A month ago, I was cursed with the Truth System. Now, any lie spoken in my presence comes true in the
worst possible way.
Right now, my boyfriend, Ryan, is standing before me, his face a mask of panic. He claims he’s desperately ill and needs me to donate one of my kidneys to save his life.
[LIE DETECTED. ILLNESS IS A FABRICATION. COMMENCING REALITY-ALTERATION.]
The cold, mechanical voice echoed in my head.
I stared in shock at the man I’d loved for three years. I couldn’t believe he would lie to me about something
like this.
Seeing me frozen and unresponsive, Ryan must have thought I doubted him. He grabbed my arm and started dragging me toward the hospital, insisting he would show me the “test results.”
As I watched his determined act, a chilling coldness spread through my heart.
Oh, I believed him.
After all, his lie was already coming true.
At the hospital, Ryan sat across from me, his face unnaturally pale. He was flanked by his so-called best friend, Colby, and a pack of his loyal buddies.
“Ruby, I’m out of options,” he pleaded, his voice cracking. “I’m really sick. You’re the only one who can save
me.”
Colby chimed in, her expression a perfect portrait of concern. “He’s right, Ruby. Ryan’s been feeling awful for days. If I hadn’t dragged him to the hospital, we never would have known about his kidneys. The doctor said he needs a transplant as soon as possible, or it’s going to be dangerous!”
[LIE DETECTED FROM BOTH PARTIES. COMMENCING REALITY-ALTERATION.]
I glanced between them. Just as the system’s voice faded, the color drained even further from Ryan’s face.
I didn’t call them out. Instead, I played along.
“Ryan, don’t worry,” I said, faking a worried frown. “Maybe there was a mistake with the last test. Let’s just
wait for the new results.”
Colby immediately shot me down. “This is the best hospital in the state! Every day you delay is another day Ryan is in danger! If something happens to him, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
Her words were so absurd I almost laughed. The only thing I’d regret for the rest of my life was actually givi- ng them my kidney.
19:15
Chapter 1
19.15
I fixed my gaze on her. “I’m just trying to be careful, for Ryan’s sake. This is his life we’re talking about,” I said, my voice hardening. “Besides, you’re always saying you’re his best friend,
