Lila's POV
The chandelier glittered like a hundred frozen stars above the grand ballroom, but all I could focus on was him. Ethan Blackwood. The name alone made my blood boil, and seeing him tonight, wearing that perfectly tailored tuxedo and that insufferable half-smile, didn't help.
"You're early," I muttered under my breath, adjusting the cuffs of my designer gown.
"Lila," he said smoothly, as if greeting me was some casual courtesy, "I could say the same about you."
I narrowed my eyes. "Late or early, it doesn't matter. You'll still lose tonight."
He raised an eyebrow. "Ah, the heiress who thinks she can outshine everyone. Always amusing."
I gritted my teeth. Always. That word. Always meant he thought he was better than me. Better dressed, better family, better at everything. I wouldn't let it slide. Not tonight.
The gala was supposed to be elegant—a charity event celebrating the city's most promising young entrepreneurs—but to me, it was just another battlefield. And he was standing in my territory.
I scanned the room for my friends, hoping someone would save me from the inevitable verbal sparring. But they were all caught up in polite introductions, leaving me alone with Ethan.
"You know," he continued, his voice low enough that only I could hear, "you really should try smiling more. It suits you."
I wanted to roll my eyes, but I forced a polite smile instead. "I save my smiles for people who deserve them."
"Then I guess I'm out of luck," he said, stepping closer. Too close. My heart did something ridiculous, fluttering in spite of myself.
I pushed the thought away. Focus, Lila. He may look perfect, but inside, he's still the arrogant—
"Lila!" a voice called, and I turned just in time to see my father approaching. He was smiling, but I could tell he was sizing Ethan up. Typical. Fathers always did that when their children were involved in the same events.
"Ah, Ethan," he said, extending his hand. "Good to see you."
Ethan shook it, perfectly polite. "Sir. Pleasure as always."
I caught a flash of amusement in his eyes, directed straight at me. It wasn't fair. He made everything seem effortless, while I had to plan every word, every gesture.
I glanced at the stage, where the host was preparing to announce the first awards. My turn would come soon—my charity project had been nominated for the Young Innovators Award. And I wouldn't lose… not to him.
Ethan's POV
She looked like she always did: flawless, untouchable, and infuriating. Lila Hartman. Heiress, genius, rival. My biggest competitor in school, society, and—if I wasn't careful—my own heart.
I couldn't believe our parents had decided to put us in the same charity gala. Of course, they thought it would be "good for our social skills." I called it a trap.
"Evening, Lila," I said, keeping my tone casual, though my pulse was doing that stupid thing when she was near.
She didn't even flinch. Typical. The woman was unshakable. "Ethan," she replied coolly. "Try not to trip over your own ego tonight."
I smirked. "No promises."
The awards started, each winner walking to the stage with their smug little smiles. I couldn't wait to see her face when—
The host cleared her throat. "And now, the Young Innovators Award goes to…"
I froze.
"…Lila Hartman!"
There it was. She walked up to the stage, glowing, every head turning to admire her. She held herself like she owned the room. I clenched my jaw. Of course. She always had to be perfect.
But then… she turned, scanning the audience. And our eyes met.
I swear the entire ballroom disappeared for a second.
I looked away immediately. Focus, Ethan. You're a Blackwood. You don't get distracted by… anyone.
Lila's POV
I gripped the award, smiling politely as cameras clicked. Then I saw him—Ethan, standing there with that infuriating smirk. How dare he look proud of me?
My father gave me a subtle nod, clearly aware of the tension. I kept my composure. I had worked too hard to be intimidated by him.
But then the host leaned in and whispered something that made my heart skip.
"Next, the Blackwood project will present their innovation."
Ethan's project. The competition wasn't over. Not by a long shot.
He strode to the stage, flawless as always. Our eyes met again, and for the briefest second, I saw something that made me pause—a flicker of… challenge? Or maybe amusement.
Either way, I clenched my jaw. He wouldn't beat me. I couldn't let him.
Just as Ethan was about to reveal his project, the projector flickered… and went completely black. The room gasped. Lights dimmed. And in that moment, I felt his hand brush against mine—by accident… or was it on purpose?
We exchanged a glance, and in that second, I realized this rivalry was about to get a lot more complicated.