Craved by the Wrong Volkov-Chapter 285: The games

Braelyn’s POV

"The time is here please if you picked the following numbers step out." The host announced and then read out. His voice vibrated through the intercom.

"5, 67 and 90.." he announced. My brows furrowed I checked my number again. The number 90 was glaring at me. My stomach dropped immediately.

"Please if you picked the following numbers stand up.." The host urged the numbers to stand up. Reluctantly I stood up but I wasn’t the only one at my table who stood up

The moment the host announced the numbers, Lucien, Raphael, and I froze. Confusion rippled between us. Why were we all standing? My stomach twisted. Something about this felt wrong. I had a bad feeling, the kind that only comes when you know exactly what is about to happen.

I had planned enough events to recognise this type of setup instantly. This would be fun.

I couldn’t help my gaze drifting toward Amelia. She remained composed, her smile remained pleasant and serene, almost mocking in its perfection. It was infuriating. My gut tightened. I knew she was enjoying this far more than anyone should. She was probably having crazy thoughts seeing Raphael also stood up.

The host’s voice rang out again, cheerful and insistent. "Come on stage, please. Everyone, give a warm round of applause for our volunteers." The audience clapped politely, curiosity and amusement buzzing in the room. I hesitated for a fraction of a second, then forced myself to move forward.

We had no choice but to obey the rules. The gala games didn’t care about rank. It was done that way so that everyone could relax.

I held my best smile and headed for the stage. Raphael looked confused at first but he followed after knowing the rules.

We climbed the stage amidst the applause, my steps measured, my mind racing. Alongside us, two others joined. Since it was a couple game and 3 numbers were picked.

Among the extra 2 was a man I immediately recognised from HR, nervously adjusting his suit jacket intimidated by the presence of his superiors and a woman who was likely someone’s plus one, fidgeting with her clutch. She looked nervous but tried to keep her smile.

The crowd’s eyes followed us, their murmurs rising with interest. Almost everyone’s attention was on the stage excited 3 senior staff members were chosen.

The applause died down, replaced by the host’s commanding voice. "Please stand according to your numbers. Number five, sixty-seven, and ninety. This is very important." The host explained then pointed out where we should stand.

I was number ninety and immediately moved to the spot he pointed out, I was paired with the HR man. Raphael was beside the guest woman. Lucien ended up paired with Amelia. The biggest shock ever, even Raphael had a subtle smile seeing the arrangement. He was glad he wasn’t paired up with Amelia

Amelia’s composure faltered slightly, a flicker of displeasure crossing her features. She was clearly not comfortable with the arrangement but before she could complain, the host interjected.

"No switching, please. Everyone stays where they are. Rules must be followed."

I almost laughed silently, the absurdity of the arrangement hitting me. Despite my nerves, there was something darkly amusing about the situation.

The host stepped forward again, gesturing to the volunteers. "Here is how the game will work. Each team has four images to act out. One member will stand with their back to the screen. The other will see the image and has sixty seconds to act it out. If the first member fails to guess it, you will switch roles and continue. After four rounds, the team with the highest score will win a cash prize. The losing team will take a penalty drink. If there is a tie we play again."

I swallowed, my chest tightening. Charades had never been my strong suit, and performing them in front of this audience only heightened the pressure. My eyes flicked to Lucien, who had a faint smirk that promised he was already entertained by whatever was about to unfold.

I regretted approving this game it was Juliette’s idea.

I pressed my hands to my thighs, trying to steady my shaking fingers. This was going to be far more awkward than I anticipated.

"With that cleared we shall proceed." The host chimed then glanced at us. "We will start from the largest number. Number 90 please step out.." he urged.

My heart skipped a beat. The HR guy gave me a soft smile and we stepped forward under everyone’s applause and took our position.

I was making the first charade. Raphael gave me an encouraging smile knowing I was hopeless at this.

The first image flashed a boardroom. I drew in a deep breath and started making gestures hoping I wouldn’t burst out laughing. I was a bit stiff and by the time 60 seconds were up my partner had no idea what I was trying to imitate.

Laughter echoed and the game continued. 4 images pasted and we managed to get 2 which were done by my partner turned out I was only good at guessing. The game ended up being fun.

"Can we give them a round of applause? 2 out of 4.." the host urged and I cleared from the front. My cheeks burned knowing it was our fault that we had just 2.

"Sorry for messing up." I quietly apologised. He smiled at me. "It’s fine. We had 2 after all." He tried to encourage me.

"Numbers 67 please step out. " The host called out and Lucien and Amelia reluctantly stepped out and took their position

The true game was about to start. Lucien stood against the screen while Amelia was the one to make the gesture. I couldn’t help but wonder how she was going to handle that in her dress.

The first image is shown. Stock market. I almost burst out laughing. It was over.

Amelia’s face went pale for a second but she regained her confidence and started. Lucien stared at her with a blank expression.