My Best Friend's Dad Is Irresistible

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e of the way my heart was pounding. I wasn't sitting as planned. Eric was supposed to sit close to me. But now, I was sitting between my mum and Ella, my best friend. I could hardly see Eric. Just when I was thinking about Er

We need to talk," he whispered urgently, sending a shiver down my

k, trying to pull my hand free. "They're abo

ted, his voice sharp with urge

I shot a glance back at Ella, who looked as confused as I felt, her brow furrowed in concern. My mu

Year, a title he had fought for through blood, sweat, and tears. I had spent countless evenings helping him study for his exams, cheering him on at every ga

easy glow. The smell of disinfectant and the cold tiles beneath my feet seemed t

rembled as I leaned against the cool

gathering the courage to confront whatever fears were haunting him. The silence str

ok in his eyes sent chills through

?" I asked alm

s messy blond hair, revealing his struggle. "I...

"Lying? What are

as if the truth burned him. "I don't

d knocking the breath out of my lungs. "What?" I choked out

urmountable. "It's not you, Aurora. You've done nothing

yes. "Too amazing? Wha

ways behind, Aurora. I feel like I can never catch up to you. You're sma

cutting deep. "You're breaking up with me

s the cruelest

eatening to spill over. "Right before your big moment? Right

d, resolute. "I have to. I can't keep pre

an I had supported, who had been my anchor through his struggles, was

you doing this now? What will I tell my mum? You knew how it took me days t

bear his warmth while my world crumbled. "I'm sorry, Aurora," he murmured, his

nnouncer's voice broke throu

of Best Athlete of the

ment, hope sparked within me. Maybe he would reconsi

alone in the restroom, tears streaming

ove. I couldn't just stand there. Not when everyone outside e

in the spotlight, accepting his trophy like a king. The crowd roared

itude coming from his lips, but all I could hear were his confe

to dedicate this award to someone very special-my d

as she stood and beamed, as if she shared in this moment. The girl I had always suspec

and Eric stepped down to meet her, enveloping her

oice cut through the haze.

as I briskly walked out of the hall. I didn't stop until I was back in the restroom,

k against the wall and slid to the floor, burying my face in my h

my eyes, panic rising in my chest. Who would come in now? Would it be

t. Would this be the end of everything I thought I knew? And as the door swung wide,