Chapter 2
Lily's POV
After the party, I played Chloe's lapdog again.
Every morning I'd grab her grande caramel macchiato from Starbucks, save her a seat in class, carry her Hermès bag, even take notes for her when she was too lazy to move. Other girls called me "Chloe's puppy" behind my back. Whatever. I didn't care.
But this time, I refused her "generosity."
"Lily, try these, Vincent had them flown in from France~" Chloe pushed a pink box of macarons toward me, her smile sweet as pie.
"I'm good, thanks."
"Oh, come on," she said, batting her lashes. "Vincent says he likes girls with some curves. Don't starve yourself skinny."
I kept my head down. "Sure, Chloe."
Then left the macarons untouched on the table.
That's how it went last time. One "Vincent likes this" after another, feeding me high-calorie crap until I went from 100 pounds to 180. This time? Hell no.
Every morning at 5:30, I snuck to the school gym to run. Lunch was just salad and chicken breast. At night in my dorm, I did planks and squats until my roommates fell asleep.
Chloe had no idea about my changes, but Vincent started showing up everywhere.
At lunch, he sat down next to me in front of everyone. The entire cafeteria stopped chewing. Chloe sat at the cheerleader table, looking pissed.
The next day, my locker was stuffed with roses and a card: "Just the way you are. -V". The whole hallway crowded around, phones out, snapping pictures like crazy. Chloe smiled sweetly, but her nails were digging into her palms.
The best part? Vincent publicly asked me to Homecoming during the school assembly. The whole place EXPLODED. People lost their minds. I acted all flattered and said yes. When I turned around and saw Chloe's face, I almost couldn't hold back my laugh.
I knew he was just playing games, using me to get to Chloe. But I was happy to play along—after all, watching her suffer beat getting crushed under her heel like last time.
Gym class. Field hockey practice.
I changed into fitted athletic wear. In the mirror, I'd already lost 15 pounds. My figure was finally showing—curves in the right places, defined waist, toned thighs.
Girls started whispering.
"Oh my God, Lily lost so much weight."
"Her body's actually amazing."
"No wonder Vincent's into her."
Chloe leaned against her locker, still wearing that sweet smile. "Lily, you've been secretly losing weight~"
"I haven't—"
"Don't be so sensitive," she tilted her head, grinning bright. "I KNOW you're doing this for Vincent. Girl, I get it. Who wouldn't want his attention?"
She paused, then added casually, "It's just... he seems more into the natural beauty type? You know, the kind that doesn't try so hard."
I took a deep breath. God, I hated this bitch.
Walking out of the locker room, every guy's eyes snapped toward me.
Then Vincent appeared.
Red and white team jersey, hockey stick slung over his shoulder. The second he saw me, those gray-blue eyes definitely sparked.
He walked over, stepped right in front of me, using his body to block the other guys' stares.
"You're on my team." Not a question. An order.
I put on my flattered face. "Wait, really?"
"Yeah." He looked at me with satisfaction, his gaze flicking toward Chloe with challenge.
Chloe's smile grew brighter, but something vicious flashed in her eyes.
Internally, I rolled my eyes so hard. Ugh, when was this stupid act gonna end?
The game started.
Vincent was captain. Being on his team basically guaranteed a win. He handled the ball like a pro, movements smooth. I was on defense, basically just standing there for show.
But I noticed Chloe's eyes locked on me the whole time.
She charged forward, stick raised—aimed not at the ball, but at my shin.
Damn it, this move again!
I dodged early.
Chloe's momentum carried her forward. She lost balance, about to faceplant into the ground.
Vincent instinctively reached to catch her, shoving me aside in the process.
I went down, falling toward the grass. Just as I was about to hit hard, a pair of strong arms caught me. Perfect tackle form, protecting my head and waist.
"You okay?"
I looked up into a pair of amber eyes.
A sharp scream came from behind. "AHH—! My leg!"
I scrambled to my feet and ran toward her.
Chloe and Vincent had both ended up in the mud, complete disasters. Chloe's face was covered in dirt, her designer athletic wear completely ruined.
"Chloe! Are you okay?" I crouched down, pretending to be worried. "This is my fault, I shouldn't have dodged—"
"You DARE say that!" Chloe stared at me, her eyes going crazy. "You did that on PURPOSE!"
She suddenly grabbed the hockey stick from the ground and swung it at me.
Shit! I raised my arm instinctively to block. The stick slammed into my forearm. Pain shot through me.
"CHLOE!" Vincent roared.
The guy with amber eyes rushed over, yanked the stick away, and stepped in front of me.
"What the HELL is wrong with you?" His voice was low and dangerous.
"Mind your own business, Carter!" Chloe screamed.
Carter. Football captain Carter Hayes. Short blonde hair, tan skin, ripped as hell. St. Judia's other "Golden Boy," and Vincent's rival.
"She's hurt," Carter pointed at my swelling arm, his tone cold. "I'm taking her to the nurse."
"No need." Vincent's face went dark. "I'll take her."
"You?" Carter put his arm around my shoulders. "Isn't your stepsister's leg broken?"
Chloe immediately grabbed Vincent's arm, crying harder. "Vincent... my leg... will I ever be able to dance again..."
Vincent clenched his fists, looking between Chloe and me.
More people gathered around, phones raised, snapping photos.
"Choose, Ashford," Carter smirked. "Your stepsister, or your—what was it again?"
Vincent took a deep breath, looking at me. "Lily, just wait for me a second—"
Carter didn't bother listening. He just grabbed my hand and started walking away.
Vincent's face got even darker. "Let her go."
"Why?" Carter raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you just choose your stepsister? Who do you think you are?"
"Because," Vincent suddenly stepped forward, yanking me out of Carter's arms, "she's my GIRLFRIEND."
