Chapter 30

**KAIA**

The moment Callum and I stepped into the arena, a wave of excitement hit me. The roar of the crowd, the energy in the air-it was all so overwhelming. I couldn't help but feel a thrill as we searched for our seats, taking in the sea of passionate fans.

As we found our places, my eyes widened at the sight below. The massive ice rink stretched out before us, and the players were already gliding across it, warming up for the game.

The sound of skates slicing through the ice echoed through the arena, adding to the adrenaline coursing through me.

The crowd's enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn't help but be amazed by the collective passion for the game. It was my first time going on a date to a hockey game, and the atmosphere was electric.

The cheers, the anticipation-it all created a perfect backdrop for a thrilling evening. I exchanged a glance with Callum, and I couldn't hide my excitement as we settled down.

Whereas Callum looked like he's been to these things many times, which is understandable since he's a hockey player after all.

We sat in the fifth row near the front, getting a perfect view of the ice rink below. I glanced at the players warming up on the side and my eyes immediately zeroed in on one familiar face that skated by, making my heart sink.

*Adrian*

"Hey, um, what game is this again? Who's playing against who?" I asked Callum while leaning closer to his side so he could hear me.

"It's the Silverleaf Blades against Ivywood Frosthawks." He replied.

The Ivywood Frosthawks. Adrian's team.

I shot a glance toward Callum before settling uncomfortably in my seat. I'm not sure if this whole thing was done on purpose because Adrian was playing tonight or was there really no motive.

Whatever the reason is, I don't like it one bit.

**•ADRIAN•**

Five minutes for more warm-up before the game starts. This was yet another hockey tournament I thought we were probably just here to waste time for.

It's just a chance for my team and I to warm up and keep fit before we actually take on the other teams that consider themselves the real deal around here.

So, this was nothing but a show to make people see that we're still the best and that the Ivywood Frosthawks still got it.

I skated past one of the players and the next words they said, suddenly made me stop in my tracks.

"Callum Morris is here. I saw him sitting up there in the fifth row, he's here to watch the game."

I paused as my jaw automatically clenched upon the mention of the fucker's name. I glided towards the side and looked up towards the front row.

I saw him but he wasn't the one that immediately caught my attention. It was the person sitting right next to him that did.

He was here with Kaia.

I fisted my hands as the reminder of her phone conversation suddenly popped into my head. The pieces all slowly start to fit together.

So this is where they came to hang out and catch up huh?

A loud blaring sound rang inside the arena, indicating that the game was about to start. Nate called us all in for a quick group pep talk but I lost focus of what he was saying.

I couldn't stop looking at them and Kaia suddenly caught me staring and her eyes immediately narrowed when we made eye contact.

If they were here to plan on provoking me and getting under my skin, I am going to ruin them.

It's one thing to deal with Callum on and off the ice but with Kaia playing this kind of game too?

Fuck!

Despite my efforts to stay focused, the sight of Kaia and Callum watching from above wormed its way into my mind, distracting me from the task at hand. I couldn't shake the feeling of their eyes on me.

As the puck dropped, chaos erupted on the ice. Players scrambled, sticks clashed, and bodies collided in a flurry of movement. Tension hung heavy in the air as both teams fought for control.

Then, in the blink of an eye, the opposing team broke through our defense and scored. The disappointment was palpable, a bitter taste in my mouth.

Nate's signal to stay focused went unnoticed as my gaze drifted toward Kaia and Callum. The sight of Kaia's intense stare only served to fuel my irritation.

Was this part of their plan? To get me to lose focus and let my team down?

Frustration gnawed at me as I swung my hockey stick against the hard rink glass. Three goals on the board, and we were still trailing the Silverleaf Blades. The game was slipping away, and my irritation grew with every ticking minute.

The crowd's surprised gasps followed the echo of my stick hitting the glass, drawing eyes from the spectators. I couldn't care less about their reactions; my focus was on the ice, on catching up.

Then, the announcer's voice pierced through the ambient noise.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have some surprise guests in the house tonight!" The unexpected distraction made my irritation bubble. "Let's welcome Callum Morris and his lovely date!"

A wave of mixed emotions hit me as the spotlight shifted to Kaia, here with Callum. The announcer's commentary continued, "And look at that, folks! Callum, you've got yourself quite the catch. What a pretty lady you've got there!"

Smiles and whispers spread through the crowd as everyone's attention turned to Kaia.

It wasn't just anger burning inside me; it was something hotter, something more consuming. The cheers for Callum and the compliments for Kaia felt like a punch to the gut, leaving me seething on the ice.

Suddenly, the announcer's voice echoed through the speakers again, mentioning a kiss cam making its way around the arena.

I glanced up at the massive screen above, revealing Kaia and Callum under the kiss cam spotlight.

My jaw clenched in frustration, losing track of the game as Callum leaned in, kissing Kaia on the lips.

Transfixed by the unfolding scene, I failed to notice someone barreling into my side. The impact sent me flying, and my head collided hard with the ice.

Dizziness enveloped me, the room spinning as I struggled to regain concentration. My teammates hovered over me, their words drowned out by a loud buzzing in my ears, a disorienting aftermath of the unexpected collision.

As the medics approached, their gloved hands gently guided me into a sitting position. Their probing fingers searched the back of my head for any signs of injury, and as they did, the haze that clouded my senses began to dissipate. The world slowly sharpened into focus.

Amidst the concerned faces surrounding me, my gaze instinctively found its way to the row where Callum and Kaia sat. There, Kaia stood, her expression marked with a hint of concern. It irritated me more than the throbbing pain in my head.

The annoyance grew as I silently accused her, staring straight up and wishing she wasn't there witnessing my vulnerable state.

I pushed myself up from the ice, ignoring the concerned medics trying to check on me. My focus was solely on Kaia, her presence fueling the anger within me.

My glare intensified as I shifted my gaze to Callum, who smirked down at me, reveling in my frustration. I skated to the bench area, allowing the reserve player to take my spot.

As I sat down on the bench, the heat of anger burned through me. I welcomed the surge of jealousy mixed with rage, savoring the bitter aftertaste as I stewed in my own fury.