Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 125

KATY’S POV

Whispers ripple around us and I can feel eyes on my back, curiosity thick in the air. Zhao Lan is sure an asshole.

“We still have a full year before graduating,” I respond. “Actually, a year and a half.” I tilt my head slightly, meeting his gaze. “So maybe you should worry about keeping up with me until then.”

“Or are you scared?” I add. “Trying to force me to back down now because you don’t think you can handle me later?”

“Oh please,” he rolls his eyes. “You couldn’t even make it to the top fifty for this minor stuff. If forty-nine random people can beat you, you really should be ashamed of yourself.”

I plant my hands firmly on the table and lean close. “I don’t like to count my chickens before they hatch. And maybe you should tell those forty-nine people to actually beat me at being valedictorian, if they can. You included.”

I don’t wait for him to respond. I just turn and walk away, clutching my bag tightly. His voice follows me as he lashes but I refuse to let any of it sink in. I’m going to be alright. I really will be.

I don’t even glance at where I’m going as I push through the door and bam, I collide with someone.

“I’m sorry, I-” The words die on my lips when I lift my gaze.

It’s Bryan.

I freeze, and step back, my heart kicking. I haven’t run into him in a while, and I knew he’d been suspended and skipped exams.

“Are you okay?” he asks gently. There’s a tired sadness in his eyes that makes my chest ache.

“Yeah,” I answer, but I can’t bring myself to ask how he’s doing. I nod quickly, telling myself I should just leave. Bolt. Get out of here.

“Katy.” His voice stops me.

Slowly, I turn to face him and we stand like that for a moment, just staring at each other. Then he steps closer, and instinctively, I step back.

“I know it’s long overdue,” he starts finally. “I don’t know when I’ll see you next, but I need to say it… I’m really sorry for how I treated you.”

I wasn’t expecting that. Not with the way he already looks, all worn down and sad.

“I’m sorry I said those things to you that day,” he continues, his voice low. “And I definitely regret it, especially the part about finding someone better than me.” He snorts, almost bitterly. “Our relationship was really nice. You didn’t do anything wrong, you were great to me, loved me, and I… I just wasn’t ready. I was used to chaos, so when things got peaceful, I freaked out every time and tried to stir something up. I felt undeserving of something good, and I messed it up.”

My throat tightens. I step slightly to the side as someone exits through the door, giving us a little space, though it hardly matters. I’m fighting the swell of emotions I hadn’t even realized I was holding back. I never expected him to say these words, and I wasn’t prepared for how heavy they would feel in my chest.

“Please say something,” he whispers. “I really want you to stop hating me, if possible.”

“Braydon didn’t force them,” I reply, looking at him. “They chose to forgive you and drop the case. You should be grateful to them.”

“Yeah,” he replies. “I am really grateful.”

I know he is. I also know he cried, like a lot. Braydon did too. With their dad and Bryan’s mum heading to jail, all they have now is each other as brothers. Their relationship might never be the same, but I can understand why Braydon couldn’t bring himself to see him behind bars.

“So…” I shrug, shifting my weight. “What options did Cadston give you?”

“I’m staying an extra year,” he responds. “I think that’s really fair and I’m more than happy to take the chance.”

I shift my bag higher on my shoulder, my fingers lingering on the strap for a moment. “It’s great that things are better for you. I… I should get going.”

“Sure,” he says, stepping aside.

I bob my head once more and start walking, but a few steps in, I pause and turn back to him.

“Bryan.” He looks at me. “You’ll be fine,” I tell him. “You really will be.”