Chapter 1 One

• Three years had passed since Lilly’s world collapsed, but the memory of Eric’s farewell text still lingered like a scar.
• “It breaks my heart to say goodbye like this. I still love you, and I always will. Eric.”
• The words echoed in her mind every time she thought of that night.
• Tonight was the freshers’ welcoming party at Prestige University. Despite the noise echoing across campus, Lilly had no desire to celebrate.
• She had spent the last three years living like a shadow, drifting between her classes, the hostel, and the library.
• Her routine earned her the nickname “Ghost lady,” and she was fine with that.
• She only agreed to go to the party because she had lost a bet to her best friend, Rose.
• Standing before her room mirror, Lilly adjusted the hem of her purple gown. She had almost talked herself into faking an illness, but a small part of her wanted to escape her boredom.
• “Lilly, it’s time!” Rose called out from the doorway.
• Grabbing her purse, Lilly stepped out.
• With her hair pinned neatly and a touch of light makeup, she looked striking, different from her usual low-profile appearance.
• The hall was packed and glowing with light. Laughter and music filled the air as students mingled.
• “I’m going to find my boyfriend,” Rose whispered, and instantly disappeared into the crowd.
• Left alone, Lilly felt a sudden surge of anxiety. She wasn’t there to make friends or dance; she just wanted to mark her time and leave.
• Then her eyes landed on him.
• Eric Dallas stood just a few steps away, staring straight at her.
• The surrounding noise seemed to fade into a blur.
• Lilly froze, her heart pounding as his eyes held hers.
• For a moment, she felt the old pull between them. The shock snapped her back to reality, and she forced herself to break eye contact.
• What is he doing here? Panic stirred inside her.
• And why does he have to look more handsome?
• “Let’s get this party started!” the DJ’s voice boomed over the speakers, interrupting her thought.
• “Grab a partner and get on the floor!”
• The crowd cheered, but Lilly’s mind was spinning. Before she could retreat, Eric stepped into her path, his hand extended.
• “Lilly.”
• She looked up slowly.
• “Dance with me?” he asked softly.
• His steady gaze and familiar smile almost pulled her in, but Lilly cautioned herself.
• Not again.
• “No,” she said, stepping back.
• Eric’s expression fell, but he didn’t give up.
• “It’s good to see you. Lilly.” He said, lightly touching her shoulder.
• She stiffened at his touch.
• “I’ve missed you,” he added, his voice dripping like a whisper.
• Lilly turned to face him fully, crossing her arms.
• “Really? That’s hard to believe.”
• “I know I hurt you, and I’m sorry,” Eric said, the words spilling out as if he had rehearsed them a thousand times.
• “I was a fool to let you go. Please, just give me a second chance.”
• Lilly let out a cold laugh.
• “A second chance? You think you can just show up three years later and pick up where we left off?”
• “Lilly, please, let me explain...”
• Before he could finish, Lilly’s eyes darted past his shoulder.
• Standing near the bar was Dave Charles, the campus’ star basketball player and her classmate.
• He was sipping a drink, completely unaware of the scene unfolding nearby.
• An impulse took over Lilly.
• She was determined to shatter Eric’s confidence. Lilly brushed past him, walked straight up to Dave, and pulled him down by his collar.
• Before Dave could react, she pressed her lips to his.
• The crowd around them gasped.
• Dave’s eyes widened in sheer disbelief, his mind failing to process the sudden kiss.
• Out of the corner of her eye, Lilly saw Eric’s jaw clench, his face darkening with anger and humiliation.
• She looked satisfied, but she knew she had to commit to the move.
• Lilly pulled back just an inch, leaning close to Dave’s ear.
• “Kiss me back,” she whispered.
• Dave stared down at her, his hazel eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart flutter.
• For a while, they didn’t move, then, without a word, Dave leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.
• The kiss hit like an electric spark, sending shivers down Lilly’s spine.
• She felt herself melting into his arms, forgetting everything else in the crowded hall.
• When they finally broke apart for air, Lilly’s cheeks burned.
• A sudden rush of shyness washed over her; she hadn’t expected Dave to actually go along with it.
• She had only wanted to make Eric jealous, but the kiss had been undeniably real.
• “Dave,” he said, holding out his hand with his eyes fixed on her face.
• Lilly offered a shy, small smile, suddenly feeling self-conscious about how bold she had just been.
• “I... I’m Lilly,” she stammered, her face flushing red. “Nice to meet you, Dave.”
• “Thanks for that,” she added in a soft whisper.
• It had been three years since she had kissed anyone, not since Eric walked away.
• She stole a quick glance sideways and saw Eric watching them.
• Determined to keep up the act, she leaned in to Dave.
• Dave grinned, catching her glance toward Eric.
• “Anytime,” he said smoothly. It was obvious he had already seen right through her plan.
• Across the room, Eric was gritting his teeth, his jaw tight with anger.
• Lilly felt a quiet sense of satisfaction.
• Her point was made: she wanted him to believe she was over him and had moved on.
• But looking back at Dave, Lilly realized she might have stepped into something much bigger than she bargained for.
• Dave’s curious expression looked as if he was trying to figure her out.
• “What’s going on, Lilly?” Dave asked, leaning down to whisper in her ear. “You’re not just using me to get back at your ex, are you?”
• Lilly’s heart skipped a beat.
• How did he figure that out so fast?
• She panicked for a second, but forced a cool, quiet smile.
• “Maybe... a little,” she admitted softly.
• Dave looked into her eyes, and the world around them seemed to pause.
• Then, without warning, he leaned in and kissed her a second time.
• This time was different.
• It wasn’t a show; he meant it.
• Lilly’s eyes widened in shock.