Chapter 93

Lucas POV

The days leading up to the hockey game against the Serpents had been a lot of hard work and preparation.

I couldn't even remember the last time our team had worked this hard to ensure a win.

My team, the Dragons, were more united than ever. And I couldn't help but think a small part of that was due to the sudden shift in my life.

Practices were intense, with every player giving their all. I took pride in watching my teammates improve, stepping up their game, and contributing their best efforts.

As their captain, I couldn't have been prouder. I also couldn't believe that we could've always been this way if I would've learned to stand up for myself earlier on...

I stood on the sidelines, watching the practice unfold.

"Great job, Sam! Keep up the momentum!" I shouted, my voice carrying over the ice. Sam, one of our smallest, had just executed a perfect slap shot that had our goalie diving to make a save.

If you would've seen him play a month or two ago, he would've never been able to do that.

The energy on the ice was electric, a testament to the dedication and skill each player had put in.

We were in a good place, both mentally and physically—I had zero doubt in us.

The anticipation for the upcoming game was always the center of conversation among the players. The usual trash talk.

The Serpents were known for being a tough team, but I believed in our team's abilities.

We were stronger, more cohesive, and ready to take on any challenge.

But even though everything seemed to be going right in my life now, there was a constant thorn in my side—

my relationship with my father.

His text, filled with threats and demands, lingered in the back of my mind. Every time I stepped onto the ice, his words whispered doubts into my thoughts. Was I doing the right thing? Was rebelling against him worth it?

I shook my head, pushing those thoughts away as I skated with the team. I knew it was the right choice — of course it was.

My teammates were a reflection of that.

My improved mood was a reflection of that.

I had to ignore my father's cruel words, and listen to my heart. I had to focus on what was right for me. But I had to admit, it was hard to ignore.

Today's practice was crucial, the final push before the big game.

We were running drills, focusing on teamwork and quick passes. The upcoming game was our chance to prove ourselves, to show that we were a force to be reckoned with.

And even after practice, my mind was still racing with what might happen.

"Are we wearing the red or black jerseys?" James asked all the teammates as we headed to the locker rooms.

"Red," Sam said from the front of the line.

I stilled, stopping behind the guys. Shit. My red jersey was still at my father's house... I must've forgotten to pack it with me.

I had no other choice.

I knew I had to retrieve my jersey from my father's house.

"Hey, you guys head over to Hollow High on the buses, okay?" I told my teammates. "I'll meet you there."

"Where are you going?" James asked, raising a skeptical brow.

"I forgot my jersey at home, don't worry. I'll see you there, okay?"

James nodded, but a part of him looked a little concerned.

I tried to make it to my father's house as fast as possible.

I didn't anticipate him being home because he was usually consumed by work, but I still wanted to be in and out of there quick.

I slipped into a hoodie, grabbed my car keys, and made my way to his place.

I knocked on the door, expecting to be met by silence or by one of my father's security guards. But to my surprise, the door swung open, revealing my father standing there.

"Lucas," he acknowledged, his tone colder than the breeze outside.

I cleared my throat, trying to keep my composure. "I left one of my red jerseys here. I need it for the game tonight."

He eyed me suspiciously, as if analyzing every inch of me. Surprisingly, he said, "Come in" and ushered me inside.

I followed him into the house hesitantly. The familiarity of the surroundings only amplified my discomfort.

He led me to my old room, and I grabbed the jersey from my closet.

When I turned around, he was right behind me.

"Is that all?" His voice was deceptively calm, but I knew better than thinking everything was okay.

"Yeah, that's it." I nodded, gripping the red jersey tightly in my hands.

I needed to get out of here. I could sense that he was ready to start another argument, and I didn't have any time for that right now.

"You've been ignoring my texts." He took a step closer, his gaze piercing.

"I've been busy," I replied curtly, not wanting to go into detail.

I needed to get to the game. Now. Soon. Fast.

"Busy rebelling, you mean?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.

I clenched my jaw. "I have my reasons."

He stepped even closer, his face inches from mine. "How does it feel, Lucas? Living without my money? Relying on your poor old Grandma Jo?"

My gaze hardened when I heard him mention her name. I hated it when he talked about her as if he had the right.

"I don't need Grandma Jo's money. I have my own money. I'm managing just fine without your help."

"Managing, huh? Is that why you've been planning this all along?"

I frowned, his accusation catching me off guard. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're trying to sabotage everything, aren't you? Ruin everything I've built!"

I took a step back, my heart pounding. "That's not—"

"Save it, Lucas," he snapped, his patience clearly wearing thin. "You think you can outsmart me? Plotting things behind my back?"

"I'm not plotting anything. I just want to live my life on my terms!"

"Your terms? You have no idea what's best for you!"

"Neither do you!" I shot back, unable to hold my words back any longer.

"You're a disappointment, Lucas. A worthless, ungrateful disappointment." He seemed to swell with anger, his face turning red.

"Tell me something new." I took a step forward, matching his anger with my own. "I'm not worthless. I'm not a pawn to be controlled."

His face contorted with rage, and suddenly, his strength overpowered me. I was propelled backward, stumbling into the closet. The door slammed shut, enclosing me in darkness.

"What are you doing?" I demanded, pounding on the door. "Let me out of here!"

"I'm teaching you a lesson!" he shouted from the other side with a growl.

"Let me out!" I yelled again, my fists banging on the door.

But it was no use...

I heard him walk away, leaving me trapped in the suffocating darkness. I could barely breathe, the panic started to rise within me.

The game came to the forefront of my thoughts.

I had to play tonight, to lead my team.

But how could I do that if I was stuck in here?