Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 128

KATY’S POV

Braydon pulls me into a hug as the entire room erupts in applause. I can barely hear anything, barely see beyond his shoulders. My senses are swamped with people calling my name, clapping, cheering but it all blends into a chaotic, happy blur.

When Braydon finally pulls back, he’s practically vibrating with excitement. “You did it.”

Allie spins me around and squeezes me into another hug. “I knew it. There’s no one better than you up there. I knew it,” she brags.

I hug Justin quickly, tears prickling at my eyes, and start walking down the aisle toward the stage. Hands reach out for high-fives, quick shakes, and cheers follow me every step. My stomach flips, my heart feels like it’s going to burst and I think I might throw up but it’s happiness, the kind that leaves you dizzy and breathless.

Five minutes ago, I was wishing I could just disappear, and even hoping to be the last name on the list if possible. And now… I’m shaking hands with Mr. Langley for having the best idea of the year.

Despite my efforts to stay composed, tears blur my vision, and I can’t even see past my own feet.

“Congratulations.” Langley shakes my hand again. “Keep it up.”

“Thank you,” I reply, brushing at the corner of my eyes. Mr. Harold commends me as well before I step aside to join the group, stopping just in front of Zhao. I caught a glimpse of his face, and boy, is he completely livid.

My chest feels light, like I could float away. I’m so happy I can barely believe it. This… this is the best day of my life.

****

The band shifts into a slow song and Braydon slides an arm around me, pulling me gently

closer.

“Just look at me,” he murmurs. “I’ll handle the rest. Clearly, dancing is not your thing.”

I snort, but lean into him anyway, trying to follow his lead. “Like this?”

“Yes.” He smirks. “You learn quickly, baby.”

His eyes are locked on mine, and for a second, I kind of imagine dancing like this with him on different nights, different occasions. “Do you-”

“Stop stepping on my toes!” Allie’s little snap cuts me off. I turn to see her and Justin struggling, and I press my lips together to keep from laughing. I kind of feel sorry for her. I don’t know why she decided to borrow Justin tonight, of all people when there are plenty of guys who would happily take her out. He’s the last person I’d expect to know how to dance, and even worse… he’ll probably bruise her toes.

“Peach, I’m sorry, but I’ll be right back.” Braydon pulls my attention back to him. “Coach wants to see me.”

I nod, and he releases my waist, walking over to his coach standing in the corner. I adjust my gloves and scan the room, wondering if I should sit or just stand here and wait for him. I haven’t even decided when a shadow falls over me.

I turn, and my smile disappears the second I see an infuriating face that clearly isn’t happy to see me either.

“I was hoping for a word,” Zhao Lan says.

“I’m dancing,” I reply, turning away. “And I really don’t want to talk to you.”

“I just came to congratulate you.”

I spin back, shocked by his words. He… actually swallowed his pride without choking on it? This can’t be real. But he tilts his head, and I realize I was wrong.

“But like Langley said,” he adds, “execution is what matters.”

I roll my eyes. “Are you really here to congratulate me? Or are you just bitter that your very reliable sources didn’t tell you I’d be the best tonight? You’re making this about rivalry instead of being proud of an accomplishment.”

He narrows his eyes. “They must have created a special spot for you somehow.”

I arch an eyebrow, crossing my arms. “Oh? Are you suggesting I’m more connected than you? That I can actually influence a corporation? You always boast about your family connections so are you now saying I’m better?”

His lips twitch, anger flashing in his eyes. “It’s not over until the last day, Evans.”

“Not over, sure,” I shoot back, stepping closer with my chin high. “But I’ll still win. Like Langley said, my idea solves a problem, not just enriches billionaires. Anybody can afford my product once it’s done. You? Your submission was probably some ridiculous, expensive tech that only the ultra-rich could ever use.”

His eyes darken further. “Life isn’t a fairytale, Evans. Don’t get your hopes up. You need money to build your product, and last I checked, you’re not exactly rich. Or… are you fucking the hockey guy because he’s wealthy? Bet he even paid your submission fee.”

I smile. “Embarrassing.”

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