Page 29

For the first few days, Amara kept a low profile, choosing to focus on her training and ignore the articles.

But with each passing day, the attention grew more intense.

Paparazzi camped outside the rink, snapping pictures as she arrived each morning.

Even her usual calm coach struggled to shield her from the questions, the reporters, the endless barrage of whispers.

At first, Amara tried to brush it off. She had her routine to perfect, her jumps to land, her technique to polish. But the constant scrutiny felt suffocating, and it seemed that everyone, even those she once trusted, now viewed her differently.

It wasn't long before the whispers reached the other skaters. Amara would often catch glimpses of their curious or judgmental stares as she passed. Her teammate Sophie, who had always been competitive, now seemed outright hostile, her once-friendly demeanor replaced by subtle digs and passive-aggressive comments.

One afternoon, after a grueling practice, Amara caught Sophie glaring at her from across the rink. Deciding to confront her, she approached cautiously.

"Something on your mind, Sophie?" Amara asked, trying to keep her tone neutral.

Sophie didn't bother hiding her irritation. "Just wondering how long you think this little romance is going to last. You may be the media's latest obsession, but remember, they move on quickly."

Amara felt a spark of anger but fought to keep her composure. "This isn't about fame or attention, Sophie. I'm here to skate, just like you."

Sophie scoffed. "Is that so? Because from where I'm standing, it seems like you've gotten pretty comfortable with your new status as 'Liam Miller's girlfriend.'"

The words stung, but Amara held her ground. "Believe whatever you want, Sophie. But I haven't changed. I still want this just as much as I ever did."

As Amara walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling that Sophie's words echoed the sentiments of many others around her. Had she lost their respect? Had her decision to be with Liam somehow diminished her in their eyes?

That evening, Liam showed up at her apartment, sensing the turmoil she was going through. He brought her favorite takeout and a bouquet of lilies, the small gestures reminding her why she had chosen to be with him in the first place.

"You look exhausted," he said gently, handing her a plate as they sat on the couch. "Is it the press?"

"It's... everything," she admitted, picking at her food. "I knew it would be hard, but I didn't expect it to feel this isolating. Even at the rink, I feel like I'm walking on eggshells. People I used to trust now look at me differently, like I've sold out or something."

Liam's face softened, and he reached over to take her hand. "Amara, you haven't sold out. You're following your heart, and that's brave. Anyone who doesn't see that... well, maybe they weren't truly in your corner to begin with."

She sighed, leaning into his shoulder, the weight of the day pressing down on her. "I just hate feeling like I have to choose. Skating is everything to me, but so are you. And it seems like having both is... impossible."

Liam wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "Then we make it possible. If that means being more discreet, stepping back from the spotlight for a bit, then I'll do whatever it takes. But I don't want you to feel like you have to choose, Amara. I'm here for you—for all of it."

His words eased some of the tension, but deep down, she knew this wasn't a problem that would go away overnight. She was walking a fine line, balancing her love for Liam with her commitment to her career. But knowing he was willing to make sacrifices for her made the burden feel a little lighter.

Over the next few weeks, they adjusted to their new reality, learning to navigate the challenges that came with being in the public eye.

Liam became adept at avoiding photographers, slipping in and out of venues unnoticed, while Amara focused on her training, finding solace in the steady rhythm of her routines.

But despite their best efforts, the rumors continued. Liam's business partners expressed concerns about the "distraction" she posed, while Amara's sponsors began subtly pressuring her to maintain a "clean image," hinting that her association with Liam might impact her appeal.

One day, as she sat alone in the rink after practice, her coach approached her with a concerned expression.

"Amara," he began, choosing his words carefully. "There's a lot riding on this upcoming competition. The judges will be looking at everything—your performance, your composure, and yes, your reputation."

She knew what he was implying and forced herself to meet his gaze. "I understand, Coach. But I can't just abandon what matters to me. Liam... he's a part of my life, and I can't pretend otherwise."

He nodded, his expression softening. "I get that. But just remember, this world isn't always fair. People can be quick to judge, and they rarely give second chances."

Amara's resolve hardened. She wouldn't let anyone—or anything—come between her and her dreams. Not the media, not the whispers, and certainly not the pressures of public opinion.

That night, she texted Liam, asking him to meet her at the rink. When he arrived, she took his hand, leading him out onto the ice. The rink was empty, the only sound the hum of the lights overhead.

"Come skate with me," she said softly, a smile playing at her lips.

He laughed, looking at her with surprise. "You know I haven't done this in years, right?"

"Then it's about time you started again," she replied, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze.

Together, they glided across the ice, their laughter filling the empty arena.

For a few precious moments, they were just Amara and Liam—two people in love, free from the pressures of the world around them.

She spun and twirled, pulling him along as they moved in sync, their movements fluid and graceful.

When they finally stopped, breathless and laughing, Amara looked up at him, her heart full.

"Whatever happens next," she said, "I want you to know that this—us—is worth it. I won't let anyone take that from me."

Liam smiled, brushing a stray hair from her face. "And I won't let anyone take you from me, either."

In that moment, she knew they were ready to face whatever came their way—together.