The villa never felt heavier. Every laugh sounded false, every glance lingered too long. Sasha could feel the producers' eyes on her, waiting to see what she'd do.
Ethan, oblivious to the knife at his back, kept close. Too close. He brushed her hand during challenges, leaned into her during interviews, whispered reassurance when she faltered. To the cameras, it looked like romance. To her, it felt like quicksand.
She wanted to tell him. God, she wanted to. Every time his eyes softened, every time his guard dropped, the words clawed at her throat: They want me to betray you.
But each time, she swallowed them down.
If she warned him, they'd both go under. If she stayed quiet, maybe—just maybe—she could survive.
That night, the producers staged a "spontaneous" bonfire scene. Everyone gathered, drinks in hand, faces lit by the flames. The perfect backdrop for confessions.
And right on cue, the host's voice carried across the circle: "Tonight's theme is honesty. Who here is hiding the biggest secret?"
The cameras panned. Contestants laughed nervously, tossing out half-truths and playful admissions. But Sasha felt the weight shift.
They were circling her.
Ethan nudged her gently. "You're quiet. Want to share?"
Her chest tightened. This was it. The moment the producers had set like a snare.
Do it now, they'd told her. Pin it on him. Make him the liar, the manipulator. Make him burn.
Do it, or we'll burn you both.
The silence stretched. The fire crackled. Sasha's lips parted.
"I…"
Her voice shook. She forced a smile for the cameras. "…I think the biggest secret here is that not everything is as real as it seems."
The crowd gasped, some laughing, some suddenly wary. Ethan frowned, searching her face.
And just like that, she saw it in his eyes—doubt. A flicker of hurt, confusion, mistrust.
The trap was already closing.