Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 134

BRAYDON’S POV

Leo nudges me in the ribs, whispering something that only he finds funny. I mostly ignore him, though I can feel his smirk even without looking. His antics are annoying, but I can’t take my eyes off her.

Katy walks at the front of the line in her black gown and mortarboard. The gold cord draped over her shoulders is the only one today, and it’s so elegant it moves me to tears. I’m so proud of her.

“Dude,” Leo says again. “You’re so lucky.”

I grin, unable to even tell him to shut the hell up and focus. Honestly, aside from coming with me for Katy’s graduation which is probably the most reasonable thing he’ll do all day besides sleeping, he’s also completely charmed by her.

I steal a glance at Justin, who’s also watching the side where the graduates are. He must be bursting with pride, watching his sister and his girl reach the finish line on the same day.

“I almost failed senior year.” Leo nudges me. “I mean… how did you even bag her?”

I open my mouth to respond, but my gaze drifts over to Bryan. He’s in his black gown too, looking genuinely happy and proud. I exhale, relieved to see him doing well. We don’t talk often, but he invited me today, and I told him I’d be here. He’s come so far since last year and it’s good to see him thriving.

I lean toward Leo. “She’s amazing, I’m hot. Do the maths.”

He nods, folding his arms, clearly impressed.

Not only is Katy Valedictorian, but she’s graduating with a 3.97 GPA which is extremely rare. And on top of that, she beat that annoying dude who always bugged her. Zham Can? Zhao Lang? Something like that. I can’t really remember. He’s Salutatorian, while my girl wears the gold cord.

“She’s gorgeous, man,” Leo comments, and this time even Justin shoots him a glare. ” Seriously, what’s her secret? She’s perfect.”

“She’s taken, man,” Justin warns.

“Then what about your girl?” Leo teases, and Justin grits his teeth.

“I’d kill you if you’re falling for her,” I tell Leo, and he laughs softly.

The ceremony begins in earnest with a few words from the dean, the national anthem, and clapping filling the hall. The graduates stand as their names are called, filing past the stage to shake hands with faculty.

I watch Katy from my seat, mesmerized. She radiates from the stage, moving with grace to accept congratulations. Her suit pants give her the look of a professional lawyer, and my chest swells with joy at how far she’s come. My tutor has finally graduated.

Justin is our unofficial photographer, taking pictures of every moment while I cheer the loudest I’ve ever cheered in my life. Our eyes meet for a few fleeting seconds while she’s on stage, and she gives me a smile that makes my chest lighten even more.

Then comes the moment I’ve been waiting for: she’s called to the podium for her speech.

I blink fast, trying to control my emotions. The hall is silent now, every pair of eyes fixed on her, so full of awe and admiration.

“Cadston gave me Allison, a sister in every sense of the word with the biggest heart, and who inspired me to become more confident in myself, to step into spaces I didn’t think I belonged, including submitting an application for the Blackrock Grant, which I won. I thank and love you so much, Allie. I also want to thank my professors, who never stopped me from learning, who challenged me to push further than I thought I could go. I want to thank Braydon Cooper, for seeing beyond the surface, for loving me for everything I am, and for always being there for me. You taught me what love looks like and I’m grateful.”

That’s me. I take out my handkerchief and dab at my eyes.

“I want to thank Zhao Lanhui, Salutatorian, whose drive and determination pushed me to do better every day. And to my friends, my found family, my mentors…thank you. Thank you for being my anchors, my guides, my cheerleaders, my challengers. Every lesson, every word of encouragement, every moment of doubt turned into motivation has shaped who I am today.

As we stand here, at the edge of tomorrow, I want to say this: we are not defined by the challenges we inherit. We are not the sum of our wounds, the mistakes we fear, or the past that follows us. We are defined by the choices we make, the courage we embrace, and the love we give and receive. I choose to carry hope, to choose resilience, to choose love, not just for myself, but for everyone whose life touches mine. I hope we all do the same. Thank you.”

As I rise to my feet, joining the others in applause, I can’t stop the tears blurring my vision. Not just because she’s brilliant, but because of everything she’s overcome to stand here.

Memories flood my mind, starting from the first time I met her with Justin in her freshman year, her showing up at my doorstep clutching her books to tutor me, the way she made me want to become a better person. Katy Evans is a star, a gift to me and everyone around her.

And Justin… I think he believes it even more, because he’s sobbing uncontrollably.