Zoey's POV

I didn't spend much energy thinking about Lawrence, because I had to prepare for the National Junior Championships.

Only three skaters from Coach Octavia's team had qualified, so naturally her expectations for us were much higher.

My training became more intense than ever—warm-ups, jumps, spins, video reviews. I threw myself completely into this routine.

"Your axel double isn't stable enough." Octavia's voice echoed across the rink. "You know how competitive Nationals is."

I nodded.

Only twelve skaters had qualified for the National Junior Championships, but the first round would cut half of them. The finals would then select the top three from the remaining six.

I didn't want to lose.

I ran through the routine over and over on the ice. During a break, my phone buzzed.

A message from Lawrence: [Zoey, rough practice today? I'm waiting outside. Let's grab something good to eat—you deserve it.]

These past few days, Lawrence had been like a different person. He came to pick me up every day, no matter how late practice ran, waiting patiently. On my days off, he'd take me out to help me relax.

He'd said: [I know how important Nationals is to you, but don't stress too much. I believe in you.]

Looking at the message on my screen, I had to admit—I was softening again. Everyone makes mistakes. Maybe Lawrence just hadn't been thoughtful enough before.

[Thanks for waiting.] I typed after some hesitation.

Lawrence replied within seconds: [We don't need to be so formal with each other.]

Maybe he really had learned his lesson.

I put my phone away and stepped back onto the ice.

Three days until the National Junior Championships.

Lawrence's situation no longer distracted me. My training improved steadily, and Octavia's face showed rare satisfaction.

"You've been in excellent form lately. Keep it up, and I'm confident you'll do well at Nationals."

I exhaled in relief. Getting praise from Octavia was nearly impossible.

Out of courtesy, and remembering last time's disappointment, I sent Lawrence a message: [Do you have time the day of my competition?]

After I sent it, Lawrence didn't reply instantly like usual.

Probably busy, I thought. I didn't worry about it, turned off my phone, and focused on other things.

About twenty minutes later, I finally got a response: [Zoey, I probably can't make it that day.]

I stared at the message, stunned. Lawrence added another line: [Something important came up that I can't get out of. I'm sorry, Zoey, but I promise I'll come pick you up right after.]

Looking at those words, the small crack in my defenses sealed shut again.

After a long pause, I typed just one word: [Okay.]

I honestly didn't know what else to say.

On competition day, the atmosphere at the venue was electric with tension.

Twelve competitors prepared backstage. In the holding room, everyone busied themselves with their own routines. I was nervous too—I kept checking my equipment over and over to calm myself down.

This wasn't my first competition. From the moment my mother first led me onto the ice as a child until now, I'd competed countless times. But Nationals had no shortage of incredible skaters.

"Don't be nervous." Octavia came over and handed me a bottle of water. "Your technique is solid. Just keep your head in the game."

I nodded, glancing toward the audience section. No familiar faces.

My parents were working overtime. Lawrence had his emergency. Even Ophelia couldn't come because of a school obligation.

I'd known everyone's situation in advance, but some small part of me still held onto hope. What if they could make it after all?

"Next group, Zoey, you're up."

The judge's voice pulled me back.

I stood, took a deep breath, and pushed every emotion and thought to the back of my mind.

Stepping onto the ice, I felt eyes on me from every direction. The cameras captured every angle, leaving me completely exposed to the audience and judges.

I began to glide with the music.

Jumps, spins—I executed every element with precision.

When I finished the final move and held my position at center ice, the arena erupted in applause.

I caught my breath, trying to present my best self to everyone.

After the round ended, I returned backstage. Octavia immediately came forward. "Zoey, you did great."

Despite her words, I nervously watched the scoreboard. As each competitor finished, the rankings constantly shifted.

When the last skater's score appeared, I unconsciously bit my lower lip.

Fourth place! I'd made it to the finals.

"Wonderful!" Octavia showed a rare flash of excitement.

I stared at the scoreboard in a daze. Octavia's praise washed over me, but all I wanted was to share this joy with someone.

When I called Lawrence, my heart was still racing with excitement. But as the ringtone played once, twice, three times, my elation gradually faded.

Finally, after ringing for a long time, the call disconnected automatically.

All three of Octavia's skaters had made it to the finals. She suggested going out for dinner tonight: "Come on! Not many people qualify for Nationals, and you all made it to the finals!"

I couldn't refuse. I sent Lawrence a message: [I made it to the finals. Going to dinner with my coach now.]

Lawrence didn't reply.

When we arrived at the restaurant, I sent him the location: [Come pick me up here later.]

The message sat there for a while. Lawrence still didn't respond.

"Zoey, eat up! Why do you keep spacing out?"

A teammate asked with concern. I quickly forced a smile. "Just still processing everything."

After dinner ended, everyone headed home. Remembering Lawrence's words, I tried calling him again.

Ring… ring…

Still no answer.

Had something happened to him? Lawrence wouldn't ignore calls this long. After thinking it over, I decided to call the Ashcroft family home to check.

After a few rings, a deep male voice answered.

"Hello?"

I froze, recognizing the voice immediately.

Gavin.

"Hello? Who is this?" Gavin's tone sharpened with impatience.

My grip on the phone tightened. I spoke nervously, "It's Zoey. Is Lawrence home?"

Silence on the other end for two seconds.

"He's not here." Gavin's voice was flat.

Disappointment washed over me. "Okay. Thanks."

I started to hang up when Gavin spoke again: "Wasn't today the National Junior Championships? How did it go?"

"I made it to the finals."

I was surprised he knew about it, but then again, Nationals was a major event. Anyone could look it up.

Another pause on the other end. Then Gavin said something I hadn't expected.

"Congratulations."

It almost made me cry.

I hadn't seen a single familiar face in the audience today. I'd had no one to share my joy with. I never imagined the first person to congratulate me would be Gavin.

"What did you need Lawrence for?"