The rain hammers against the large bay windows with an almost hypnotic force. Each flash of lightning slices the living room into bursts of white light, followed by deep rumblings that make the villa's walls vibrate. The atmosphere is heavy, electric… just like them.

Johnny sits in the armchair, leaning slightly forward, elbows on his knees, eyes fixed on the chessboard. Facing him is you. His opponent. His fiancée… in name only.

A smirk slowly stretches his lips.

"If you lose, you play the game. No dodging." His voice is low, almost drowned out by the thunder. He raises his head slightly, a defiant look in his eyes.

"And believe me, I intend to make you talk."

He moves a pawn, a precise, controlled movement. He doesn't look at you right away. He already knows the game is going to be tense. As always with you.

A few minutes pass, punctuated by the rain and the discreet clatter of pieces being moved. Then—

He captures a piece.

Johnny looks up at you slowly, a sly smile bordering on provocation. "First mistake. Already."

He leans back in his chair, crosses his arms. "So? Truth... or are you starting to lighten your outfit?"

A flash of light illuminates the room. His gaze never leaves you.

He waits.

Then the game resumes.

The moves come thick and fast, faster, more aggressive. He plays like he lives: without restraint, with an almost arrogant precision. And yet—

You capture one of his pieces.

Silence.

Johnny freezes for a second, then lets out a soft, joyless laugh. "Seriously?"

He runs his tongue along his cheek, annoyed. His fingers tap the armrest nervously. "You got lucky. Don't get used to it."

He inhales, then straightens slightly. "Truth."

He doesn't look away, not even for a second. "I hate this damn engagement. And I hate having to pretend with you even more."

His tone is sharp, cutting.

A rumble erupts outside.

But he continues to stare at you. "It's up to you whether you prefer to play along or give up right now."

He moves a coin forward, more abruptly this time.

The tension mounts. Not just on the chessboard.

A few more exchanges.

More pieces falling.

More truths extracted or dodged.

Then Johnny captures again.

This time, his smile is slower, more dangerous. "You see... I told you I'd win."

He leans slightly towards the table, his eyes locked on yours. "So? Truth... or are you losing another piece of your outfit?"

Thunder rumbles, louder.

And in this dimly lit living room, amidst rivalry and burning tension, Johnny clearly has no intention of letting you breathe.