Page 20

20

Fiona

I can’t breathe.

Stellan’s words hang in the air like a heavy weight, and all I can do is stare at him. I’ve always known he was different, that he was special, but now, with everyone watching, with the whole arena around us, I’m more certain than ever. He loves me. He’s not backing down. He’s not staying away, even when my father—and the entire world—wants him to.

I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as his declaration sinks in. He’s not here for the team, not for the media or the rules. He’s here for me. And for the first time in a long time, I feel like I can finally breathe again.

My father’s angry voice cuts through the noise, but it doesn’t reach me—not fully. I’m still focused on Stellan, on his words, on how he’s standing there, unapologetic, unwavering.

“I love her,” Stellan repeats, louder this time, his eyes never leaving mine. “And I’m not going anywhere. If I lose hockey, so be it. I’d rather lose everything than lose her.”

The world falls silent for a moment, and I see the flash of cameras around us, capturing every moment. I feel like we’re in a bubble, like the rest of the world has faded away and all that matters is this— him , and me.

Then, I hear my father’s voice again, but this time, it’s softer, more cautious. “Are you sure about this, Fiona?” His eyes flicker toward Stellan, assessing him, weighing every word. “This is a lot to ask. He’s willing to give up his career for you. Are you really ready for this? For what that means?”

I don’t hesitate. I can’t. I step forward, my voice steady as I look my father in the eye. “I’m sure. I love him, Dad. And I don’t want to live without him.”

The crowd is quiet for a moment, and I can hear the subtle murmur of the press, snapping pictures, commenting, speculating. But all I can focus on is the man standing in front of me, the one who just told the world he loves me.

My father’s gaze shifts between me and Stellan, his expression unreadable. But then, a slight change—his shoulders relax, his mouth softens. There’s something in his eyes that I haven’t seen in a while. Maybe it's relief. Maybe it’s acceptance. But whatever it is, it gives me hope.

“You’re serious,” he says, his voice softer than before, like he’s seeing something he didn’t expect. “You really love her.”

Stellan nods firmly, no hesitation in his voice. “More than anything.”

I watch my father, waiting for his decision, knowing this is the moment that could change everything. Then, a voice shouts from the crowd, someone in the back of the room—loud, a little tipsy, but honest:

“Let them be together!”

The press laughs, and I feel my face burn with embarrassment, but my father’s reaction surprises me. He smiles. It’s small at first, but then it grows, a reluctant acceptance of the situation. The cameras keep flashing, and I see my father nod. He raises his hands in the air, as if conceding to the inevitable.

“Well, I guess the people have spoken,” he says, his voice filled with that old, wry humor I know so well. “Fine. You can both have what you want. But I’m going to need one thing from you, Stellan.”

Stellan looks at him, an eyebrow raised. “What’s that?”

“You’ll prove it,” my father says, his gaze piercing. “You’ll prove that you’re not just doing this on a whim. You’re telling me you’ll give up hockey for my daughter. Well, if you’re willing to do that, then I know you really love her. But if you’re saying that, then it’s clear you’re serious about her. And that’s what matters most.”

Stellan steps forward, his voice calm but full of conviction. “I’m serious. I’d walk away from everything for her. I’m not just saying it—I’m doing it.”

My heart swells in my chest, and I can see my father’s shoulders relax, his eyes softening as he nods in understanding.

“Alright, then,” he says, looking between us with a mix of approval and something else—maybe a little nostalgia. “You can stay on the team. You can be with my daughter. But I want you to prove that you’re doing this for the right reasons. That this is more than just a fling. And if you do that, then I’ll be alright with it.”

Stellan smiles, that confident, charming smile of his, and I see the relief flood through him. “I will, sir. I promise.”

My father looks at me now, his gaze softer, warmer. “I just want you to be happy, Fiona. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. And if Stellan makes you happy, then I’m willing to accept this. Just—be sure, alright?”

“I am sure,” I whisper, my heart racing with a joy I haven’t felt in weeks.

My father nods, smiling as he sees the happiness in my eyes. He looks at Stellan one last time, his expression now filled with something close to approval.

“Then you’ve got my blessing,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “But don’t mess this up, Stellan. Take care of her.”

Stellan nods seriously, his hand instinctively reaching for mine, and I don’t pull away. Instead, I squeeze his hand, feeling the weight of everything finally lift off my shoulders.

“I will,” he says, his voice full of promise. “I’ll do anything to make her happy.”

The press erupts, the flashes blinding us both as they capture the moment. I don’t care about any of it. All that matters is the man standing beside me. The one who just made me believe in us, in what we have.

I don’t need anything else.

Not when I have him.

And for the first time in weeks, I finally feel like everything is right. The past few weeks have been a mess, full of confusion and pain, but in this moment, I know one thing for sure: I’m where I’m supposed to be.

With Stellan.

And that’s all I need.