CHAPTER 418: CHAPTER 418 COUPLE GAMES (1)

"This one is pretty!" Karl said brightly, his eyes roaming the hotel room with childlike wonder. The king-sized bed looked soft and inviting, its crisp white sheets tucked neatly with pillows stacked high. A door led to a spacious bathroom with both a bathtub and a shower, the tiles shining under the soft yellow lights. The floor was made of polished wood that gave off a faint, warm scent, and against one wall stood a tall mirror, so large it reflected nearly the whole room. Karl grinned at his own reflection and flopped onto the bed as if it were already his.

Ruby rolled her eyes, setting her small travel bag down. "Yeah, right! If I knew you were coming along, I would have chosen one with two bedrooms," she said dryly. Truthfully, she hadn’t cared much when booking—she only needed a good bed and a clean bathroom, and this place offered both. That was enough for her.

"Get ready," Ruby added with a small chuckle as she adjusted her sleeves. "We should go have dinner early. I’m already feeling hungry."

"Okie!!" Karl replied, already bouncing off the bed and darting toward the bathroom like an excited child.

Ruby shook her head with a smile, then stood before the mirror, fixing her hair and smoothing down her blouse. The light above her made her features glow, her red eyes catching the reflection of her own quiet determination.

Later, the two made their way to the dining area. Tonight, it had been decorated more beautifully than usual in celebration of the hotel owner’s anniversary. Silky red tablecloths draped elegantly over every table, while crystal vases held fresh flowers that gave off a sweet fragrance. The air hummed with gentle music, and the menu offered an impressive variety of dishes.

Ruby and Karl sat across from each other, and for a moment, it almost felt like they were on a date. The thought made Karl’s heart thump faster, and it seemed to soften his mood. As the waiters moved about and guests chattered softly around them, he couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Ruby. The curve of her long lashes, the way her lips—plump and naturally pink—curved when she looked down at the menu, the calm way she carried herself.

Every little detail about her tugged at him quietly, and he couldn’t help but think the evening suddenly felt more special than he expected.

Ruby looked up suddenly and caught him staring. "What?" she asked, raising a brow.

Karl froze, then quickly reached for his glass of water. "N-Nothing. Just... wondering what you’re going to order."

Ruby tilted her head, studying him for a second before lowering her eyes back to the menu. "Mm, maybe pasta. Or one of their rice dishes. Everything here looks good."

Karl leaned forward, trying to peek at her page. "Don’t pick something boring. It’s a special night—the menu says they’ve prepared dishes just for the owner’s anniversary."

Ruby gave him a flat look. "It’s still food, Karl. I’m not here to be entertained by the chef."

He grinned, undeterred. "Well, I am. Look at this—stuffed mushrooms, garlic bread, a whole section of pasta, soup with roasted herbs, even some kind of cheesy bake. And..." He pointed dramatically at the desserts page. "...cake. Multiple cakes."

Ruby shook her head, a small laugh slipping out. "You sound like a child."

Karl puffed his chest. "A child with excellent taste."

When the waiter arrived, Ruby ordered a simple pasta with fresh herbs, while Karl eagerly chose a mix of side dishes—soups, bread, and a baked casserole that made Ruby sigh at his lack of restraint. Soon after, steaming plates arrived, the air rich with the scent of garlic, cheese, and roasted vegetables.

Karl’s eyes practically sparkled. "This looks amazing!" he said, already reaching for a piece of garlic bread.

Ruby twirled her pasta slowly, watching him dive into the food with so much enthusiasm that it was almost infectious. "Honestly, you look happier eating than at any meeting I’ve ever seen you in," she said dryly.

Karl looked up with his mouth full, then quickly swallowed. "That’s because food doesn’t argue back."

Ruby gave him a sharp look, but the corners of her lips betrayed her with a twitch of amusement. She tried to hide it by sipping her water, but Karl caught it, his grin widening.

As they ate, the room buzzed around them with soft chatter and clinking glasses, but for Karl, it felt like the whole dining hall had blurred into the background. He kept sneaking glances at Ruby—her long lashes casting shadows when she bent over her plate, the graceful way she held her fork, the little hum of approval she made when she tasted something she liked.

Ruby noticed eventually and set her fork down with a sigh. "You’re staring again."

Karl leaned back in his chair, a mischievous spark in his eyes. "Can’t help it. You make the food look jealous."

Ruby blinked, caught off guard, heat rising faintly in her cheeks. She reached for her napkin and muttered, "Eat your food, Karl."

But despite her tone, her lips curved just enough to betray her.

After finishing their meal, Ruby dabbed her lips with a napkin and stood, ready to head back upstairs. Karl pushed his chair back at the same time, still humming happily about the food. They had just stepped toward the exit when a voice echoed across the dining hall through the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Tonight, in celebration of our owner’s anniversary, we are hosting a special round of couples’ games! Anyone who joins has a chance to win exciting gifts!"

The room filled with claps and cheerful murmurs. Some pairs were already raising their hands eagerly.

Ruby paused, her brows knitting together. "Couples’ games?" she muttered under her breath.

Karl’s eyes widened, sparkling like a child spotting candy. "Couples’ games!!" He grabbed Ruby’s wrist lightly, his grin full of excitement. "Wife, did you hear that? If we play, we can win something amazing!"

Ruby shot him a sharp look. "We’re not playing."

Karl clutched his chest dramatically, stumbling back a step. "What? How can you crush my dreams like that?"

"Easily," Ruby replied, walking toward the door.

Karl hurried after her, still pouting. "But Wife, it’s fate! Look at us—we’re sitting together, eating together, laughing together—"

"—and now leaving together," Ruby cut in, not slowing down.

To be continued... 🪄