ARAMINTA’s POV

One hour ago…..

“Hey! I called out to Chris, my schoolmate. I had the intention of just going shopping today until he called me and asked me to come cheer him up for a competition. I just couldn't ditch him. We were the top racers in my school, but I couldn't pursue a career as a lady in my town, forcing me to back down. Chris broke into a broad smile as he saw me and pulled me into his arms, “I missed you” he muttered, and I smiled against his shoulder, “I missed you too, dummy”. 

He pulled out of the hug and stared at his face. He had become more handsome with his blonde hair grown longer than before. 

“I heard—you got…..”. He shyly said as he scratched his head and I hit him playfully, “I got married.” 

“I'm happy for you” he responded, and I raised my eyebrows at him, “Are you sure? I can remember…..” “Mhm” 

I struggled as he covered my mouth and prevented me from spilling the tea and I busted into laughter. “Don’t remind me of that” his face reddened with embarrassment. 

“Don't worry, not like you died when you did it” I consoled him, and he shrugged his shoulders. Chris was my best friend in school, and we were inseparable not until he confessed his love to me. I took a step back because I was crushing secretly on my bodyguard and I couldn't afford to lead Chris on and break his heart later. He was about to respond when his teammates called out to him and I urged him immediately, 

“Go go……” 

He smiled and blew me a kiss before he ran from me. I shook my head at his naughtiness, and my mind drifted to how Noah would have reacted, but I quickly dismissed the thoughts from my head and concentrated on the game. I sat down and stared around me. It was a big stadium with people and cheerleaders dancing around the field. It was such a nice sight but still disheartening to think that I could have been among the competitors also. 

“Go, Chris!!!!!!” I screamed subconsciously when he took over a racer and I jumped up without minding anyone. I was clapping my hands alongside the other audience, and I was enjoying the show. 

“Yes!!!! Chris!!!!” 

I screamed and danced again for a while when something happened. The audience gasped loudly at the accident of one of Chris's teammates. My hands flew to my mouth and I wondered how he was going to be feeling, knowing he would lose the competition. The announcer announced a break and I quickly went down and searched for him. 

“Chris!” 

His eyes lighted up as he saw me and strode toward me, “Hey” 

I twitched my mouth in annoyance, “You don't have to fake it, I know how it feels.” 

He nodded and gave me a tiny smile, “Sadly, I lost before reaching the end.” 

“Ohh Chris, come here”. I pulled him into my arms and patted his back. He still smelled as fresh as ever. “I wish I could help you.” 

We both stood still at my words and I knew we were thinking the same thing. I hurriedly let go of him and waved “No—don't even think about it” 

He gazed at me sadly, and I scoffed, “Ara—” 

I stepped away from him, how could I participate in a race when I had given up years back? I do not think I still had it in me and I could not afford to ruin the game. 

“Chris, I can’t.” 

He moved closer with a smile and held my shoulder, “Of course you can, you are better than I.” 

I lowered my gaze and bit my lips, “That was then.” 

He sighed in defeat and responded, “Fine, you don't have to do it.” 

I gave him a sorry face, and he smiled and assured me that it was okay. 

His coach walked up to us, 

“There is no substitute available” he informed me, and I suddenly felt tension in the air. Chris nodded and responded, trying so hard to keep his voice firm and steady, but I could see through him and I knew how much the competition meant to him as it was his full career. 

“It's fine, just tell them to cancel—-” 

“Wait!” I interrupted as I bit my lips nervously, causing them to raise their eyebrows. 

I stared at Chris, “I will—help you.” 

A broad smile broke from his mouth, “Really??!!” and I nodded. I watched as he explained my qualifications to the coach and my chest bloomed with pride. 

He hugged me tightly when the coach left. “Thank you! Thank you, Ara….” he muttered profusely, but I kicked him away from me, 

“I'm married now, dummy.” 

He rolled his eyes, “So I can't hug you? 

I nodded and teased him, “My husband is—a very jealous man.” 

He chucked and nodded in understanding before he guided me to the changing center before the game started. I could not help but feel nervous. I didn't want to bring him down, but it would be bad to give up without trying, so I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm myself. 

“Take,” he said as he threw me some clothes and gestured for me to go change. I walked out after some minutes with a full-kitted outfit and a helmet on my head. It felt surreal, and I could not help but love that I was in Althan, a place where I was free to explore anything. It was different from my home and I had to make the best of it before anything ruined it. My mind wandered to Noah and I wondered what he had been up to, it'd been a while since we were together, and it was like we had become strangers in the same house. 

I giggled bitterly and focused on the competition. The announcer announced my presence and I could feel low energy from the audience because I was a lady. Determination shone in my eyes and I felt my body itching to win. I declined to use the available sports cars and chose the one I went with. I never knew it would be usable. 

“Are you ready?” Chris lowered himself to my length and patted my hair, his eyes were telling me that I could do it and I nodded at him with a sweet smile. I was about to talk when my eyes caught a figure and my throat dried instantly, 

Chris spoke up, “Are you okay?” 

I retracted my eyes and nodded at me to assure him, and he left me, but I could not stop looking at Noah. His eyes were dark and narrowed as he stared in my direction. I was not surprised at his presence because I knew one of his men was following me, but what surprised me was the presence of Isabella and Maya. 

I scoffed hard with anger, “This is some kind of joke” I muttered to myself as I held the wheel tightly. I could feel my anger in my throat and the moment I held the announcer indicating our movement. I sped off with anger.