Page 105 of Icebound Hearts

The crowd erupts into cheers. We continue skating, moving effortlessly. The rhythm carries us, our movements smooth, powerful. Alexei wraps his leg around mine as we spin in place, then lifts me high into the air.

For a split second, I glance toward the stands— And my stomach drops.

His seat is still empty. He didn’t come.

Alexei reaches for me, but I falter. I roll out of his arm too

soon, miss his hand— And fall.

The gasps from the crowd pierce through me like knives. Tears sting my eyes as I scramble to finish the routine, every step feeling heavier, every movement drenched in the weight of my mistake. We hit our final pose, the music fading. Applause erupts around us, but I barely hear it.

The moment we step off the ice, I run. I explode into tears the second I reach the locker room.

“I’m so sorry, Alexei!” I sob, my voice breaking. “I ruined our future for a stupid guy who didn’t even care enough to be here for me.” Alexei pulls me into a hug, his arms tight around me. “It’s okay, Kat. I know you really wanted him here. It’s okay.

We’ll have another chance.” But I shake my head, tears streaming down my cheeks. There won’t be another chance.

We graduate next semester. There won’t be another chance. And I fucking ruined it.

Coach Camilla walks into the room, wrapping her arms around both of us.

“I don’t want to say I told you so,” she sighs, “but, there’s a reason feelings stay out of competitions. Now let’s go. We have to make our appearance for the points.” I wipe my tears, nodding, trying to pull myself together.

“I’m just glad you’re okay,” she adds softly, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. I lean into her. We sit in the podium area, waiting for our score.

I try to smile, but the tears won’t stop. Like a dam has broken loose.

The man I loved bailed on me tonight, and because of my feelings for him, I fucked up my dreams.

We score 98 points—enough for bronze.

Max smirks at me from across the podium, gold hanging around his neck. His expression is mocking, dripping with satisfaction. It makes me want to punch him.

The second the medal ceremony ends, I get off the podium and head straight to the locker room. I change into my clothes as fast as I can, my hands shaking as I grab my phone. I start to text Alina, asking if I can crash at her place, but before I can send it—

The door slams open and Alina rushes in, immediately wrapping her arms around me.

And I break again.

I sob into her shoulder, her hands rubbing my back, whispering, “I’m here, I’m here.”

“He didn’t come, Ali,” I choke out. “The only reason I fell is because I looked at the stands and saw his seat empty.”

Alina hugs me tighter. “I’m sorry, my love. There should be a proper reason why. You know Aiden cares about you.”

I lift my head, my vision blurry from crying, and see my dad standing in the doorway.

I let go of Alina and run straight into his arms.

“I’m so sorry, Dad,” I whisper. “I tried, but I let everyone down.” He strokes my hair, his arms strong and safe around me. “It’s okay, honey. You still have the championship. And I know you’ll win big.” I nod, swallowing back more tears as he pulls away, wiping my face gently.

“Thanks for being here,” I whisper.

He smiles, hugging me again. “I’ll always be here for you.”

Thirty minutes later, I’m in Alina’s car, heading toward the figure skating house. I asked my dad to tell Aiden’s auntie that I wasn’t feeling well, but that I was grateful she came. I really am. But I don’t want to see her. I can’t face Sophia after failing. As soon as we walk inside the figure skating house, my phone starts ringing.

I don’t even need to check. I know it’s him. A surge of rage

---