Chapter 92

Monday marked the return of school after the weekend, and it seemed like the world was shifting back into its familiar rhythm. For Lucas, though, the focus wasn't solely on books and classes.

The upcoming hockey game loomed over him.

The game casted excitement and nerves on everyone at Shadow High.

All week long, there's been a silent buzz amongst all the students about the impending game. It's been the center of all the school's group chats. Actually, Lucas had been the topic of every group chat.

Everyone wanted to know if the Dragons would be able to win the game after they lost their previous game due to Lucas's bad mood and conflicting feelings.

But as I watched Lucas from a distance during hockey practice, his dedication evident in the sweat glistening on his forehead, his skates slicing through the ice with a determined grace.

I had no doubt that he would be able to carry the Dragons to victory in this next game.

This game was crucial, determining whether their team would make it to the championships. The Dragons had only lost two games in the entire season which was pretty impressive. There was only one other school with the same winning streak... the Serpents of Hollow High School.

They were the Dragons biggest competitors right now.

And with Lucas's determination, it was clear to see — he wanted this win more than anything.

After ending his engagement with Victoria, Lucas had visibly shed a layer of stress and obligation.

There was something different about him now, something more authentic. More real.

He moved more freely, smiled more genuinely. Spending time away from his father and immersing himself in his relationship with Grandma Jo had rekindled the Lucas we knew, the Lucas who had been overshadowed by his father's controlling influence.

I couldn't help but be relieved. The real Lucas was back. Bear was back... the side of Lucas that I had missed without even fully realizing it.

Kendrick's grip had changed him and molded him into something he wasn't. It was almost as if I was seeing him for the first time again, and the difference was shocking to say the least.

And it wasn't just me who noticed.

The hockey team thrived under his leadership, performing better than ever before.

I overheard conversations among his teammates, the admiration and respect in their voices evident.

"Man, Lucas can be such a hard ass, but he really knows what he's talking about," one said.

"Yeah, he's a true leader," another added.

Even James, who wasn't easily impressed, remarked, "Man, I didn't think I'd say this, but Lucas has really stepped up his game. He's got everyone fired up."

"I know!" I smiled, unable to hide my shit eating grin. "Isn't it great?"

"He needs to defy Kendrick more," James teased. "If it means he's going to be the best captain this school has ever seen, then why not?"

The transformation was incredible. Lucas had always been a good captain, but now he was more than that. He was a driving force, a unifying presence that brought out the best in all of all the players.

I was genuinely happy to see him thrive in this role, to see his teammates rally around him with newfound energy and motivation.

As the hockey practice ended, I lingered for a moment, waiting until it was just the two of us.

Lucas usually took this time to go down the line and give each player one compliment and one criticism about their gameplay from practice. I think it was a good way to boost moral, while also allowing each player to improve something about themselves.

Lucas, drenched in sweat but wearing a satisfied smile, walked over to me once he clapped the last player on their back.

"Hey," he greeted, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.

"Hey," I parroted, matching his smile. "You're looking pretty confident out there."

He chuckled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Yeah, well, I've got a lot riding on this game. Plus, I can't take all the credit. The guys are impressive."

We began to walk away from the rink, our pace leisurely. "And I have no doubt you'll give it your all."

"Shana, I need to talk to you about something." His smile faded a bit as his expression turned more serious.

My curiosity piqued. A wall of nerves hit me as I looked at him expectantly. "Sure, what's on your mind?"

He hesitated, his gaze momentarily fixed on the ground before he met my eyes again. "My father hasn't spoken to me directly, but he sent me a text."

My heart sank. The mention of Kendrick had a way of doing that.

"What did he say now?"

"He's not happy about how things are going," Lucas said, his face filled with uncertainty and wariness. "He's threatening to ban me from the company building and cut off my money if I continue to rebel."

I shook my head in disbelief. "That's... extreme. Can he actually do that?"

"Yeah. I mean, I guess he could. That's my father for you," Lucas replied with a sigh. "He also mentioned wanting me to move back home, so he can keep an eye on me. He's afraid I'll get into more trouble."

"What? No, Lucas. You can't go back there." I frowned. "What are you going to do?"

"I don't want to go back to that suffocating environment. And I really missed spending time with Grandma Jo... But I also don't want to give in to his threats."

"Lucas, you've already come so far. Going back now would be like taking ten steps backward. Haven't you noticed how much more free you are? How more like yourself you are? You can't let his threats control you anymore."

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every action. "I know, but that's easier said than done."

"True," I admitted. "But you've got something he can't control—your determination and your spirit. You've built a support system with me and James, you're creating such a strong team on the ice, and you're finding yourself again. Don't let him ruin that."

"You're right, Shana. I just need to figure out how to navigate this..."

"Of course, Lucas. You can always lean on me or come to me," I encouraged. "I'm here for you, and so is James. And remember, you have savings from your previous investments, right? And your allowance from your dad?"

"Yeah," Lucas nodded. "I've saved up over time, so money shouldn't be an issue. I guess I was unconsciously preparing for a situation like this..."

"Look at you," I said with a small smile. "So smart and resourceful."

"Stop teasing me." Lucas bumped my shoulder playfully. "But I don't want you worrying, Shana. I've got things under control."

Like Lucas said... that was easier said than done.

I couldn't help but worry about him.

The situation felt like a ticking time bomb, the tension between Lucas and his father building with every passing day.

"Just promise me you'll reach out if things get tough," I said.

Lucas's gaze held mine, sincerity shining in his eyes. "I promise."