A few hours passed, and Linsley and Seraphina spent most of the time engrossed in their conversation about games, discovering that they shared a common interest in MOBA games.
The initial tension between them gradually eased as they found themselves enjoying each other's company, at least on the surface.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the city, they realized it was time to leave Moonbucks.
Stepping outside, they noticed a sleek black car waiting at the curb. The vehicle was unmistakably associated with the Outer God Association, a subtle yet oppressive reminder of the world they lived in.
The car door opened automatically, and without a word, they both knew it was time to head to their new home—a place arranged by the Outer God Association where they would be living together as an engaged couple.
Linsley and Seraphina exchanged a brief glance before getting into the car, each of them silently acknowledging the reality of their situation.
The driver, an agent of the Outer God Association, remained stoic and silent, his presence adding to the tension in the air.
Neither Linsley nor Seraphina felt the need to break the silence; they were well aware of the arrangements laid out for them in the email they had received earlier.
As the car smoothly glided through the city streets, the weight of their circumstances settled in.
They were both being manipulated by forces beyond their control, forced into roles neither had chosen. Yet, they also knew that for now, they had to play along, each harboring their own thoughts and plans for the future.
The ride was quiet, with only the faint hum of the car's engine breaking the silence.
Both Linsley and Seraphina stared out of their respective windows, lost in their thoughts, their shared interests momentarily overshadowed by the reality of the lives they were about to lead.
When the car finally pulled up in front of their new home, they found themselves gazing at a luxurious villa.
The residence was expansive, with immaculate gardens surrounding it, and tall iron gates that added a touch of elegance to its grandeur.
The villa's architecture was a blend of modern and classical styles, with large windows that reflected the evening light and a facade that exuded both luxury and an unsettling sense of isolation.
Linsley and Seraphina exchanged glances before stepping out of the car, their curiosity piqued by the imposing structure before them.
The driver, still silent, remained by the car, watching as they made their way to the front door.
As they entered the villa, they were greeted by an interior that matched the exterior's grandeur. Marble floors, high ceilings, and tastefully decorated rooms spoke of wealth and luxury.
The living room was spacious, furnished with plush sofas, a grand piano, and a fireplace that added a touch of warmth to the otherwise cold atmosphere.
"Not bad," Linsley muttered, more to himself than to Seraphina, as they began to explore the rest of the villa.
Seraphina nodded in agreement, her eyes taking in the details of their new home.
However, as they continued to inspect the villa, they both noticed something unusual. Despite the villa's size, there were no guest rooms. Each room they passed seemed to serve a specific purpose—an office, a library, a dining room—but there were no other bedrooms.
Linsley frowned as they reached the master bedroom. "This can't be right," he said, pushing the door open.
The master bedroom was as lavish as the rest of the villa.
A large, king-sized bed dominated the room, flanked by elegant nightstands and accompanied by a luxurious en-suite bathroom. The decor was tasteful, yet there was an undeniable sense of expectation in the way the room was arranged.
Seraphina's eyes widened as she realized the implications. "There's only one bed," she said, her voice laced with disbelief.
"No guest rooms, either," Linsley added, his tone growing more serious. "Looks like the Outer God Association really wants us to play the part of a perfect couple."
Seraphina crossed her arms, a mix of irritation and resignation flashing across her face. "This is just another way for them to control us. They're making sure we can't escape each other."
Linsley sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not like we have a choice. We'll have to make it work—for now."
There was a moment of awkward silence as they both stood in the room, processing the situation.
Finally, Linsley spoke up, his voice a bit softer. "I'll take the couch. You can have the bed."
Seraphina shook her head. "No, we're both in this together. We'll figure out a way to make it work without making things more uncomfortable than they need to be."
Linsley looked at her, surprised by her calmness. "You're handling this better than I expected," he admitted.
She offered a faint smile, though there was a hint of weariness in her eyes. "I've had to adapt to worse situations. This is just another obstacle to overcome."
"Right," Linsley agreed, though a part of him couldn't help but wonder what she had been through to develop such resilience. "Let's just try to get through this without losing our sanity."
Seraphina chuckled softly, a sound that was both genuine and bittersweet. "Deal."
Seraphina's chuckle faded into the stillness of the room, leaving behind a silence that felt both comfortable and tense.
Linsley nodded, giving her a final glance before moving away from the bed. His mind was already shifting gears, focusing on something that had been nagging at him ever since they arrived.
Without a word, Linsley began to meticulously inspect the room. He moved with purpose, his eyes scanning every inch of the walls, ceiling, and floor.
As he did so, he summoned his Invisible Providence avatar, the purple-colored, invisible tentacles silently extending from his body to assist in his search. The tentacles slipped into every crack and crevice, feeling for anything out of the ordinary.
Seraphina watched him for a moment, her curiosity piqued. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice soft but inquisitive.