Page 15

The next morning, as Amara was lacing up her skates in the locker room, she heard the door open and looked up to see Sophie walking in.

There was something about her expression—an intense, guarded look that made Amara's stomach twist. She'd known Sophie for years; they'd trained side by side, shared countless hours on the rink, and exchanged friendly smiles and quick tips. But today, Sophie's eyes held an edge she hadn't seen before.

Sophie stopped in front of her, crossing her arms. "I wanted to talk to you, Amara," she said, her voice clipped.

Amara sat up, confused but willing to listen. "Sure. What's on your mind?"

Sophie hesitated, glancing around as if ensuring no one else was in earshot. Her gaze returned to Amara, filled with something unspoken but unmistakably pointed. "It's about Liam."

Amara stiffened at the mention of his name. "What about him?"

Sophie sighed, a bitter smile flickering across her face. "I've seen the way he looks at you, and I know he's been hanging around lately. I thought I'd warn you—it's not as innocent as it seems."

The words hit Amara like a splash of cold water. She swallowed, keeping her voice steady. "What do you mean?"

Sophie rolled her eyes.

"Oh, come on, Amara. You're not that naive, are you? I've known Liam for a while. He's... he's been a friend to me." She hesitated, her expression growing tense.

"And I've had feelings for him for a long time. He's never shown any interest in anyone like this before, and then you show up, and suddenly he's around all the time, bringing flowers and whatnot."

Amara looked down, her hands twisting in her lap. "I didn't know you had feelings for him."

Sophie's gaze narrowed. "Well, now you do. And I don't want you getting in the way of something that could be important for me. He deserves someone who understands him, who knows his world."

The sting of Sophie's words sank deep, igniting a rush of jealousy and doubt in Amara's chest.

She thought back to Liam's presence at her performances, his quiet encouragement, the flowers. She'd felt a connection between them, something genuine and unspoken—but Sophie's words painted everything in a different light, casting shadows where there had been clarity.

Amara forced herself to look up, meeting Sophie's gaze. "I never intended to get in the way of anything, Sophie. Liam and I... we're just friends."

"Friends?" Sophie repeated, scoffing. "Is that what you tell yourself? Because from where I stand, it looks like you're trying to turn a simple friendship into something more."

Amara's chest tightened, her heart beating faster as Sophie's words wormed their way into her mind. Was she really overstepping? She'd never imagined that her connection with Liam would affect anyone else, least of all a teammate she respected.

Sophie softened, her voice lowering to something almost sympathetic.

"Amara, listen. I know you're focused on skating, but you don't know Liam like I do. He's complex, and he needs someone who understands his world, his ambitions. You're... talented, but you're from a different world. It's only going to end badly for you."

Amara's throat felt tight, the excitement she'd felt just days ago now weighed down by uncertainty.

She wanted to believe that her connection with Liam was special, that he saw something in her that went beyond appearances and backgrounds.

But now, with Sophie's words echoing in her mind, she felt a pang of insecurity. Who was she to think she could be a part of Liam's life when he had people like Sophie, who understood him in ways she didn't?

"Thanks for letting me know, Sophie," Amara managed, her voice quiet but steady. She forced a polite smile, hoping to hide the turmoil brewing beneath her calm exterior.

Sophie nodded, a look of satisfaction crossing her face. "I just wanted you to know the truth. I care about him, and I don't want anyone complicating things for him. Or for me."

Without another word, Sophie turned and walked away, leaving Amara alone with her thoughts.

The air in the locker room felt heavy, pressing in on her as she tried to process everything.

She felt torn, her heart weighed down with doubt.

Could she have misread everything?

Had she been foolish to think that someone like Liam could genuinely care for her?

As she finished lacing her skates, her hands trembling slightly, she tried to push the doubt from her mind. She had a performance to focus on, a goal that had always been clear. But Liam had become a part of that journey, and now, that certainty felt clouded by Sophie's warning.

Taking a deep breath, Amara forced herself to stand tall, reminding herself of the strength she'd cultivated over the years. Whatever happened with Liam, she wouldn't let it define her.

She was here to skate, to achieve her dreams—and she wouldn't let anyone, not even herself, get in the way of that.

But as she glided onto the ice, Sophie's words echoed in her mind, stirring an ache she couldn't quite ignore.