Chapter 83

The hockey rink at Crystal Falls buzzed with an electrifying energy.

There was something about hockey games that brought out a different side to people, and witnessing two top schools compete made it even more powerful.

As I made my way up the bleachers, the shouts and cheers of the crowd filled the space in the chilly air.

I had told Lucas I wouldn't make it to the game today, but a part of me knew I should be here for him, just like he had been there for me countless times. Even though I was upset with him, I still wanted to support him.

But I didn't want Lucas to know I was here, so I decided on a spot at the top of the stands where I could watch the game in secret. It gave me the perfect vantage point of the players and ice below.

Currently, my emotions were in a tangled mess of nervousness, confusion, and anger.

The Dragons were up against the popular Warriors, a team known for their strong defense and impressive teamwork skills.

If they won this game, it would bring them a step closer to the championships.

If anyone had the ability to take their team down, it would be Lucas's lead and the Dragon's willingness to listen.

Lucas had an innate ability to track a team's plays and adapt quickly to break down their defenses. I've witnessed it at almost every single one of their games and at every practice.

It was one of the reasons why the Dragons were such a successful team.

Soon, both teams began to make their way out onto the ice, and I spotted Lucas's motioning all the Dragon players to huddle around in a circle.

He must've been given them words of encouragement because a whoop of cheers rose into the stands from their huddle.

A buzzer went off, signaling the start of the game.

As the game unfolded, it was evident that it would be a tough match. The Warriors moved like a unit, their coordination and precision mirrored the Dragons.

It seemed like they had finally met their match.

But my attention was drawn to Lucas's performance—

or lack thereof.

He seemed off. His usual accuracy and speed were disrupted like his focus was elsewhere.

It was as if he was fighting against something beyond the hockey game that was consuming his thoughts and affecting his gameplay.

Due to Lucas's shift in attention, the Dragons struggled to keep up. Their teamwork against the Warriors fell short, and it was almost painful to watch.

"What's going on with them today?" I heard someone in the crowd ask. "They never play like this!"

"I don't know. I've never seen this before," another voice answered.

The Warriors were relentless and calculated as they skated on the ice. I could see why they had that name for their team.

Their moves painted a stark contrast against the Dragons' usually effortless and perfect coordination. And at the center of it all was Lucas whose current lack of focus had somehow infected the entire team.

I was hoping that the Dragon's decline was only for the first half of the game, but as the game went on, they only fell further behind. The gap in the score kept growing wider and wider.

Soon, the two voices I heard earlier voicing their concerns weren't the only ones. Everyone cheering for the Dragons began to murmur and whisper about the surprising shift.

A looming sense of defeat fell over the crowd.

When the final buzzer rang, signifying the end of the game, I watched Lucas skate off the ice, his shoulders slumped and his expression a mixture of frustration and disappointment.

He didn't stop talking with his teammates or fans like he usually did. Instead, his gaze was fixed on the exit door.

Lucas made his way in that direction, probably running off to retreat in his private locker room.

As the other Dragon players left the ice rink to talk to friends and fans, I walked down the bleachers to find James. He was leaning against the railing, his eyes already on me.

They reflected the same concern that currently consumed me.

"Shana," he acknowledged me with worry.

"What was that James?" I approached him, my eyes moving to the corridor where Lucas had disappeared. "I've never seen him play like that before."

James let out a heavy sigh, his hand raking through his hair in frustration. "That's because he doesn't play like that. Ever."

"What do you think it is?"

James regarded me with a raised brow as if to say, "What do you think?"

My heart sank even further, the puzzle pieces not quite fitting together. "Is it because of… everything?"

James sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "I think so. He's struggling with his decision and the weight of the expectations his father has put on him... I think it's worse now than it's ever been."

"He's been sacrificing his own happiness for his father's approval." My frustration surged, mingled with understanding. "This is nothing new."

"Yes, but now his actions have led to his two closest friends abandoning him."

"We're not abandoning him," I said, feeling a pang of guilt. "We just don't agree with his actions."

"In his eyes, he thinks no one is left in his corner and he's clearly falling apart." James's gaze met mine. "And it's costing him more than just his happiness. It's affecting his game. It's affecting all of us."

"I have to talk to him." The sudden realization hit me. "I don't want him to think we've just let our friendship go to waste."

"I don't think he thinks that..." James trailed off. "I think he's just confused on what's right and what's wrong. He doesn't know how to go against his father, but still has his foot in business."

"Do you think Kendrick would completely drop him if Lucas stayed friends with me?" I asked, genuinely shocked that it might be a possibility.

James snorted. "Kendrick would have to be a very weak man to do that, but who knows? He might threaten Lucas with that."

"Lucas is his only heir," I stated plainly. "He's his only hope to carry his legacy."

"I think losing the title of a billionaire's heir is what scares Lucas," James said. "Sure, he might not like every aspect of society like that, but he's been working extremely hard to prove himself to his father."

James was right, but that wasn't all. Lucas is a damn good businessman from what I've seen and heard. He handles every opportunity with grace and confidence. Kendrick had taught him well.

"Well, still," I said. "I need to go find him and let him know we're here for him."

James gave me a knowing smile, his eyes conveying an unspoken message. "He's not going to make it easy for you."

"Does he ever?" My own lips curled into a determined smile. "He'll have to listen to me, even if he is upset."

With that, I made my way toward the locker rooms. Lucas had no idea I was here.

I wondered how he would react once he saw me.

Hopefully, he wouldn't be too upset to speak with me.