Clara’s POV

“He’s about to send an invitation to Natel to be among the elite players for this year’s tournament.”

“OMG! Only the best of the best plays in those tournaments,"I screamed. The price is a billion dollars, and I can't even convince him to put Natel’s name in the list.

“Yessss! I didn’t see that coming as well.” Michael nodded.

After years of pretending to be someone I'm not…it’s finally over. “Dad realizes now that love is more important than hockey coaching dynasties.” I said as I moved closer to Michael, hugging him out of excitement, his warm embrace reminded me of what a real family feels like. But I felt sad because I’ve been hiding my illness from my family.

“He’s very proud of you for following your heart and can’t wait to see you ,” Natel whispered. I love you, sis. So get back in there and enjoy the moment with your husband.”

“I can’t wait to welcome my brother in law into his new family, by tomorrow.”

As we hugged, I couldn't help but notice a strange flash light. It looked like someone had taken a photograph.

“Michael, I have to go.” I hurriedly pulled away from his embrace. The thoughts of how this would look to anyone who didn’t know the truth scared me. A woman intimately embracing a man who isn’t her husband on his special day.

“What’s wrong, I know I want you to go back to the celebration but you suddenly look worried.”

“Did you see that flash?” I whispered to Michael. “I think someone saw us, wait! I can see someone’s shadows near the parking lot.”

“Perfect shot! This is exactly what I needed. You’ve made this easier than I imagined.” A voice called out, followed by the sound of footsteps slowly running away but not before I heard something that shattered my heart into pieces.

“Poor Natel has no idea what his wife does in his absence. It would be a disaster when he sees this.”

I stood dump-founded, as the consequences of this moment hit me. Someone had been watching me and intentionally wanted to destroy everything I had dreamt and sacrificed my life for.

My perfect life is supposed to start tomorrow but from the looks of things it might be the day it all came crashing down before it even started.

“It’s time to go Michael, thank you for everything.” I whispered, giving my brother the very last hug. “Thank you for always standing by me even when I left you.”

“I’ll see you soon okay?” Michael nodded, walked towards his car while I retired back to the event. My heart was still racing from whoever had taken that photograph.

I wanted to get to Natel as fast as possible, I expected to see him still surrounded by reporters and guests but he wasn’t.

The moment I opened the slide glass, I stumbled down the hall. “Hey, have you seen my husband?” I asked a guest as she pointed towards the main entrance.

I felt a bit awkward from the way he looked at me and subtly shrugged as though he didn’t know me.

Dr. Ray Lina was there, she stood very close to my husband. Intimately whispering to his ears with her hand resting on his arm. Gently showing him something on her phone.

“Why does she always hang around my husband like a pest?” I muttered in my head. My anger boiling up. “What exactly is her problem? First she takes credit for my hard work and now she has to be all over him like a desperate bitch?”

How could she even lie about the experiment that saved both his life and career? The same treatment that I had risked my life to get tested first while she was nowhere to be found.

“I’ve had enough of her lies.” I muttered to myself, straightened up my shoulder and decided to go talk to Natel. “This is ridiculous and it has to stop.”

I made my way towards them, with a fake smile plastered on my face. I tried not to let people notice the intense fury burning inside of me.

“Hey baby, sorry I stepped out for a bit. Hope you didn’t miss me too much?” I asked, drawing closer to Natel with my hands gently finding its way to his other arm. “Are you guys finished here? I guess it’s time to go home right?”

Natel stared at me with a warm smile but I just couldn’t believe it, my heart still skipped by his eyes. He was unaware of the tension bubbling between Lina and me. “Of course we are, Lina was just showing me some content for the contract signing in two days.”

“Oh wow! Exciting news.” I replied, with my deep brown eyes studying Lina's face. “It must be great knowing that your medical team will be mentioned as part of my husband’s success story. I mean, you helped him recover?”

Lina had an evil smirk on her face before she suddenly covered it with her professional smile. “Yes, I’m so glad they focused on my innovative treatment that helped fasten Natel’s recovery. The good part is, I’ve gotten over five different offers on collaborations. But talking about going home, can I ride with you both?”

“Hrh! What’s wrong with your car?” I replied, boiling over her audacity.

“My car is at the mechanic shop and I don't think they will be done anytime soon.”

Before I could object or say another word, Natel was already nodding in acceptance. “Lina, you really don’t have to beg. After everything you’ve done for me, a ride is the least I can do.”

I didn’t know when I clenched my fist but forced myself to remain calm. “Really?” I whispered in my head”

As we made our way towards the parking lot, another crowd was hailing Natel. It was his teammates and other players.

“Natel, the man! Congrats on your new team’s signing.” A guy shouted. Lucas Morris, a defenseman from Natel’s current team.

“Thanks, man.” Natel responded. Shaking and hugging with the group.

“You’re about to join the elite team, dude. Those guys have won five consecutive times in the lackers cups in the last decade.”

And now, we just saw the news online five minutes ago about your newest contract.