Chapter 11: Birthday Chaos and Uninvited Guests
Lily Hart's 19th birthday party was the stuff of legend—at least, according to her own rules.
She had invited the entire school. Everyone who mattered. Everyone who could make her laugh, cheer, or bring snacks.
Except one person.
Noah Blackwood.
She had been careful. Cross-checked the guest list twice. No accidental invites. No way for him to see her carefree celebration, not this time.
"Why not invite him?" Mia asked, helping hang fairy lights across Lily's backyard. "He's part of your life now."
Lily smiled, tying a knot. "Exactly why I don't want him here. Let him stew. Let him see me—on my terms."
Mia blinked. "Wow. That's… evil."
"Strategically evil," Lily corrected.
The party began beautifully:
Students laughing, music playing, food everywhere.
Lily perched on the balcony, soda in hand, enjoying the chaos she had orchestrated.
Mia snapping photos, recording stories, capturing every hilarious, carefree moment.
Everything was perfect—until the driveway lights flickered.
A sleek black car rolled up.
And out stepped Noah Blackwood… in a tailored suit.
And beside him, standing slightly behind, was a man in an even sharper suit.
Noah's father.
CEO, intimidating, wealthy, and apparently making a guest appearance.
The music faltered. Conversations froze. Everyone stared.
Lily blinked.
Her jaw tightened.
"Of course," she muttered. "Of course he'd find a way."
Noah approached, every step measured. Lily stood, arms crossed, feigning annoyance.
"You came," she said flatly.
"I did," Noah replied, voice low and controlled. "Why didn't you invite me?"
The words hit her chest like a thrown punch.
"Oh, really?" she said, voice sharp. "You think I needed to invite you?"
"I don't like being excluded," he said evenly, stepping closer. "Especially when it's about you."
Lily tilted her head. "Funny, because it's my birthday. And I am including everyone—everyone except one guy who can't follow the simplest social cues."
Noah's jaw tightened. His eyes darkened.
"Do you even know why I didn't invite you?" Lily asked, smirking. "Because I don't need your approval. Because I can have fun, breathe, and exist without… being interrogated by you every five seconds."
Before he could respond, a small commotion erupted near the entrance.
Lily's parents had arrived… early… and apparently already met Noah's father.
Mrs. Hart clapped her hands. "Oh, you two know each other!"
Lily's mouth went dry. "Mom—"
Mr. Hart beamed. "What a wonderful coincidence! You know, Lily, you and Noah would make a perfect match. Why don't we announce your engagement?"
Lily froze.
Noah's eyes widened, then narrowed.
The entire backyard erupted in whispers. Cameras lifted. Phones recorded. Students gawked.
Amy, who had been hovering near the punch bowl, gasped so loudly her soda nearly spilled.
"Engagement?!" she shrieked.
Noah didn't answer. He just looked at Lily, his chest tight, eyes dark with jealousy and something more—something he wasn't ready to admit yet.
Lily blinked at him, then smiled faintly. "Guess I win this round."
Noah's fists clenched at his sides.
Amy's jaw dropped so far she nearly fainted.
The party continued, the music louder, laughter and whispers mixing into one chaotic symphony.
But the message was clear:
Lily Hart could live her life on her terms.
Noah Blackwood couldn't ignore her.
And Amy Rivers… well, she was officially outclassed.
Noah's mind was spinning. Every time he looked at Lily, bright, radiant, laughing with everyone but him… he realized something terrifying and undeniable:
She wasn't just fun, she wasn't just carefree… she was irresistible.
And from where he stood, he wasn't sure if he could survive watching her like this… without finally claiming her.