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Amara could hardly believe her eyes as she stared down at the crisp, embossed envelope she held in her hands. It was an invitation, official and impressive, with Liam Blackwell's company logo stamped in the corner. She skimmed the details again, just to be sure she wasn't dreaming.

The invitation had arrived that morning, accompanied by a letter informing her that she'd been selected as one of the contestants. This was one of the biggest events in the season, and an invitation was a huge honour—a chance for exposure, a stepping stone in her career.

But then there was his name at the bottom. Liam Blackwell. He would be there.

Her heart gave an unsteady beat, and she shook her head as if to clear it.

After their awkward exchange at the gala, she'd tried to put him out of her mind, but the frustration—and the strange pull she'd felt toward him—had lingered.

His words had stayed with her despite her efforts to brush them off, and now, here he was, his company intertwined with her path in a way she couldn't avoid.

She didn't have time to dwell on it, though; she had to practice, had to give her absolute best. This was the opportunity she'd been waiting for, and she wasn't about to let her feelings about him ruin it.

Two weeks later, the competition day arrived, bringing a hum of excitement and nervous energy.

The arena was packed with spectators, skaters, coaches, and camera crews.

Amara had been here before, skating for smaller competitions, but never anything of this caliber.

There was a weight in the air, an anticipation that made every movement feel sharper, every sound more vivid.

She was backstage, stretching and calming her nerves, when she heard a familiar, deep voice behind her.

"You look ready to take on the world."

She turned, her pulse jumping at the sight of Liam standing just a few feet away.

He looked different today—still polished, but with a more relaxed confidence, wearing a tailored suit and an expression that was both impressed and amused.

He held her gaze, his dark eyes shining with something she couldn't quite name.

"Mr. Blackwell," she replied, her voice steady but cool. "I didn't expect to see you here."

He raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a slight smile. "My company's sponsoring the event. Where else would I be?"

She opened her mouth to respond, but words failed her. His presence threw her off balance, stirring up conflicting emotions she'd tried to bury. But then he continued, his voice low and warm.

"I'm glad you accepted the invitation, Amara. It's good to see you here."

Her cheeks warmed under his gaze, and she forced herself to focus, keeping her composure. "It's not about the invitation. It's about the opportunity."

He nodded, his expression softening. "Of course. But I have to admit, when I saw your name on the list of contestants, I couldn't help but think it was... fate."

The word hung between them, charged with a meaning that made her heart race.

She was about to retort, to brush him off like she had before, but something in his expression stopped her.

There was a sincerity in his eyes, a quiet admiration that left her feeling both vulnerable and seen in a way she hadn't expected.

"So, you're saying you arranged all of this just to get me here?" she teased, half-joking but curious about his reaction.

Liam chuckled, shaking his head. "I'd like to take credit for that, but no. You're here because you're talented, Amara. But..." His gaze held hers, intent and unyielding. "If this event brings you back onto the ice where you belong, then I'd say it was worth it."

A beat of silence passed, heavy with unspoken things.

His words caught her off guard; she could feel her defenses faltering in the warmth of his gaze.

His belief in her felt real, and it scared her.

She'd spent so long building up walls, refusing to let anyone close, yet here he was, chipping away at them without even trying.

"Why do you care?" she asked softly, her voice barely audible. "You don't know me. We're from... different worlds."

Liam's smile was gentle. "I care because I see potential in you. Passion like yours is rare, Amara. And I know what it feels like to have the odds stacked against you."

She looked down, struggling to process his words, the strange flutter in her chest.

She wasn't used to someone seeing her this way, as if she was more than just a skater, more than just a girl fighting for a chance. For the first time, she felt a hint of respect for him, a crack in her initial assumptions.

Just then, the announcer called her name, pulling her back to reality. Her performance was moments away, and she needed every ounce of focus she had.

Liam took a step back, giving her space, but his gaze lingered, his voice a quiet encouragement. "Go show them what you're made of, Amara."

She nodded, drawing in a steadying breath as she walked toward the rink, feeling a strange sense of calm settle over her. His words played over in her mind as she took her position, the cold air of the rink filling her lungs. She could do this. She would prove herself.

And as she began her routine, gliding across the ice with newfound strength, she felt a presence she couldn't ignore. Somewhere in the stands, she knew he was watching. But instead of unnerving her, it fueled her.

Each jump, each spin, each graceful arc felt sharper, more vibrant. She skated like she'd never skated before, pouring every ounce of herself into each movement. And when the final note of the music faded, she finished with her chest heaving, her heart pounding as the crowd burst into applause.

She glanced up, instinctively searching for him, and there he was, standing at the edge of the rink, his eyes locked on hers, his smile warm and proud. He gave her a small nod, a silent message that only she could understand.

In that moment, she realized that maybe—just maybe—there was something there. Something she couldn't deny.