CHAPTER 2

After setting the table, they started eating and continued talking. Lily had her first bite of beef Wellington when her mother shifted the subject to Kevin.

"How is Kevin?" Mrs. Gray asked with a smile playing on her lips.

"We are done, Mom," she answered straightforwardly while focusing on her food.

"What? Why?" Mrs. Gray asked.

"He cheated on me," the young woman said to her mother, looking down. She noticed her father's clenched fist, showing his anger.

"Are you OK, honey?" Mr. Gray had asked.

"I am fine, Dad." Although hurt, Lily had chosen to be happy so as not to upset her parents. Her mother had reached out and gently stroked her hand.

"You are still young, honey, you will find someone who will love you until the end," her mother said, offering comfort and hope. Lily smiled at them.

“Don’t worry, Mom. I will be fine,” she replied. Reassured, Mrs. Gray let go of her hand.

"Anyway, your graduation will be in two months from now. We will have a big party, OK?" Mr. Gray said. Lily just smiled and nodded. They continued their dinner with loud laughter echoing across the dining area. They called it a day around nine o’clock in the evening.

Lily could not focus on her studies, so she scrolled through her phone for a few minutes. Later, she received a message that caught her attention. It was from Allison, her best friend.

The text says, “Are you free tonight?”

She replied, “I’m studying.”

Another text came in. "Don't tell me Kevin did not allow you to go out again."

Lily pondered. She had missed many opportunities in her life because Kevin had not allowed her to go out. She typed a reply.

"We broke up."

In less than a minute, Lily's phone rang, and she quickly answered it.

"Hey," Lily greeted.

"Why did you two break up? I mean, thank God. But why?" Allison rapidly asked. Lily laughed at this.

"Take it slow, Alli," Lily said.

"Why though?" Allison asked again.

"I caught him hooking up with another woman," Lily said and broke down.

"Hey, are you crying?" Allison asked.

"Idiot. Of course, I wouldn't be laughing at my situation," Lily said with a laugh while tears streamed down her face.

“So, what now? Are you going to cry all night? No way, Lily. Let’s go out and have fun,” Allison quickly said.

"Fetch me up. I'm not bringing my car," Lily said, causing Allison to scream on the other line. Lily quickly got ready, and it was not long before Allison arrived. As Lily was about to get into the car, her phone beeped with a new message. It was from Kevin.

"Let's talk," he said in a controlling manner.

"Who's that?" Allison asked, prompting Lily to quickly turn off her phone and fully settle into the passenger seat.

"It's Kevin," Lily said once seated.

"Stop being stupid in love," Allison warned her.

"I'm not," she responded defensively.

They immediately headed to H&F Club. As soon as they arrived, they could hear the deafening noise from inside the club.

They immediately entered and were greeted by a sea of bodies grooving on the dance floor. Others were on the side, drinking with their respective groups. It was not Lily's first time in a club, but since she rarely went, she still was not used to it.

"Let's party, Lily," Allison shouted as they passed the dance floor.

They went straight to the bar counter and ordered tequila. In less than an hour, they both felt their bodies warming up. Allison quickly suggested they dance. Due to her intoxication, Lily simply let herself be led by Allison onto the dance floor.

Lily danced and danced, as did Allison. Both had their eyes closed, swaying to the music. Suddenly, Lily felt like someone had been staring at her for a while, so she opened her eyes. It took several blinks to adjust her vision in the club's dim light. When her sight cleared, she saw a pair of eyes looking at her - it was Mykel. She knew Mykel as Kevin's constant competitor in everything in their industry. While Kevin was a COO in their company, Mykel was the CEO. His eyes were sharp and striking, complemented by thick eyebrows that added strength to his strong aura, and a square jawline that enhanced his manliness. He was tall and well-groomed, with a prominent Adam's apple that was quite noticeable.

Lily did not pay much attention to him and continued dancing. After a while, she felt someone grab her wrist, and when she turned around, she saw Kevin's face, furious.

"Let's go home," he shouted, his words nearly swallowed by the loud music.

Lily struggled to break free, but Kevin forcefully pulled her to the side, prompting Allison to follow.

"Kevin, let her go," Allison demanded, trying to help Lily escape, but their strength was no match for Kevin's.

"Don't meddle in this, Allison," Kevin said. Nonetheless, Lily did not stop resisting. While Kevin tightly gripped Lily's hand, another hand gently held her waist. She felt a rush of blood through her body and jolted in surprise. Turning, she recognized Mykel.

"Don't force someone who doesn't want to come with you," Mykel said, staring intensely at Kevin. Kevin then turned to Mykel and pushed him, causing him to let go of Lily's waist.

"Mind your own business," Kevin retorted.

Mykel responded with a smirk.

Caught off guard, Lily responded without thinking.

"I'm his business." Even she was surprised by her own words. Shocked by what she said, Kevin let her go.

"What are you saying?" Kevin asked, bewildered.

Lily stepped back towards Mykel and took his hand.

"He asked me to date him, and I said yes," Lily answered directly.

"But you're in a relationship with me," Kevin responded.

"I thought I made it clear, Kevin. We're done," Lily firmly stated.

Kevin stepped back and looked around, taking in the situation. Upon realizing everything, he turned and left.