Page 120 of The Sweetest Revenge

Zaiden took control of the puck, gliding across the ice as he spun and dodged several players on the opposing team.

"At this point," Journey said, pointing to the scoreboard. "They just need to keep the puck from the other team."

He shot the puck to a teammate as they moved closer and closer to the goal.

The final buzzer sounded, and the entire arena went wild. The Hurricanes won. We all shot out of our seats, jumping up and down and cheering along with the crowd.

The arena lights dimmed. Not the gradual fade after a game, but a deliberate blackout that stopped fans mid-stride. Conversations cut short. A collective intake of breath.

"What's happening?" I whispered, scanning the darkened rink where the players should have been celebrating.

Journey didn't answer. Just gripped my arm harder, her eyes fixed on something above us.

"Ari," Journey shouted, and I followed her line of sight to the jumbotron as it flickered to life, its massive screen illuminating the arena. I froze in place as words began to appear:

ARIELLA LEDGER,WILL YOU MARRY ME?–ZAIDEN

The spotlight hit center ice where, somehow, all the players had cleared away except for Zaiden. He was down on one knee, his helmet removed, dark hair falling across his forehead. In his gloved hand was a small black velvet box.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Someone nudged me. "Ari," Mila screamed over everyone. "That's you."

My throat closed completely. The lights blurred as tears welled up, turning the arena into a kaleidoscope of color and light. I managed only a trembling nod as an usher materialized at my elbow, his voice coming as if from underwater.

"Ms. Ledger? This way, please," he said with a smile, guiding me toward a gate at ice level.

My legs felt like jelly as I stepped onto the ice, careful not to slip. The spotlight found me, and I squinted as the cheering grew louder. Zaiden's face broke into a relieved smile when he saw me.

"I thought you might not make it." His voice cracked, barely audible above the roar.

What if I hadn't? What if my taxi had hit one more red light? What if I'd given up at the airport?

"I'm so sorry I was late," I managed through tears, the weight of those almost-missed seconds crushing my chest.

Zaiden shook his head, a private grin forming at the corners of his mouth. "Your timing," he whispered, just for me, "is perfect."

His gloved hands trembled slightly as he opened the velvet box. The diamond caught the spotlight, fracturing it into a thousand glittering promises. Around us, the massive arena seemed to disappear until it held only two people.

"I know we still have a lot to figure out, like where we are going to live, but I know without a doubt that I want to spend the rest of my life with you." The corners of his mouth lifted into the smile I loved so much. "Ariella Ledger." His voice broke on my name. He swallowed, steadied himself. "Will you marry me?"

Eighteen thousand people held their breath, but I could hear only my heartbeat.

My lips parted, but no sound emerged. I nodded once, twice, tears streaming freely down my face.

Find your voice, Ari.

"Yes," I finally managed, the word barely audible at first, then stronger as I repeated it. "Yes! Yes, I will!"

The crowd erupted again as Zaiden slipped the ring onto my finger and rose to his feet, pulling me into his arms. His teammates burst back onto the ice, showering them with confetti and cheers.

The Jumbotron now read:

SHE SAID YES!

As Zaiden lifted me off my feet and spun me around on the ice, my laughter mingled with tears. Being late had never felt so perfectly timed.

I looked back at our friends in the stands as my shoes hit the ice, their excited faces confirming what I already suspected—they were all in on it. Sterling nodded, his smile widening. Journey covered her mouth with both hands, her shoulders shaking with emotion. Even Hawk, usually so stoic, wore a wide grin.

My heart swelled, but over the roar of the crowd and the confetti falling like snow, a familiar ache surfaced. That empty seat that would never be filled.

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