Page 129 of Icebound Hearts

“My baby,” she breathes, pulling me into a tight hug, her hands shaking as they cup my face. I blink back my own tears, my throat tight.

For so long, I wanted to make her proud. To show her I could do this, that I could get back everything I lost. I don’t have to ask. I see it in her eyes.

“I’m so proud of you,” she whispers. “So, so proud.” A choked laugh escapes me as I nod, pressing my forehead to hers. Then—a voice I wasn’t sure I’d hear today.

“I knew you would do it.”

I turn, my heart stopping. My father. I grin at him as he stands a few feet away, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable. I walk toward him, my steps sure and when he hugs me, I let him.

The medal is heavy around my neck. The cameras are still flashing. Reporters are shouting questions, my coaches are crying, and Alexei is already talking about our next routine. But, all I can feel is this warmth inside me. Aiden is here. My mom is here and even my father is here.

For so long, I thought I had to win alone, that to be strong, I had to stand on my own.

But I was wrong, because this moment? It’s not just mine. It belongs to everyone who never stopped believing in me. To Aiden, who saw past my walls, to Alina, my sister in every way that matters, to Alexei, my partner, my best friend. To my mother, who fought battles I never even saw. Even to my father, who, in his own way, came back. I have everything I ever wanted.

And as I step onto the highest podium, lifting my face toward the ceiling, letting the weight of gold press against my skin—

I close my eyes.

And I breathe it all in. This is it.

This is happiness.

EPILOGUE

KATERINA

The first snowfall of the season drapes the campus in white, and for once, life feels light.

No pressure. No uncertainty. Just happiness.

I stand by the rink, watching Aiden skate circles around the empty ice, his movements effortless. He’s showing off, smirking at me every time he pulls off a sharp stop or sends ice flying in my direction.

“Are you trying to impress me?” I call, wrapping my coat tighter around me.

He skates toward me, stopping just short of the boards, leaning over them with that familiar cocky grin. “Is it working?”

I pretend to consider. “Hmm. I don’t know. I think I’m more impressed when you win championships.”

His smirk deepens. “Oh, you love when I win championships.” I roll my eyes, but my smile betrays me. “Shut up and kiss me,

Knight.”

He doesn’t hesitate.

Aiden tugs me forward, pressing his lips to mine, soft but sure. I melt into him, my fingers gripping his jacket, his arms wrapping around my waist, holding me like he never intends to let go.

When we finally break apart, I press my forehead against his. “I love you.”

The words come easily now, without hesitation, without fear. Because I do. I love him in a way that is undeniable, unshakable.

Aiden brushes a thumb over my cheek, his gaze filled with

something deep and endless. “I love you too, Angel Face.”

I breathe him in, letting myself get lost in this moment, in

him.

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