

Description
Emily's world falls apart when she catches her boyfriend, Seb, cheating on her with her best friend. Heartbroken and confused, she meets Adam Cooper, the charming captain of a rival football team, who helps her heal and lets her cross off items from her bucket list. As their bond deepens, they begin a secret relationship, knowing that dating each other would ruin their reputations with their schools and friends. But when their relationship is exposed, Emily faces backlash from her friends, especially Luca, who's been bullied by Adam's team. As the drama escalates, Emily must decide whether she's willing to fight for her love or let it go to protect her friendships and reputation.
Chapter 1
Apr 30, 2025
Emily's POV
I stood in front of the full-length mirror, wrapped in nothing but a bathrobe, eyeing the array of dresses my best friend, Amanda, had laid out on the bed. My heart fluttered with anticipation. I had been counting down the days until this evening. My boyfriend, Seb, always said two years with me felt like two minutes — cliché, but it made my heart soar.
"You’ve got the dress, but girl, we need to fix that face. And I mean that in the most loving way," Amanda teased, already diving into my makeup bag.
"Excuse me?" I laughed. "This is the face he fell for."
"And this is the face he's going to beg to kiss after I’m done," Amanda declared, pulling out a highlighter like a wand.
While Amanda worked her magic, I closed my eyes and let the excitement build. The scent of roses from the nearby bouquet filled the room. My parents had been off the grid for the past few months, traveling in Europe, barely checking in. But that didn’t matter now. This summer was for me and Seb.
I could already picture it—ice cream dates, late-night drives, lazy Sundays wrapped up together watching old movies. Tonight was the beginning of that perfect summer.
"Okay, open your eyes," Amanda said with a dramatic flair.
I gasped when I saw myself in the mirror. "I look—"
"Hot. You look hot."
I ran my fingers through my now soft, wavy curls. Amanda had pulled off a light glam look that highlighted my honey-toned skin and almond eyes. My lips were painted a subtle rose, just enough to look kissable but not desperate.
"You are so coming with me when I become a celebrity," I joked.
"Damn right I am," Amanda laughed. "Now, go get your man. And wear the red dress. Trust me."
I changed quickly, slipping into the silky red number that hugged my curves perfectly. It had an open back and a slit that stopped mid-thigh — classy but daring. I grabbed my car keys and turned to Amanda, pulling her into a hug.
"Thanks for this. I needed it."
"Go girl. I got you always," Amanda said, giving me a playful shove toward the door.
I stepped into the warm evening air, my heels clicking against the pavement as I walked to my car. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow that made everything feel magical.
I turned up the radio, singing along to a cheesy love song, my heart light.
Seb’s apartment wasn’t far — just twenty minutes across town. My fingers tapped against the steering wheel, and I smiled every time I thought of what his reaction would be. I hadn't told him I was coming. The plan was to surprise him, maybe with a candle-lit dinner, and spend the night wrapped in each other's arms.
But as I pulled into his driveway, something felt off.
His car was there, and the lights in the living room were on. That wasn’t strange, but the front door was slightly ajar. I frowned.
"Probably forgot to close it properly," I muttered to myself as I stepped out.
My heels clicked loudly against the concrete as I walked up to the door, clutching my small purse a little tighter. I pushed the door open slowly.
"Seb?"
No response.
I stepped inside. The place was dimly lit, the TV playing some muted sitcom. A trail of clothes — not his — led toward the bedroom. My heart began to pound.
"Seb? Are you home?"
Still nothing.
My pulse quickened. My heels felt suddenly too loud on the hardwood floor. I moved toward the bedroom, my gut twisting with unease.
I pushed the door open and time stopped.
There he was — Seb. In nothing but his boxers. His muscular frame was covered in lipstick smudges, red claw marks etched across his abs. Hickeys bloomed across his neck like bruised flowers.
I froze, my breath catching in my throat. He turned around, shocked, mouth hanging open.
"Em—"
But before he could even finish my name, I heard a loud thump from the closet.
My eyes narrowed, and I stormed past Seb, yanking the closet door open.
There, half-naked and trembling, was Tammy. My friend. One of the very few that I’ve let into my small circle.
Amanda, Tammy and Luca were my friends. I became friends with Tammy through Amanda and Luca had been my friend since forever. Luca had warned me against Seb before, but I never listened to him..
Tammy clutched a bedsheet to her chest, eyes wide with terror and shame. "Emily, I—I didn’t mean—"
"Get the fuck out of my way," I whispered, her voice shaking with fury, when she made to block my way.
Seb reached for her. "Wait. Let me explain. Please. It’s not what it looks like."
I snapped. "Not what it looks like? Are you serious? You’re practically naked, Tammy’s in your closet wearing nothing but guilt, and you’re covered in her. How much clearer could it be?"
Tears welled in my eyes, and I shoved Seb back as he reached for me.
"Don’t. Don’t fucking touch me!"
Seb flinched. "Emily—please. It was a mistake. She came over, we talked, and—"
"You cheated on me with my friend?!" My voice cracked.
Tammy stepped forward, but I held up a hand. "Don’t. I trusted you. I told you everything. And you... you come here and—"
I couldn’t finish. My voice broke, and a sob escaped my lips. I turned on her heels and ran.
Out of the apartment.
I barely made it into her car before the sobs took over. My hands trembled as I jammed the key into the ignition. My reflection in the rearview mirror showed mascara streaking down my cheeks like black rivers.
I didn’t care.
I backed out of the driveway, ignoring the sound of Seb yelling my name from the door. My hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white.
I had wanted a perfect night. Instead, I got betrayal wrapped in lace.

Kissed by the Rival Captain
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