The Alpha rival's game

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 disappearing 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 seems to fade into blur.

Lilly froze, her heart pounding as his eyes held hers.

For a moment, she felt the old pull between them. The shock snaps 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 word 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 gasps.

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 looks 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 unto hers with an intensity that made her heart flutter.

For a while, they don'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.