07/02/2025
More Than a Bet
Prologue
People say love is a game. A challenge. A gamble. You take risks, you make moves, and you either win or lose.
For Elliot Hayes, love has always been just that-a game he never loses. He knows exactly what to say, when to smile, and how to make any girl fall for him.
Until Vera Sinclair.
She wasn't supposed to matter. She was just another challenge. Another bet. But the more he tried to break down her walls, the more he realized-he was the one falling.
And in a game where love was never supposed to be real... what happens when the player gets played?
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Chapter 1: The Challenge
Elliot Hayes leaned back in his chair, a smug grin on his face habang nilalaro ang deck ng cards sa kamay niya. Nasa school lounge sila, surrounded by their usual crowd-mga seniors na mahilig sa hangouts at friendly competitions.
Mason Carter, his best friend, smirked habang umiinom ng soda. "You always win, man. Poker, basketball, even bets. Masyado kang sigurado sa sarili mo."
Elliot chuckled. "That's because I don't lose, bro."
"Then prove it," Mason challenged, his eyes glinting with mischief. "May challenge ako para sa'yo."
Elliot raised an eyebrow. "Sige, ano na naman 'to?"
Mason leaned forward, making sure na maririnig siya ng tropa nila pero hindi ng iba. "Vera Sinclair."
Biglang tumahimik ang grupo. Everyone knew Vera. Mysterious, matalino, at totally hindi interesado sa mga kalokohan sa school. She kept to herself-walang pakialam sa parties, sa popularity, at lalong-lalo na sa mga lalaki.
Elliot smirked. "And? Ano'ng meron sa kanya?"
Mason grinned. "Make her fall for you."
Nag-react agad ang buong grupo.
"No way, bro."
"Si Vera? Wala kang laban diyan."
"Dude, she doesn't even like talking to people!"
Even Luna Hart, Vera's best friend, who was sitting nearby, shot them a sharp glare. "Don't even try," she warned, bago siya bumalik sa pagta-type sa laptop niya.
Elliot chuckled, but his interest was piqued. Tumingin siya kay Vera, who was sitting alone by the window, reading a book. She looked effortlessly beautiful-long dark hair falling perfectly over her shoulders, green eyes focused on the pages, at may kakaibang aura na parang hindi basta-basta kayang lapitan.
"Hmm." Elliot tapped the table. "What do I get if I win?"
Mason smirked. "Bragging rights. And... my vintage motorcycle."
That got Elliot's attention. Mason's custom Ducati-isang motor na pinaghirapan nitong i-restore for years-was a prize worth fighting for.
"Deal," Elliot said confidently.
But as he turned back to Vera, something told him-this wasn't going to be as easy as he thought.
゚viralシ
