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KATERINA

The first snowfall of the season drapes the campus in white, and for once, life feels light.

No pressure. No uncertainty. Just happiness.

I stand by the rink, watching Aiden skate circles around the empty ice, his movements effortless. He’s showing off, smirking at me every time he pulls off a sharp stop or sends ice flying in my direction.

“Are you trying to impress me?”

I call, wrapping my coat tighter around me.

He skates toward me, stopping just short of the boards, leaning over them with that familiar cocky grin. “Is it working?”

I pretend to consider. “Hmm. I don’t know. I think I’m more impressed when you win championships.”

His smirk deepens. “Oh, you love when I win championships.”

I roll my eyes, but my smile betrays me. “Shut up and kiss me,

Knight.”

He doesn’t hesitate.

Aiden tugs me forward, pressing his lips to mine, soft but sure. I melt into him, my fingers gripping his jacket, his arms wrapping around my waist, holding me like he never intends to let go.

When we finally break apart, I press my forehead against his. “I love you.”

The words come easily now, without hesitation, without fear. Because I do. I love him in a way that is undeniable, unshakable.

Aiden brushes a thumb over my cheek, his gaze filled with

something deep and endless. “I love you too, Angel Face.”

I breathe him in, letting myself get lost in this moment, in

him.

The Olympics are just around the corner. Our futures are wide open. But right here, right now, none of that matters.

All that matters is us. Happily. In love. Together.

And for the first time in my life, I know I’m exactly where I’m

meant to be. The cheers are deafening. The weight of the medal around my neck is familiar, but this time—it means everything.

A year later…. Olympic gold.

I close my eyes, inhaling the moment, letting the rush of victory sink into my bones. I did it. After years of pain, after pushing my body past its limits, after nearly losing it all—I stand here, an Olympic champion.

And when I step off the podium, the first person I see is him. Aiden pushes past the barriers, past security, past every single person trying to keep him back. And then he’s there, lifting me off the ground, spinning me until I can’t breathe, pressing his

lips to mine as if he’s been waiting his whole life to do it.

“You did it, Angel Face,”

he murmurs against my lips, his voice hoarse with emotion.

I smile, brushing my nose against his. “So did you, NHL

superstar.”

He smirks, but there’s something softer in his eyes. “Not as impressive as Olympic gold.”

I scoff. “Please. You won the Stanley Cup last season.”

“And I’d trade it in a second just to see you like this,”

he says, voice serious, gaze steady. “Happy. Unstoppable.”

I don’t think I’ll ever stop falling for him.

The End