Ivy
During a game of truth or dare on our family camping trip, my sister Clara chose a dare without hesitation.
Our parents immediately praised her for being brave.
"Clara's never been afraid of anything, not since she was little. She's our pride and joy."
She drew a card, read what was written on it, then looked straight at me with a faint smirk.
"The dare says Emma has to call her fiancé right now, break off their engagement, and tell him to date me instead."
The campfire crackled.
My grip tightened around my phone. Liam Sterling was the man I'd loved for years.
But my mother, Helen, walked over and patted me impatiently on the back.
"It's just a game. Why are you getting so worked up? Go on, call him. Don't make everyone think you're a sore loser."
My father, Richard, cut in coldly. "Can't you be a little more generous? Liam isn't your property. Clara just wants a chance to get to know him. What's wrong with playing along?"
Clara pushed the phone toward me, smiling innocently. "Emma, are you scared of a little game?"
I said nothing. My eyes dropped to the new message on my screen.
"My yacht's waiting for you at the dock."
It was from Liam.
I was done playing this game. And this time, I wasn't handing over what was mine.