.

Evander grinned wickedly. “Who’s your least favorite person in this room?”

Andrew’s gaze shifted between Tristan and Eva, his expression unreadable. After a tense moment, he grabbed a shot and threw it back.

Eva’s heart sank. He hates me, she thought sadly.

“Seriously?” Irene scoffed. “You couldn’t answer that?”

“I don’t want to,” Andrew replied flatly, refusing to elaborate.

Finally, the bottle pointed to Eva. She hesitated, then picked truth.

Irene’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “What’s your biggest fantasy?”

Eva’s face burned with embarrassment. She’s trying to kill me, she thought. How can I say that in front of my brother and husband?

Andrew perked up, curious to hear her answer. But to his disappointment, Eva took a shot instead.

The game continued through several rounds, with Irene and Andrew becoming increasingly tipsy as they avoided answering questions.

Evander called for the last round, and the bottle landed on Irene. She confidently chose dare.

Mia grinned. “Go to the kitchen and bring back some cold water.”

Irene froze. “It’s dark in there,” she whispered nervously.

“Scared?” Evander teased gently.

Despite her fear, Irene stood. “I’ll do it,” she muttered, determined not to back down. She got halfway to the kitchen when the lights suddenly went out, plunging the terrace into darkness.

Evander’s playful demeanor shifted to concern. “Irene hates the dark. Will she be okay?”

Tristan scoffed, standing from his seat. “I’ll go.”

The others exchanged glances as Tristan disappeared into the darkened house after Irene.