The slap rang out—sharp but low, like a whip cracking in the silence. Serena Vale's soft palm had left its mark on the man in front of her, silencing the entire racing arena.
Caden Cross stood there in his red racing suit, helmet tucked under one arm, his expression unreadably cold despite the sting on his cheek. The infamous nemesis stood before him—the woman who had shadowed his victories and haunted his defeats for years.
His lips curved into a crooked smirk. "What's with this?"
Serena's eyes blazed. Her voice, sharp and cutting yet laced with a sweetness that mocked him, filled the air. "What's with this? You really dare ask me that? You tampered with my bike so I couldn't win. Pathetic."
Caden scoffed, glancing at her fallen blue bike—the one she always rode. "Please. I would've won even without touching your toy. Don't come crying to me just because you lost." He leaned down, bringing his face close to hers, and let out a low, mocking laugh.
The dark echo of his voice lingered in her ears, and she instinctively took a step back, fury twisting her features. She had no proof, not yet—but after years of fighting the same enemy, she knew only Caden Cross would stoop low enough to cheat for a win.
"Lost?" she sneered, folding her arms with a victorious tilt of her chin. "Don't forget my company ranks number one in the entire country this year. You've already lost to me where it matters."
His jaw flexed, veins hardening at his temple as his fists curled tight. He forced a smile, but the rage was there, simmering. "So what? Don't forget last year—you lost to me then. And this smile of yours won't last. Three months from now, that medal is mine."
Her eyes flashed with fury. "We'll see."
"Yeah…" he mimicked, smirk deepening as he turned his back on her. "We will."
Serena's glare followed him until he disappeared into the crowd. Her thoughts dragged her back—to the very first time she had met him. The day her enemy was born.
She had always ranked first in school, flawless and untouchable. Until one day, beside her name on the board, another appeared. Same score. Same rank. Caden Cross.
Intrigued, she had waited to see who dared challenge her crown. When a boy with cold eyes stood beside her, checking the board, she wasted no time.
"You're Caden Cross?" Arms folded, she tilted her head, assessing him.
His gaze was as sharp as ice. "What?"
"What's with the attitude? I'm not asking for your number. Just making sure the name matches the face of the guy who tied me."
"First?" His lips curved, not quite a smile. "Because of you, I stopped being the only one. What's there to celebrate?"
That tone—calm, detached, dismissive—lit a fire in her chest. She had punched him right then and there.
"I didn't even feel bad about someone tying with me, and here you are whining. Pathetic brat."
Their brawl had landed them in the principal's office. That was their first meeting: sharp, fiery, unforgettable.
Back in her office, Serena collapsed onto the couch, fanning herself though the air conditioner hummed. Fury burned hotter than any summer sun.
"That damned bastard. Should've slapped him two more times."
Her secretary—and best friend—Lydia, dressed sleek in red and smelling of perfume, crossed her legs and poured a glass of water. "You lost this time?" She handed the glass over with casual ease.
Serena scowled, snatching it. "Lost? Please. He cheated. Otherwise, I would've crushed him."
"Mm-hmm." Lydia nodded, unconcerned. After all, she was used to Serena coming back in a storm after every clash with Caden.
Serena's eyes narrowed. "You're all dressed up. Heading somewhere?"
A small smile flickered over Lydia's lips. "Yes. I have a date tonight."
Serena froze, her ears ringing. A date. At twenty-eight, she hadn't been on a single one. And whose fault was it? Caden's. Every ounce of her time had gone into making sure he never got the last laugh. Who had time for romance when your nemesis was always lurking, waiting to win?
With a pout, she threw herself against Lydia's shoulder. "Didn't we vow to stay single forever? You're abandoning me?"
"Come on." Lydia laughed. "We made that vow in college. No one takes it seriously. We're in our late twenties, Serena. Start dating before it's too late. Who knows—maybe you and Caden will keep competing until you're old and grey. Isn't that basically marriage?"
Serena's face twisted in disgust. "Ugh. Don't curse me like that."
She sat up with a huff, glaring as if to chase the thought away. "So, who's the unlucky guy?"
Lydia's smile faltered, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. How could she admit that the man waiting for her tonight was none other than Caden Cross's best friend?