The night was alive with the deafening roar of engines and the buzz of adrenaline. Lilly and Mia stood on the edge of the crowd, surrounded by excitement. Rows of cars gleamed under the moonlight, but one stood out—a black Bugatti La Voiture Noire. Its design was otherworldly, with its glossy finish reflecting the lights like liquid glass.
Mia elbowed Lilly, her voice filled with awe. "That's Eliss Greyson's car. The Bugatti La Voiture Noire. They say it costs more than most people's dreams."
Lilly stared at the car, her breath catching. "And he's racing it? Isn't he afraid to scratch it?"
Mia smirked. "That's what makes him Eliss. He doesn't care about limits."
The Racers Prepare
Eliss leaned casually against the Bugatti, his leather jacket catching the faint glow of the streetlights. His expression was unreadable, his focus entirely on the race ahead. Tom Carter stood beside him, looking more anxious than confident.
"You sure you're good for this?" Tom asked. "You've been distracted all week."
Eliss didn't respond. His piercing gaze scanned the track as he adjusted his black racing gloves.
Mia pulled Lilly closer to the action. "You need to see this up close. It's not just a race—it's a spectacle."
Lilly wasn't sure why her heart was racing. Maybe it was the atmosphere or the sight of Eliss, who seemed untouchable yet so human at the same time.
The Race Begins
The racers climbed into their cars, and the air grew heavy with anticipation. The Bugatti's engine purred like a predator, its sound a warning to the competition.
A girl stepped forward with a flare gun, her sequined dress catching the light.
"Ready!"
The engines revved louder, the vibrations coursing through the ground.
"Set!"
Lilly's eyes locked on the Bugatti. Even among the luxury cars, it looked unstoppable.
The flare shot into the sky, and the cars launched forward with a deafening roar.
Distraction and Determination
Eliss's Bugatti tore through the track, hugging the curves with a precision that left the crowd in awe. He was untouchable, effortlessly maneuvering around the other racers.
But as he approached the first sharp turn, something pulled his attention. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her—Lilly.
She wasn't cheering or jumping like the others. She stood still, her gaze fixed on him, her presence an anchor in the chaos.
For a moment, Eliss forgot the race, the track, even the roaring engine beneath him.
"Eliss, focus!" Tom's voice crackled through the earpiece.
Eliss snapped back, realizing he'd nearly lost control. Gritting his teeth, he shifted gears and pushed the Bugatti harder. The car roared like a beast unleashed, regaining its lead with ease.
Victory and Connection
The finish line came into view. Eliss surged forward, crossing first in a blaze of speed. The Bugatti skidded to a halt, its tires smoking against the pavement.
The crowd erupted, but Eliss barely noticed. His eyes searched for her, scanning the sea of faces until he found Lilly.
She was standing on the sidelines, her expression unreadable. Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything else faded—the noise, the crowd, the victory.
Tom approached, slapping a hand on his shoulder. "You had me worried for a second there. Almost thought you'd forgotten how to drive."
Eliss didn't answer. His focus remained on Lilly, a strange feeling tugging at his chest.
For the first time, the thrill of the race felt hollow.
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The Race Night
The crowd was electric, gathered under a sea of lights strung across the makeshift track. Cars gleamed under the neon glow, their drivers revving engines that growled like wild beasts.
Mia squeezed Lilly's arm. "This is it! Look, over there!"
Lilly followed Mia's gaze and saw him. Eliss Greyson leaned against his black Bugatti La Voiture Noire, his leather jacket glinting faintly under the lights. His messy hair framed his sharp features, and his piercing eyes scanned the crowd.
"See what I mean?" Mia whispered. "He's so out of everyone's league."
Lilly couldn't deny it. Eliss was magnetic, but there was something about him that made her uneasy—a quiet intensity, as if he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.
The Race Begins
A girl stepped forward, her sequined dress catching the lights, and raised a flare gun.
"Ready!"
Engines revved, sending vibrations through the ground.
"Set!"
The air was thick with anticipation.
The flare shot into the night sky, and the cars roared to life.
Eliss's Bugatti surged forward, its engine a symphony of power. It hugged the turns effortlessly, leaving other racers struggling to keep up.
