Chapter 5: THE ARRIVAL

*Nelly POV*

Throughout our trip, I was very moody. Tessa had asked me so many times, but I refused to answer. Honestly, I don't even know what is going on. Jasper just withdrew a large sum of money from our joint account. I have been trying to reach him, but it's not going through.

"It seems we're getting closer," Tessa commented; her voice was a little muffled because she was putting on a kitten face mask that covered her entire face, only revealing the areas of her mouth, eyes, and nose.

"Um—yeah, I think so too." I responded, looking out of the window and seeing the frosty cloud. I was damned worried.

After some minutes, the plane landed in an open-air space at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Everyone descended the plane fully masked. Although the whole setting looks creepy, I think it's a good thing for the sake of securing people's identities.

"I can't believe we're really doing this, Nelly!" She giggled in my ear, walking fast and dragging me along with her. I smiled back at her too; this is so crazy, yet exciting and intriguing. A luxurious black-tinted bus was already parked awaiting us.

Once everyone was present, it was opened, and every single one of us entered, activating our next destination.

Tessa brought out her phone and took pictures of us and of the street life. She almost forgot herself because of over excitement when she wanted to take off her mask, but I quickly slapped it back onto her face. "Ouch! That's painful!" She cried out in pain, keeping the phone away.

We passed through the iconic Virilla River Bridge, bustling neighborhoods, and coffee plantations onto a deserted route of silent beach islands; we passed the largest ocean before the car came to a halt.

Three men and a woman in a suit were standing on the open beachside, obviously waiting for us. She approached with a genuine smile and a purposeful step.

"Welcome, dear pleasure seekers," she proclaimed; the mini microphone pinned to the collar of her blouse made her voice more audible and mechanical.

"Please follow my lead." With that said, she pivoted, cat-walking in a particular direction. Tessa and I share a confused look before tailing behind her.

"I hope I didn't just sign my death warrant to some illegal organization or kidnappers." I mentally told myself.

We passed through an entrance and then entered an elevator. As soon as the elevator opened and we stepped out all together, a very loud "Woah!" came out of our mouths when we saw the huge living room designed with gold, a high roof, and a different decorative chandelier illuminating the place. I walked ahead of Tessa, going over towards the home appliances section where a glass table-like container was placed, displaying several animal sculptures, and an inner water fountain, placed about one centimeter away from the rest.

If one walks further, there are several huge Christmas trees at every corner of the living room with a fake snowman standing beside them as well. Christmas tinsel was also run across the ceiling alongside the tiny disco Christmas lighting.

"Okay, guys, I believe you have feasted your eyes enough." The woman's voice sounded again. "So let's start with how your journey was." She gave a curt smile.

"It was fine, ma'am." We gave a chorus answer. The woman nodded. "You can call me Ms. Brenda. Is that okay with you all?" It was now our turn to nod our heads in return; it was like we were reading each other's minds.

"Okay, I know you're all tired and need to get settled in, so I will just quickly do the teams and also brief you about the rules."

"Now, we have five groups, namely Snow, Winter, Night, Summer, and Gift Bearers." She listed. "So, each of these five groups will have to comprise two ladies and a man." She declared, beckoning to the five stranger men, who stepped forward and started picking out people. I wanted to stick with Tessa, but unfortunately we ended up in separate groups; she was on Team Snow, while I was on Team Summer.

"Now that you have gotten your teams, please try to get to know each other more during your spare time. Now let's move over to the contest rules."

"Rule No. 1: No one should be seen outside after 12 am; it's light out, so you ought to stay in your respective rooms.

Rule No. 2: No one should take off their face masks.

Rule No. 3: Engaging in private sexual activity that is not of the contest is strictly prohibited.

Rule No. 4: No one should be caught sneaking around.

Rule No. 5: No matter what we instruct you to do, you must obey, because as long as you're in this household, you belong solely to the Game lord." She made it known.

Everywhere was silent for a few seconds before the woman spoke again, "I promise you this will be a memorable Christmas vacation for you, and don't forget the winner is going home with any car of his or her choice, 5 million dollars, and a fully paid trip to Amsterdam." My eyes widened at the offer; that is really a lot of money, which would even help me accomplish my dream of owning a private fashion studio. "Please come with me while I show you to your respective rooms." My feet moved, but my mind was no longer present; I was deep in thought about how far that money would go in my life. Now not only should I fight to get back by sexual arousal, but I have also gotten an additional goal: to get the bag by all means.

"Hey, sorry, please watch your step, okay?" The familiar voice brought back my flagging attention, which made me snap my head toward the direction of a particular man strutting forward. "Is that not Jasper's voice?"