The office felt rich as soon as you stepped inside.
A man with a strong jaw and cold stare held the phone tightly. He was glued to a big screen showing a detailed map of the United States, filled with blinking red dots.
"Ma," he spoke quietly. "We've got the list."
He paused, listening carefully. His face didn't show much, but he understood the commands from the other side.
"Yes, Ma. The plans are in place. Teams are ready. Choppers and vehicles are all ready across the United States to transport players. We'll have everything secured by midnight."
He nodded, even though he was by himself, and hung up. A slow breath left his lips, with a touch of satisfaction in his eyes.
***
The night before the wedding was buzzing.
In Julian's big house, servants hurried around, carrying flowers and decorations. Tables were set, chairs shined, and the air smelled sweet with lilies.
Julian's mother, Lena, was everywhere at once. She pointed at a waiter. "Those glasses need to be moved! They're all wrong! "
Then, she rushed off to talk to the wedding planner. "Did the caterers get the new seating plan?"
Julian and Alicia found a quiet spot on the balcony, watching the chaos. Julian broke the silence.
"It's a bit much, isn't it?" Alicia nodded, her face unreadable.
"I've never seen anything like this." Julian looked around.
"A lot can change in a week. Remember that news last year about brides and grooms being taken?"
"I remember," Alicia said. "It happened in 2024, 2023, and earlier. They were never found."
"Are you scared? About that happening to us?" Julian asked, his tone serious.
Alicia forced a smile. "No. Why would I be?
Julian chuckled, but it faded when he saw her expression.
She stood up and walked back inside, leaving him alone. He watched her go. He realized he had treated their relationship like a deal.
But now, as he stared into the empty space she left, he wondered. Had he actually fallen for her?
***
The hired staff had left, a calm returned to the mansion.
Alicia walked toward the front door when she spotted a staff. He was alone, adjusting glasses on a table. But something felt off.
He looked sharp, too careful, and his eyes surveying the whole apartment like he was hunting, at some point he will glance at his wristwatch.
A chill ran through her. She sensed danger, but couldn't understand why.
She approached him, her footsteps soft on the carpet. "Are you alright?" she asked, keeping her voice steady. He jumped, locking eyes with her. His expression was cold.
"Yes," he replied, but his gaze shifted past her, scanning the stairs like a predator. "Where is the groom?" He asked coldly.
"He's in a private talk with his mother and can't be disturbed," Alicia said, her heart racing.
Suddenly, his calm face changed. His eyes narrowed. "There's no time. You need to come with me. Now."
Panic surged in her. She turned to run towards the main stairs, but he was quicker. He grabbed her arm, squeezing tight enough to take her breath away, and started dragging her to a back door. She fought back, twisting and kicking, desperate to scream. But before she could, another man slipped from the shadows, holding a cloth. He pressed it over her mouth and nose. Darkness took over.
The two men carried her to a nearby car.
The second man sounded confused. "Why her? I thought we were after the groom."
The first man replied, emotionless. "The target was the groom, yes. But things changed, as you saw. Let's hurry; the chopper is waiting."
***
Alicia woke up in a fancy room.
She was confused and didn't know where she was.
She got out of bed and tried to open the door, but it was locked.
She really needed to go to the bathroom, she saw the door to the bathroom, opened it and entered.
Just then, a voice came from a speaker. It was soft and feminine: "All players, your rooms are now unlocked. Please follow the light to the hall."
Curiosity got the better of her and the others, leading them into a large hall. They all stared at each other, strangers in this strange place.
The voice continued, "Welcome to the Game of Hearts."
One girl spoke up, "What is this Game of Hearts? I was supposed to get married today, why bring me here!"
The voice replied, "You were all supposed to have your weddings today. Now, you are players in this game. How deep is your love for the person you were about to marry? Is it for wealth, power, or something else?"
Alicia felt a pang of guilt at those words.
"This game tests your love and the risks you're willing to take for the one you love," the voice added.
A guy interjected, "Did you bring us here to lecture us about love?"
"No," the voice clarified. "You're here to teach us what love is."
A girl questioned, "How do we teach you about love?"
The voice responded, "You need to form a romantic bond with someone here within a week. There are a hundred of you: fifty grooms and fifty brides. If you don't find a partner by the end of the week, you will be eliminated. There is a lot of food and drinks here. Also you will find a kitchen. You all already know your rooms. You will stay in this apartment for seven days without seeing the sunlight"
"Wait, eliminated? Does it mean send us home?" another lady asked.
The voice answered, "It means death. This is serious. Only those who live can proceed to participate in the six games of Game of Hearts"
A guy jokingly added, "Is this like Squid Game where losers get killed? I love that movie!"
The room fell silent. No response came at all.
After fifteen minutes, the voice came back. "And the task starts now."
A big holographic timer appeared in the middle of the hall, counting down from seven days in bold red numbers.