My Hockey Star Ex-Husband’s Regret
Clara’s POV
“Dear guests, please welcome on stage the newest star of our professional senior hockey team, Natel Sinclaire."
The excitement of the crowd was overwhelming, cameras flashed from various angles and reporters moved forward to capture the moment. Seeing the big smile on my husband’s face made my heart race in a good way.
He confidently strode to the stage with his hands in his pockets, his dark hair was neatly laid and his smile? Just perfect to light up the room.
He took a deep breath, adjusted the microphone before speaking. “Thank you all so much,” Natel said, his voice showing how much he prayed for this moment. This was his moment to shine.
“I have to be honest, this feels like a dream but definitely a dream come true. Just 3 years ago, I was playing in a small town rink in Arizona, hoping to be a star one day or probably get recognized for my talent. And now, here I am. About to sign with Rangers hub - one of the biggest teams in New York.”
His voice was cultured, I smiled at him with pride as I watched him speak gently. He had no idea it was the reason his dreams finally came through. I was the reason he was standing on that stage.
After hiding my identity for 3 years, my husband was about to enjoy my family’s influence without even knowing it.
Even though my father shunned me for 3 years all because of Natel, at this point. I had no regrets for sticking with him when he had nothing. For standing on my decision when my father kicked against our union.
“First and foremost,” Natel continued, staring directly at me in the midst of the crowd. “I want to thank my amazing wife, Clara. She’s been my biggest support system through everything. Even when I doubted myself, she believed in my dream.”
“Who wouldn’t want to have a sweetheart like her?” He giggled as the whole crowd joined him.
The camera turned towards me, I wiped at my cheeks with my nervous hands as I gave a small wave. They all seemed happy to hear his sweet words but if only they knew half of the things I had done to get him here.
“I also want to thank someone else, who’s the reason I’m standing here today. She didn’t just save my career but my life as well.” Natel said, he wasn’t just grateful, his expression could tell that he had a life indebtedness to this person.
“When I had that terrible incident 3 years ago, the doctors said I might not survive and the only way they could revive me was through an electric experiment that wasn’t confirmed yet. Dr. Ray Lina and her team did research and found a different way.”
“According to her, she couldn’t let me be all by myself. She followed up with every procedure until I recovered.” He concluded, staring passionately at her.
My smile faded slowly, Ray Lina. The lying bitch surgeon who had managed to take credit for a treatment I took care of and even paid for. I couldn’t let the thoughts of this affect my mood, it was Natel’s big day and I wouldn't let her sneaking self ruin it.
“To my amazing mother who sacrificed her life to see me through school and chase my hockey dreams, to my teammates, coaches and fans that love me so much - I’m so blessed to have you all. The Ranger Hub contract signing in a few days is just the beginning!”
The crowd cheered him up as he made his way from the stage. Cameras captured every moment while reporters swarmed him up immediately with a lot of questions.
Of course he didn’t disappoint me, Natel has always had the confidence of someone who dreamed and knew he belonged in this world. If only he knew he was about to become part of the most powerful club in the country. It wasn’t just about the game but the powerful influence that comes with the name.
A few days from now, everything will change after signing the contract. I can finally tell Natel the truth about my real identity, about my father and about the precious secret I’ve been hiding. I said this gently, placing my hands on my stomach. A glance at him made me even more excited.
This baby would change everything, this child will give me the perfect life I've always wanted. The life I picked over my coaching career. I finally get to live happily with the love of my life Natel.
With this baby on the way, my father would definitely forgive me and accept Natel. He had a soft spot for children. Once he knew he was going to be a grandfather, the anger that i walked away from Waves empire to leave as a nobody would disappear.
After 3 years of hiding who I really was, I was identified as another hockey housewife. I finally get to live a life free from lies.
“I couldn’t believe it but everything I ever wished for was finally becoming a reality. A few days from now, I will officially introduce my husband to my father. Imagine how I would tell Natel about the pregnancy as well.” I whispered to myself, with a big smile plastered on my face.
I wasn’t done with my imaginations before my phone buzzed. I hurriedly took the phone from my purse and the caller ID showed Michael - my younger brother. My smile faded immediately, I had given him strict instructions not to contact me during public events or occasionally.
Maintaining my secret up until now took a a lot of carefulness. I can’t afford to mess it up now.
I nervously scanned the buzzing room and quietly slipped away through the back door to take his call.
“Michael, why did you have to call me now?” I answered, with my voice barely audible. “I told you, it’s too risky calling me at will. You should have texted.”
“Clara, I’m sorry, but I couldn’t hold in the good news or my excitement,” Michael said, his voice eager to spill the tea. “I’m outside the hotel gate, currently working towards the entrance. Can you step out for a few minutes? I need to see you in person.”
“What? You can’t be serious. What happens when someone sees us? They are reporters all over the place.”
“I’m very much aware of that but this wouldn’t take long and it’s about Dad.”
“My heart skipped a bit, “What about Dad? Is he okay.”
“How would you know if you don’t step out to meet me?”
At this point, I didn't care about any reporter or being caught. This was about my father, I would not forgive myself if anything happened to him.
I quickly walked towards the entrance where Michael said he would be waiting for me. “Is Dad okay? What happened?” I nervously asked, with my heart pumping faster than usual. Stamping my feet to the ground as I waited patiently to hear him utter a word.
“Nothing is wrong with him, in fact he’s doing more than okay but___?”
“Michael, you’re testing my patience, but what?” I yelled, giving him a weird smirk.
“I told him about the baby.”
“What baby? Wait! Mine?” I whispered, moving closer to him. I felt like giving him a hot spank but I realized he wasn’t the baby brother I used to know. He’s all grown now.
“Yes, I'm sorry, I got carried away by my excitement of becoming an uncle. When you brought up your topic, I didn't know when it slipped out. His anger for you grew each day and I knew breaking the good news to him would change things.”
“Michael, I haven't even told Natel, you should have waited.” I interrupted with a hiss, pacing round the place.
“Does it even matter? You should have seen his face. Dad’s excitement was all over the moon, he finally wants to meet Natel and has made arrangements for you both to come to the house tomorrow.”
“Really? Tomorrow?.” My anger instantly vanished, replaced by the joy of finally reuniting with my father. “I can’t wait to see Dad, it’s been 3 years.”
“I know right? This is what you’ve always wanted, sis.” He nodded, with a smile. I could see him holding back his tears. “That’s not all, I have another good news for you.”
