The cards were dealt lightly, gliding across the velvet tabletop like secret whispers, while eager eyes watched every move, every glance, every subtle gesture that might reveal something about the players' intentions. In this world, it's not what the cards hold that matters, but how you play them.
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Elizabeth sat up straight, her hands on the table, her gaze fixed on the cards she'd been dealt. She didn't blink. She didn't breathe deeply. Everything was calculated. William, however, relaxed in his seat, as if he already knew the outcome.
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🃏 William (in a quiet voice, looking at Elizabeth instead of his cards): "Poker isn't just math, it's reading... reading eyes, reading breaths, reading fear before it's born."
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♠ Elizabeth (raising an eyebrow slightly): "And you think you're reading me?"
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🃏 William (smiling weakly, turning over one of his cards): "Not yet... but I'm learning."
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First round, the stakes are raised, and the other players at the table exchange glances. Elizabeth places her chips steadily, without hesitation, as everyone watches, unsure whether she's confident or just pretending.
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On the other side of the room, John watches silently. He's uneasy. He's seen this scene before—William luring his opponents, playing with their minds before defeating them with cards. But he's never seen anyone confront him like this. Elizabeth was different.
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♠ John (muttering to himself): "Do you know what you're doing, Elizabeth?"
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But she didn't need to answer.
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Every time William raised his bet, she followed him. Their gazes met, not an open challenge, but a silent test. Who would break first? Who would blink?
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Then, for a moment, she did something he hadn't expected.
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♠ Elizabeth (leaning forward, voice low): "You're trying to see me, but do you see yourself, William?"
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Something changed in his expression. For a brief, almost imperceptible moment, a shadow of a past that hadn't yet been revealed appeared. Then, as if nothing had happened, he resumed his calm smile.
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🃏 William: "Interesting game, Elizabeth."
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♠ Elizabeth: "It's only just begun."
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As the final card was placed on the table, no one was yet certain of the winner, but everyone realized that this night would be like no other.
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