Chloe continued, voice low. "I couldn't just leave her like that, so I helped her to bed. Tucked her in so she could sleep comfortably. She was mumbling something about the fireworks being pretty, then just… out."
I nodded.
"What were you doing while I was gone?" she asked, tilting her head.
I gave a small shrug. "Just… sat here. Bella and Ethan had a fight earlier. Max calmed it down, he suggested we play games."
Chloe's eyes widened a little. "A fight? Is everyone okay?"
"Yeah. Just drunk drama it's not like they were throwing punch at each other. I won't be surprised if Bella really throws a punch. It's over now."
We both giggled.
Max finished laying out the rules. Everyone slowly gathered around the living room couch in a loose circle.
Max leaned forward on the couch, elbows on his knees, that easy grin still plastered across his face like he was about to announce the best idea in the world. The living room had quieted down a lot since the midnight fireworks died out.
The fairy lights still glowed softly overhead, casting little golden flecks across everyone's faces and clothes, but the energy had shifted from wild celebration to something lazier, warmer, a little drunker. Empty cups and crumpled napkins littered the table.
The rules were quite simple, max will put seven cards on the table after shuffle, and everyone draws the card one by one. Whoever got the king would be able to command a player anything. The chosen player won't be able to deny and has to obey.
The game sounded quite simple but there was a bit unease in my heart.
I glanced around the circle. Bella slouched on the couch across from me and chloe with Lara tucked close against her side, one arm draped protectively around Bella's arms.
Ethan sprawled on the floor to our right, legs stretched out, leaning back on his hands like he owned the place. His shirt was half-unbuttoned now, sleeves rolled higher, showing off lean forearms. He had that same cocky smirk.
Mom stood for a second, looking around like she wasn't sure where to sit. Max patted the empty spot next to him on the couch. "Right here, Mrs. Elena. Best seat in the house."
Mom smiled, that warm, knowing smile she always had, and lowered herself down beside him. The qipao pulled tight across her chest as she sat, F-cups straining the silk, diamond cutout showing the deep pale valley between them. She crossed her legs, the motion making the fabric ride up even higher, almost flashing the curve where thigh met hip.
"Everyone ready?" Max asked, already shuffling the deck he'd pulled from his pocket.
A chorus of "yes" and nods went around. Bella muttered something under her breath that sounded like "this better not be lame," but she didn't move to leave.
Max pulled seven cards from the top after a quick shuffle and laid them face-down in a row on the coffee table. The backs were plain red, nothing fancy, but the sight of them made my pulse pick up anyway.
I kept thinking what if I pulled the King? Who would I pick? What would I even say?
Max leaned forward first, and picked the top card. "I'll go first."
Bella went next, with Lara following, then Mom, her fingers brushing the card delicately, a small smile on her lips like she was actually enjoying this.
"Hmm… I'm really excited," she said softly, almost to herself.
Ethan picked after her, smirking as he flipped it over without looking. Chloe went after, her fingers trembling just a little as she picked. I was last.
Suspense built while we all held our cards face-down. My heart thumped loud enough I was sure Chloe could hear it. I turned mine over slowly.
Unfortunately I didn't get the king. Everyone showed there cards.
Mom raised her hand cheerfully, the King of Hearts between her fingers. "Looks like I'm the queen tonight."
Max laughed. "Alright then, who will you order, my queen?"
Mom flushed a little at the flirt, waving her hand like it was nothing, but her smile widened. "Oh, Max… such a charmer." She gazed around the circle, thinking, eyes lingering on each of us for a second. Then they landed on Bella.
"Hmm… let's see. Bella."
Bella's head snapped up. "What?"
Mom's smile turned mischievous. "I command you to clean up the broken glass and the spilled drink. Right now."
Bella's mouth dropped open. "What? Mom!"
Ethan burst out laughing, slapping his knee. "You have to obey, princess. Queen's orders."
Bella shot him a death glare. "Shut up, asshole."
Mom tilted her head, voice sweet but firm. "You never help me with chores, young lady. This is the perfect chance. Go on."
Bella pouted, arms crossed tight under her chest, pushing her cleavage even higher. "This is ridiculous."
Mom just smiled wider, like a kid who'd finally won a game. "Orders are orders."
Bella huffed, stood up and stomped toward the mess. She crouched down, dress riding up her thighs, flashing the lower curve of her ass cheeks as she picked up shards of glass and wiped the sticky spill with a napkin. The whole time she muttered under her breath, face still red.
I watched, stunned. Bella almost never listened that easily. Maybe the alcohol had mellowed her, or maybe Mom's "queen" tone actually worked. Either way, it was weirdly satisfying to see her doing chores for once.
She came back a minute later, dropped the soggy napkin on the table, and flopped onto the couch next to Lara with a dramatic sigh. "Happy now?"
Mom beamed. "Very."
Max collected the cards, shuffled again, and laid out a new row. "Round two."
Bella leaned forward fast this time, snatching the top card. "I'm going first. Let's see who gets screwed now."
Everyone picked one by one. Tension built again—eyes flicking to each card, breaths held. When we all flipped, Lara held up the King with a small, nervous smile.
The room went quiet for a second.
Lara looked around, biting her lip, cheeks pink. "Um… okay."
Bella leaned in close, whispering something in her ear. Lara's blush deepened, but she shook her head slightly, then looked straight at Ethan.
To be continued...
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