Player meets church boy

Chapter 1: The first encounter

Mia Thompson was the queen of Riverview High, known for her beauty, charm, and the way she effortlessly captivated everyone around her. Her life was a whirlwind of parties, dates, and boys who were eager to win her attention. But Mia had a secret—despite her confident exterior, she felt a gnawing emptiness inside, a sense that something was missing from her life. She didn't dwell on it much, choosing instead to immerse herself in the fleeting excitement of her social life.

It was at a party thrown by her best friend, Jenna, where Mia first spotted Ethan Bennett. He was standing alone near the refreshment table, a soft smile on his face as he observed the chaos around him. He was dressed simply, in a plain shirt and jeans, and yet there was something about him that caught Mia's eye. He seemed so different from the boys she usually encountered—quiet, reserved, and completely unfazed by the party's wild atmosphere.

Mia decided to approach him, her curiosity piqued. "Hey, you look like you're having a blast," she teased, flashing her most charming smile. Ethan looked up, his brown eyes meeting hers with a calm, steady gaze. "I'm Ethan," he replied, offering her a polite smile in return. Mia was taken aback by his lack of interest in her flirtation. Most boys would have jumped at the chance to talk to her, but Ethan seemed different. Intrigued, she struck up a conversation, determined to crack his calm exterior.

As they talked, Mia quickly realized that Ethan wasn't like the other boys she knew. He wasn't trying to impress her with stories of wild nights or daring exploits. Instead, he spoke about his love for his church and how he spent his weekends volunteering at youth events. He talked about his faith with such conviction that Mia found herself drawn in, despite not sharing his beliefs. It was refreshing to meet someone so grounded, so sure of who they were.

The night wore on, and while Mia was used to boys dying for her attention, Ethan remained polite but distant. When the party started to wind down, Ethan wished her a good night and left, leaving Mia standing there, more intrigued than ever. She had met countless boys before, but Ethan was different. He was a mystery she couldn't wait to unravel.