"He's incredible," Mia shouted over the noise. "Look at him go!"
Lilly couldn't take her eyes off him, her heart racing as fast as the cars.
The Distraction
Eliss was in the lead, each turn executed with precision. But as he rounded a sharp corner, his gaze flickered to the crowd—and he saw her.
Lilly stood on the sidelines, her eyes wide with awe. For a moment, everything else faded: the track, the roaring engines, the competition.
"Eliss, focus!" Tom's voice snapped through his earpiece.
He shook his head, forcing himself to concentrate. Shifting gears, he pushed the Bugatti to its limits, reclaiming his focus and surging ahead.
The Finish Line
The Bugatti tore across the finish line first, skidding to a dramatic halt. The crowd erupted in cheers, but Eliss barely noticed.
He stepped out of the car, running a hand through his messy hair, his eyes searching. When he found Lilly in the crowd, their gazes locked, and for a fleeting moment, the chaos around them disappeared.
Mia grabbed Lilly's arm, pulling her away. "Come on, let's go before it gets too crowded!"
But Lilly couldn't shake the image of Eliss—the way his eyes had found hers, piercing and unreadable.
For Eliss, the thrill of victory felt hollow. Winning wasn't what had made his heart race tonight—it was something, or someone, else.
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The air was thick with excitement after Eliss's stunning victory. The tension of the race still buzzed through the air, but now all eyes were on the lavish party that was set to unfold in celebration of his triumph. Eliss didn't just win the race—he won the night, and his party at the farmhouse was about to prove just how much power his last name held.
The farmhouse stood like an oasis of opulence. Hidden away in the hills, it overlooked miles of private land, offering a breathtaking view of the night sky. The house itself was made of glass and sleek modern materials, with the pool reflecting the twinkling lights strung through the trees. The inside was just as grand, with luxurious décor that matched the Greyson family's wealth.
Outside, the massive circular driveway was lined with black luxury cars and sleek sports cars. The sound of music spilled from the massive outdoor speakers, vibrating in the cool air. The lawn was covered with tents where guests had gathered, sipping on champagne, talking, and laughing as if the victory was their own.
Only the elite were invited—friends of Eliss, close family, and those who were important to the Greyson empire. The golden tickets, which were needed for entry, were handed out with care, ensuring that only those worthy enough to mingle with the Greyson legacy could attend.
Tom had messaged Mia and Lilly earlier that day, reminding them not to miss it. "Come on, girls, don't be late! This is the party of the year. Eliss is throwing it after winning the race. Trust me, you don't want to miss this."
Mia, being her usual friendly self, had no issue with the exclusive crowd. "Come on, Lilly, you're not backing out now, are you?" she teased, knowing how shy Lilly had been. But Lilly couldn't deny the excitement—this was her chance to step out of her comfort zone.
As the night deepened, Rebecca St. Claire made her grand entrance. She had just returned from a luxury vacation in the south of France, and her presence at the party was as expected—attention-grabbing. She was everything Eliss's family could hope for—charming, poised, and stunning.
Her dress was from a designer no one could afford unless they were as rich as she was. She walked in with an air of confidence, her eyes immediately locking on Eliss, who was already standing at the bar, sipping on a drink. Her heels clicked on the marble floor as she made her way over to him, a smile on her lips.
"Eliss, darling, congratulations on the race!" she exclaimed, placing a soft kiss on his cheek.
Eliss nodded, his expression unreadable. "Thanks, Rebecca," he muttered.
Though Rebecca's smile never wavered, there was something almost possessive about her. She had spent the past year trying to solidify her place beside Eliss. The two were practically engaged, their parents being business partners. But even she couldn't shake the feeling that Eliss wasn't as enthusiastic about the engagement as she was.
Mia and Lilly entered together, taking in the grandeur of the place. The lights, the music, the luxury—it was all so overwhelming. But as they stepped into the crowd, Mia was already waving hello to familiar faces, her ease blending into the crowd. Lilly, on the other hand, was more hesitant. She had never been in a place like this, surrounded by people who seemed so effortlessly perfect.
As they walked further into the house, Lilly's attention was caught by a group of people standing near the pool. Her eyes scanned the room, but it was impossible to ignore the one person who stood out among everyone else—Eliss.
