Chapter 1

Chris and I were synced up on this Truth-Teller App.

The deal was, if either of us lied, the system would automatically deduct $1314.00 from their linked account and transfer it to the other person.

My best friend, Chloe, developed it. She asked me to help her beta test it.

During our holiday weekend trip to a popular beach town, something felt off.

On the train, Chris went to take a call in the restroom. When he came back, his expression was completely wrong.

"Who was that?" I asked.

He avoided my gaze. "No one. Just a spam call."

The next second, my phone buzzed with a notification:

[Partner detected lying. $1314.00 deducted from linked account.]

I stared at the message, speechless.

Chris saw me staring at my phone, not saying a word, and leaned closer.

"What's up, Jo? What are you so engrossed in?"

I turned the phone screen towards him.

A muscle in his jaw jumped.

"I thought you… usually kept app notifications off?"

I didn't say anything, just watched him.

He snatched my phone, his fingers frantically tapping the screen, as if trying to delete the notification.

"These apps are getting out of hand now. I'll help you uninstall it later."

He shoved the phone back into my hand as he spoke.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in my chest. "So, that call just now? It wasn't a spam call?"

Chris's eyes darted away again. He insisted stubbornly, "It was a spam call!"

The words had barely left his mouth.

"Ding-dong."

My phone chimed again, a new notification popping up.

[Partner detected lying. $1314.00 deducted from linked account.]

The air went completely silent.

"Joanna!" He practically spat my name through clenched teeth. "Are you using this thing to spy on me?"

He accused me outright.

I scoffed. "Spy on you?"

"Chris, have you forgotten?"

"This app was developed by Chloe. She asked me to help her beta test it, and you agreed to link your account."

"What? Now that your lies are exposed, you're trying to turn the tables on me?"

He suddenly sat up straight, frowning at me.

"What lie did I tell!?"

"It was just a stupid call! What if I don't want to talk about it?"

"Why do you always have to pry into everything? Do you have any respect for my privacy!?"

His voice grew louder and louder.

Passengers around us cast curious glances our way.

"Fine, I won't ask."

I turned my face away, looking out at the rapidly receding scenery through the window.

This holiday, from its very first second, was destined to be unpleasant.

Chapter Two

When we arrived at the cozy rental we'd booked, Chris was still sulking.

He tossed his suitcase onto the floor, then stormed into the bathroom, his face dark, slamming the door shut.

I looked at my pale face in the mirror and let out a self-deprecating laugh.

My phone vibrated again.

It was a message from Chloe.

[Hey, babe. Is the app stable? How's the user experience?]

I stared at the words, and almost instinctively replied.

[Very stable. The experience… is incredibly stimulating.]

Not long after, Chloe called.

"What's wrong, Jo? Your tone sounds off."

I walked out onto the balcony, closed the glass door, and quietly recounted what had just happened.

There was a long silence on the other end of the line.

Then, Chloe cautiously spoke. "Joanna, don't overthink it."

"Chris isn't like that. Maybe he really has something he can't talk about?"

"Like… maybe family needing money or something. He's a man, you know, too proud to admit it to you."

Her words sounded reasonable, like she was making excuses for him.

"If he'd just been honest, do you really think I wouldn't help?"

"Men have their pride," Chloe sighed.

"Why don't you talk to him properly later? Don't let this minor issue affect your relationship."

"If this app makes you uncomfortable, just turn it off. Forget the testing."

After hanging up, the irritation in my heart eased a little.

Maybe I really was overthinking things.

The bathroom door opened, and Chris walked out, hair still damp, wrapped in a towel.

He stood in front of me, hesitated for a moment, then softened his tone. "Joanna, I'm sorry. My attitude was bad earlier."

I looked at him, not speaking.

He reached out to hug me, but I stepped aside, avoiding him.

His arm froze mid-air, and his face clouded over again.

"Ugh! Fine, I'll tell you. It was just my mom calling for money. I was annoyed and felt embarrassed, so I lied."

He explained, but his eyes wouldn't meet mine.

"Are you serious? You're still nagging about this?"

My heart stirred. I pulled out my phone and tapped open the "Truth-Teller" app.

I looked directly into his eyes. "Chris, you just said that your mom called, asking for money, and that's why you lied to me. Is that true?"

A flicker of panic seemed to cross his face, but he quickly composed himself, nodding forcefully. "Yes, it's true!"

My gaze locked on the phone screen.

One second.

Two seconds.

Three seconds.

My phone stayed quiet.

No notification popped up.