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SELENA’S POV

It was quiet after the realization.
Not loud or dramatic. Just… still.
A part of me had always known I liked Jayden. I just hadn’t known I liked liked him. And now that the truth had finally landed, it felt less like panic and more like relief. Like exhaling after holding my breath for too long.

I wasn’t confused. Not even a little.
I liked him. I liked Jayden.
And somehow….I felt like he might like me too.

That thought alone made my chest feel warm. Excited. Almost giddy. I’d wanted to say it out loud for so long, even just to myself. Admitting it felt like freedom.

“Sel, we’re heading to the room,” Mia said, nudging me lightly.
“I’ll catch up later,” I replied. “I need to go for—”
“The project,” she finished for me with a knowing smile.
“Yeah,” I said, laughing softly.
She walked off with the others toward the coaches, and I turned in the opposite direction, heading for the court.

The walk felt longer than usual. Every step buzzed with anticipation. My heart beat faster for no real reason except that he was there. I kept imagining his voice,deep, calm, teasing. The way he looked when he focused. The way he’d been more relaxed around me lately, more open.

Maybe he does likes me too, I thought.
And immediately scolded myself for smiling.

This was dangerous sel. Very.
But I liked him anyway.

I liked that he had a soft side with me. That he listened. That he noticed things. Still, I told myself to keep it professional. To keep it quiet. To keep it secret.
If it turns out he likes me too…
I shook my head. That would be crazy.
I realized I’d started walking faster.

Buzz. Buzz.
My phone vibrated in my hand.
Unknown number.
0001.
No profile. No location. Nothing.
The message was short. Cryptic and unsettling.
I stared at it, my steps slowing.

The message didn’t make sense… and yet it felt too true. Could someone really be watching me? Or was it just a mistake

Who would send this?
Was someone really watching me?
Do I even have enemies that would pull something like this ?
Daniel? No. He’d been put in his place.

So who?

A chill crept up my spine. The air suddenly felt quieter. I deleted the message, forcing myself to breathe.

Someone’s just playing games, I told myself.
Still, I quickened my pace.

Then I heard footsteps.
Behind me.
My heart slammed into my ribs. I walked faster. So did the footsteps. Panic surged. I spun around, holding my phone up like a weapon.

“Who the f—”
“Whoa, hey—Selena, calm down!”
Jayden.
“Please don’t shoot me with your phone,” he said, hands raised, grinning.“
I froze. Then laughed breathlessly. “Oh my God. My phone. I thought—”

“You scared me. You were walking right behind me!” I accused. “All secretive and quiet.”
“I wanted to scare you,” he admitted. “But also—I’m late to the court. I had to finish something up. I'm sorry for startling you.”

That immediately calmed me.
My heart was still racing, but not from fear anymore.
We walked to the court together.

Practice felt easy tonight and comfortable. He corrected my stance, reminded me to loosen my shoulders, told me I had just two more days and I was already doing well.

“Work your arms more,” he added. “And rotate your back—like this.”
I nodded… then intentionally messed up a move he’d already taught me.
He frowned slightly. “Hey. You got this right yesterday. Did you forget?”
I remembered exactly how he’d taught me.
And exactly how close he’d been.
“…Yeah,” I said innocently. “I forgot.”
He laughed. “Alright. Let me refresh your memory.”

He stepped behind me, guiding my hands, adjusting my grip. His arms were warm, steady and close. It felt so intimate now unlike the first time.

Selena, what are you doing? my inner voice screamed.
I messed it up again.
“Again?” he teased.
Okay, I have has too much fun on one night. I said internally, stepping away and executing the forehand cross-court perfectly.
“Muscle memory,” I shrugged.
He smiled. “Good. Let’s call it a night then.“

It was late, so he walked me back toward the coaches.
“Where’s your room?” I asked.
“Main building,” he said. “You want to see it?”
“Just curious about the design, I have a feeling it would be more exquisite and luxirious than others.” I replied.
“You’ll see it soon,” he said casually.
“Huh?”
“Never mind,” he smiled. “You can look forward to it.”
“Have a goodnight Selena.“

I waved goodnight and headed inside.
Isabella and Mia were already asleep. I lay down too but sleep didn’t come. My mind spiraled.

Was there something planned? A dinner? Work? Or was I reading into everything?
If this is how he treats all his workers, that’s wrong, I thought.
Completely wrong.

So why me?
What could make someone like him attracted to someone like me? I wasn’t one of his elite women. I wasn’t—

Stop, I told myself. I'm jumping into conclusions.

Whatever this was, I’d keep it professional. Even if my feelings weren’t.

As I closed my eyes, one thought lingered.
It was strange, almost as if planned, the moment I realized my feelings, that message appeared. And when I read it, the person I instinctively ran toward… was Jayden.
Like he was my safe space.

Even though the message had clearly said:
STAY AWAY FROM JAYDEN ASHFORD.

And somehow…
even then,
he was all I could think about.