Even though he was surrounded by people, Lilly could feel his presence, like a magnetic pull that made her heart skip. His eyes briefly met hers, and for a moment, everything else seemed to blur. She felt her breath catch in her throat as if she'd been caught in something she couldn't escape. His gaze was piercing, and though he didn't smile, there was something in the way he looked at her—something that made Lilly feel seen, in a way no one else had.
As Eliss walked through the crowd, his gaze lingered on Lilly for just a little longer than it should have. But then he snapped out of it. His life, his responsibilities—he couldn't afford to be distracted. He turned away, walking toward the group of his friends who were chatting around a fire pit.
"Who's that girl?" one of his friends asked, his voice full of curiosity.
Eliss didn't respond immediately, but then he shrugged. "No one," he said dismissively.
But as he said it, something inside him tugged, and he couldn't shake the thought of her. What was it about Lilly Colleen that had him so intrigued?
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The party inside the farmhouse was wild—music thumping, laughter echoing, and expensive champagne flowing freely. Lilly could hear it all from the balcony, but she stayed outside, her arms wrapped around herself as the cool breeze brushed her skin.
She had come out for fresh air, needing a moment to escape the overwhelming crowd and extravagance. The ocean stretched before her, glittering under the moonlight, and for a brief moment, it calmed her nerves.
The sound of unsteady footsteps broke her peace. She turned and saw Eliss walking toward her. His black shirt was untucked, his jacket gone, and his dark hair was a mess. He was holding a half-empty bottle of whiskey in one hand, his movements slightly swaying.
"You're hiding out here too?" he asked, his voice rough, yet somehow still captivating.
Lilly hesitated. "I just needed some air."
Eliss chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "Air's better out here. Inside, it's suffocating." He leaned against the railing beside her, his tall frame towering over hers.
Lilly glanced at him. Even in his disheveled state, he looked effortlessly handsome—his jawline sharp, his dark eyes reflecting the moonlight. But there was something else in his expression tonight, something fragile.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice soft.
Eliss turned to look at her, his eyes searching hers. "Do I look okay?" he said, his words slurred but his tone cutting.
Lilly didn't reply, unsure of what to say. He took another swig from the bottle, then set it down on the railing, staring out at the ocean.
"You know," he began, his voice quieter now, "this place, all of it—it's not real. People come here for the free drinks, the name, the story. But no one sees the mess behind it."
Lilly's heart ached at his words. She could see the weight he carried, even if she didn't fully understand it. "You don't have to pretend," she said gently.
Eliss turned to her, his eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, he didn't say anything, just looked at her like he was trying to figure something out. Then, without warning, he took a step closer.
"Why do you care?" he asked, his voice low.
Lilly blinked, startled by his question. "I don't know," she admitted.
Eliss reached up and brushed a strand of hair from her face. The sudden closeness made her heart race. "You're different," he murmured, almost to himself.
Before she could respond, he leaned in and kissed her.
The kiss caught her off guard, his lips warm and surprisingly soft despite the whiskey on his breath. Lilly froze, her hands pressing lightly against his chest as if to push him away, but she couldn't move.
"Eliss, stop," she whispered against his lips, but he didn't seem to hear her.
The kiss deepened, and Lilly's hands tightened on his chest. She tried again, but then he suddenly pulled back, his breath heavy, his expression dazed.
"I—" he started, but his legs gave out beneath him.
"Eliss!" Lilly exclaimed as he slumped forward, fainting against her. She barely managed to catch him, his weight making her stumble.
"Great," she muttered, struggling to keep him upright. She wrapped his arm around her shoulders and dragged him back inside, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she tried to move him toward the couch.
By the time she got him there, her arms were shaking from the effort. She lowered him onto the plush couch, brushing the hair from his forehead. His face was peaceful now, his breathing even.
Lilly stared at him for a moment, her heart still racing from everything that had just happened. She grabbed a throw blanket from a nearby chair and draped it over him, stepping back to take a shaky breath.
What had just happened?
She turned to leave, but as she reached the doorway, she glanced back at him. For all his bravado and charm, Eliss looked so vulnerable lying there. Something about him pulled at her, but she pushed the thought away and walked back to the party.