Page 14

The arena buzzed with anticipation as Amara took her position at center ice, the soft hum of the crowd a comforting backdrop to her racing thoughts.

Tonight's performance was important, a chance to showcase the progress she'd made over weeks of relentless practice.

She closed her eyes, centering herself, letting the cold air and the smooth, familiar feel of the ice ground her.

As the music began, Amara let herself get lost in the flow, her movements graceful and controlled, each leap and turn feeling like second nature.

She knew her routine by heart, had practiced each movement until it was as much a part of her as her heartbeat.

But tonight, there was an extra surge of energy in her performance, a spark she couldn't quite name. Maybe it was the knowledge that Liam was watching from the stands, his presence somehow both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

When she finished her routine, the applause was thunderous, echoing around the rink, and she took a deep breath, her cheeks flushed from exertion and adrenaline.

As she stepped off the ice, she saw him waiting for her by the entrance, a broad smile lighting up his face and a bouquet of roses in his hands.

"Amara," he said warmly, holding out the flowers. "You were incredible."

She took the bouquet, her heart racing as their fingers brushed. "Thank you, Liam," she murmured, unable to hide her own smile. The roses were beautiful, a deep crimson that stood out against the cool blue of the rink, and she felt a warmth spread through her chest at his thoughtful gesture.

As she walked past the other skaters and coaches, she couldn't ignore the curious glances and hushed whispers that followed her. It didn't take long for word to spread—a wealthy businessman, flowers, and an undeniably close exchange.

The murmurs grew as she passed by, some skaters exchanging glances, others openly gossiping as they looked her way.

She tried to brush it off, focusing instead on the scent of roses and the lingering warmth of Liam's presence.

But as she made her way to the locker room, she was intercepted by her coach, Ms. Hayward. Her coach's expression was stern, her lips pressed into a thin line as she regarded Amara with a critical eye.

"Amara, a word, please," Ms. Hayward said, her voice firm but quiet.

Amara followed her to a quieter corner, her stomach twisting with nerves. Ms. Hayward had always been supportive, but she was also known for her strictness when it came to anything that could potentially distract from the sport.

"Amara," her coach began, crossing her arms. "I couldn't help but notice... your friend."

Amara's cheeks flushed, and she looked down, unable to meet Ms. Hayward's piercing gaze. "Liam's just... he's a friend. He came to support me."

Ms.

Hayward raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical.

"I've been in this world a long time, Amara. I know how easily promising skaters get distracted by outside influences. It's one thing to have supporters, but it's another to become involved with people who might not understand the dedication this sport requires."

Amara felt a flare of defensiveness rise within her. "Liam does understand," she said softly. "He's been nothing but supportive."

Her coach's expression softened slightly, but her tone remained firm. "I'm sure he's very charming, Amara. But I've seen talented skaters lose their way because they were swept up in relationships, especially with people who have the kind of power and wealth he does. People like him... they live in a different world, one that can take you far from your goals if you're not careful."

Amara bit her lip, feeling the weight of her coach's words settle over her. She knew Ms. Hayward had her best interests at heart, but there was an edge to her warnings that stung. She felt as though she was being judged not for her dedication or talent, but for daring to have someone in her life who didn't fit the typical mold.

"He respects what I do," Amara replied, her voice steady, though a part of her felt uncertain. "He's not here to distract me."

Ms. Hayward sighed, her expression softening just a bit. "I know you're serious about skating, Amara, and I don't want to see you lose focus. Just... be careful. Keep your priorities straight. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement, especially with someone who's used to getting what he wants."

The comment stung, and Amara clenched her hands around the bouquet, the roses suddenly feeling heavier.

She knew Ms.

Hayward meant well, but her words left a bitter taste.

It was as though she assumed Liam couldn't possibly care about her without some ulterior motive, as though he couldn't understand or respect her commitment.

After a few more moments, Ms. Hayward nodded, satisfied that her warning had been heard. "Take care, Amara. And don't forget why you're here."

As she walked away, Amara stood alone in the hallway, clutching the roses as the weight of her coach's words settled in. She felt a flicker of doubt, the thrill of Liam's gesture mingling with the cold reality of her coach's warning. She knew she had worked her entire life to reach this point, to become the skater she was today. But she also couldn't deny the way Liam made her feel, the way he had slowly become a part of her world.

When she returned to the locker room, she carefully set the roses on the bench, her fingers lingering over the soft petals.

She had spent years keeping her heart guarded, dedicating herself wholly to her craft.

But with Liam, it was different.

He'd seen her at her worst, had shown her a kindness and understanding that felt rare and genuine.

She took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she considered her options. Ms. Hayward was right about one thing—she couldn't afford to lose focus. But could she find a way to balance both? Could she allow herself the chance to care for someone without letting it take over her life?

As she opened her eyes, her gaze landed on the roses, and a small smile crept onto her face. Liam hadn't asked her to choose, hadn't demanded anything from her. He'd simply been there, a steady presence, cheering her on in his own quiet way.

With renewed determination, Amara made a decision.

She would stay focused, continue to give her all to skating, but she wouldn't shut Liam out. Whatever was happening between them, she would let it grow naturally, without letting it consume her dreams. She would be cautious, as her coach had warned, but she would also trust herself to navigate this new path, to find a balance that felt right.

As she picked up the bouquet again, the familiar scent of roses filling the air, she knew one thing for certain: she wasn't going to let anyone define what she could or couldn't have.

She would chase her dreams and let herself feel whatever came with it—after all, wasn't that what living was all about?