Chapter 3 003

Elara's POV

"I only need your best pose, not that sheepish posture," Alric muttered, irritation curling in his voice.

"So-sorry," I blurted, fumbling for words. Being this close to the almighty, most popular, ridiculously handsome hockey player makes me nervous.

"Relax, dear. Just close the distance and give me a smile." The photographer mentioned.

My legs felt like jelly as I stepped closer, but Alric didn't wait. His arm snaked around me, pulling me flush against him. I felt my breath stop momentarily, an awkward smile forced onto my lips as the flashes exploded.

Click. Click. Click.

The shoot ended almost as quickly as it started. I grabbed my phone, but it buzzed before I could even breathe. Notifications poured in like an avalanche.

Breaking News: Alric Harlow Spotted With Mystery Girl.

Exclusive: Hockey Star's New Girlfriend Revealed.

"Go change. Quickly." Alric's voice resounded, leaving no room for argument.

I slipped into my usual simple dress for college-nothing fancy, just me.

On the drive, I kept my eyes glued to the scenery outside, forcing myself not to scan or admire the sleek interior of his luxurious car. If I did, my heart might actually burst out of my chest.

The car stopped at the college entrance. Fear rooted me to the seat; I sank lower, pinching my fingers nervously.

Alric's voice cut through. "We're only pretending to date, and already you're looking for princess treatment? Should I open the door for you before you get out?"

"N-no... no."

He smirked faintly. "I will anyway. Good acting-you're already doing well. Guess you're not as dumb as I thought."

As we walked down the hallway to my class, all eyes turned on me. Whispers filling the hall. Gazed on me, some twisted in disgust, others wide-eyed in curiosity.

Alric held me close-so close I could feel his chest against mine, his cologne sharp and Rosey, definitely one of his most expensive scents. Each step made my heart hammer harder, trying to ease my breathing.

"No... way. Is this true?"

"Who does she think she is?"

"Seriously... Harlow's dating her?"

My knees nearly gave way. I wanted to vanish, melt into the floor.

We stopped at the entrance to my classroom. My mind raced, words stuck in my throat.

"I... I... should go in now," I stammered, voice barely audible.

Alric bent slightly, brushing his lips against my cheek in a quick, almost casual peck. My stomach flipped, a surge of heat and somewhat jelly feeling over me.

By four, he had whispered it-"At the stadium"-and then left like it was nothing.

The rest of the day dragged on. In class, every single eye was pinned on me. Not the teacher. Not the board. Just me. I kept my gaze down, glued to the corner seat by the window. My only hiding spot.

It felt like everyone studied me harder than the subject. Each whisper, each stare, burned more than any chalk line across the board.

Finally, the bell. My chest loosened. I packed up fast, ready to bolt for my shift at the supermarket.

But I didn't even make it out the door.

Lyra's friends. Blocking the way.

One shoved me against the wall, her nails biting into my dress. The fabric strained. Their perfume was suffocating.

"You bitch," one spat, face inches from mine. "The nerve you have to take a picture. Do you know Lyra's been crying all day because of you? When she's back-you're done. Graveyard done."

Another sneered, her hand sliding up like she wanted to leave a mark across my cheek.

"Argh, your existence is so fucking irritating."

The hand drew back. My breath hitched.

Then-

"Alric is coming!"

The words shot through the hallway like a gunshot. Their grips faltered instantly. My lungs filled again, but my knees nearly gave out. Because if Lyra was my nightmare... then Alric was something else entirely.

She let go of me so fast it was like I burned her, stumbling back before hitting the floor. I bent, snatched up my bag that had been shoved aside, clutching it tight.

"Hi, Alric," one of them chirped quickly, voice dripping fake sweetness. "Are you here to see Lyra? She's been looking for y-"

She didn't even get to finish.

Alric brushed her aside without a word, his broad frame cutting through them like they were air. His eyes landed on me, sharp, heavy, and my heartbeat slammed against my ribs.

"Let's go."

Two words. Low, commanding.

Before I could argue, his hand caught mine. Fingers strong, warm-intertwining like he'd done it a thousand times. The casual dominance of it made my skin prickle. His friends followed behind, tall and built, their presence alone radiating a pressure that made the hallway shrink. Every student nearby froze, eyes wide, not daring to breathe.

By the time I realized where we were heading, we were already there.

The school stadium. Packed. Every seat filled, everyone buzzing with pre-match energy.

And me? Pulled right to the front.

For the first time, I sat where the spotlight actually touched, not hiding in the back, not invisible. My chest tightened. This was a world I'd only ever watched from far away.

The whistle blew. The game started, and the crowd roared.

Ulric Hale, team captain of the rivals, skated like a predator circling prey. I wasn't blind-I saw the way his eyes cut toward Alric every time he moved. It wasn't just a game for him.

And then I noticed it. The flick of his wrist, the deliberate angle of his stick-not aiming for the puck, but for Alric's knee.

My breath hitched.

He was cheating. Over and over, subtle, but lethal if it landed.

But Alric... Alric was faster. Every time Ulric lunged dirty, Alric dodged clean, sliding past with a smirk that only seemed to enrage him more. It was like watching two wolves fight for dominance, the whole stadium feeding off the tension.

By halftime, sweat gleamed on Alric's temples. The players broke for a breather, benches filling. And that's when it happened.

Girls swarmed.

Cheerleaders, classmates-hands shoving water bottles, towels, anything just to get close.

I sat frozen, clutching the cheap plastic bottle I always carried, until Alric's gaze found me.

Cold. Intense. A look that burned straight through the crowd and pinned me to my seat.

My body reacted before my brain did. I stood, walked stiffly toward him, and held out my water. My hand trembled, but I kept it steady enough.

He didn't take it.

I stretched the bottle toward him, but in a split second his hand clamped around mine. My balance slipped-I fell against his chest, breath knocked out.

Before I could think, his cold lips crashed onto mine. He didn't stop, he grabbed my waist sucking on my lips.