Chapter one

Samantha's pov.

(Announcer)

“There goes Adrian Volkov as he swipes the puck right under Samuel Donovan.”

Samuel's leg wobbled as he tried to keep stance on the skate shoes.

I covered my face in embarrassment, after all the practices, he still can't maintain a stance.

Like a flash of lightning, two of the players rushed into Samuel and I literally heard the crack of his bones through the television screen.

“Oww.” I winced on my brother's behalf.

That must have hurt like hell.

The helmet fell off his head, face red and etched with pain.

Poor Samuel.

My eyes wavered as I watched my brother being put on the stretcher while Adrian Volkov skated around the rink in triumph.

His teammate was down and all he could do was a victory skate around the rink

“That bastard.” I hissed.

He's one great player, I hate to admit that. The most admired hockey player and definitely the hottest of our time.

My eyes wavered as I watched him lift up the trophy.

His lips pressed to the golden cup 

I just hope Samuel was okay, that wasn't a simple slam against the rink wall.

Hockey was never his thing. He preferred reading novels and painting, but our father.

Richard Donnovan had to force him into it. Simply because his arch nemesis's son Adrian Volkov was a hockey superstar.

My foot began to tap the floor on its own, teeth clenched against a fingernail as I listened to the announcer give the closing report.

Hockey has been a family game for years, dad and his father before him were well-known hockey players in the country.

RING RING.

My phone vibrated on the table, it hasn't rang in the last three months, 

My eyes widened as I realized who the caller was.

I drew in a shallow breath as I answered the phone.

“Hello.” My voice was calm, yet laced with nervousness.

“Board the next flight home, all arrangements have been made.”

The voice was sharp as a sword, just like that, the call ended.

I stared in disbelief, my lips slightly parted.

It's been what? Six years. I was finally going home.

No greetings or pleasantries, just an order to return.

I had no control of my life, all I can do is obey every order.

The next twelve hours, I found myself getting out of the car and staring at the house I haven't seen in a long time.

My mother, Lucinda, wife of the renowned former hockey player and business man.

Lucinda Donovan was especially happy to see me.

Her gentle and warm hands wrapped around my neck in an embrace.

“You've grown beautiful.” She smiled sweetly.

Her eyes gleamed with sadness 

“I'm sorry I couldn't do anything to make you stay with us.”

It wasn't her fault, once dad made a decision, there was no going back.

“I am here now, let's not bring up the past.”

Her eyes welled up with tears and she tried to hide it, this time I knew it wasn't because of my return.

“What's wrong?” I managed to ask her

“It's Samuel.” Her voice broke

“I saw it, he'll be alright.” I consoled her

Richard Donovan did not carry the pleasant smile mom did when he saw me.

I mumbled a short greeting to him when we met.

There was no attachment between us.

Not after the way he exiled me.

“Father, I am home.”

He only grunted in response to my greeting.

Richard Donovan hadn't changed one bit, neither did he age a dime.

“Samantha, you'd be going to Northbrook academy in the guise of your brother.”

My head whipped up instantly, I wasn't sure I heard correctly.

Barely minutes in the house and he was already making another round of decisions for my life.

Mom looked just as stunned as I was, he definitely had not spoken to her about this.

I licked my bottom lips hastily to hide my excitement, it has always been my dream to go there.

But as Samuel, my twin brother, that's a lot.

I could remember vividly the last time I pulled that off.

Dad was so against it, now, here we are with him, bringing up the same idea.

“As, Samuel?” I asked just to be sure.

“Yes, Volkov’s son thinks he can ridicule me by breaking Sam's hand. He should have thought of a better plan.”

Dad's hand formed into a fist as he banged the table with so much force.

He wasn't even thinking of Sam's well being, all he was after was his reputation.

It pricked my heart to see how little he cared for my brother.

“How do I come into play?”

For the first time since I stepped in, his eyes hinted at something akin to excitement.

“Easy, you are better at hockey than your brother. All you have to do is take his place on the team. Revive the Donovan name, and take revenge for what happened to your brother.”

When he says revive the Donovan name, he means I have to beat Adrian Volkov in every aspect.

All of the things he said aligned with my intentions and I couldn't agree more.

Still, I couldn't just give in easily.

“You sent me away to a far away country, just because I wanted to play hockey.”

“I sent you away for better reasons and you know that. I don't have to answer any of your questions. Just do as I have commanded.”

I don't mind if I am getting used to him, as long as I get to play, and also get to play alongside Adrian Volkov.

“Richard, that's a dangerous plan.” Mom shouted in a tiny voice.

“Sam barely survived the brutality in the rink, how can Samantha survive?”

Dad's eyes darted with rage.

“Shut your trap woman, Sam's as weak as you, that's why he can't be a man.”

“Don't speak to her that way?” I flared, my nose twitched as I put a protective arm over my mother.

It was one of those rare moments that I'd speak against dad so bravely

He needs me, so he can't hurt me

All he could do for now was stare daggers at me.

“Get out of my sight, you are to leave for Northbrook academy tomorrow. Don't fail me.” He barked.

I held my mother in my hands and led her away.

“You should see your brother.” She said amidst sobs

I had no idea how terrible the injury was until now.

“We don't know if he'd ever be able to paint again.”

I took some steps closer until I was standing over Samuel.

Despite the fact that we were different genders, we were identical.

Samuel was more beautiful, giving his soft charm and poise.

His lips cracked in a genuine smile when he saw me.

“Sammy.” As he fondly calls me.

“I can't believe that you are home.”

Seeing his hand tied in a cast, and knowing that he might never be able to do what he loves again, ripped me in half.

“Dad thinks Adrian Volkov planned this with the other team?” 

Why did I bother to ask, I saw it with my own eyes.

It was just dad's hatred from the Volkovs.

Mom was already patting his beautiful hair softly.

“I can't really remember, one moment I was stiff, another moment I found my hands broken and unable to move.” Samuel explained in a low tone.

Whatever beef Mr Volkov and dad had, he should not have taken it out on my brother.

He's the most precious person to me in the world.

I fought back the tear that threatened to drop from my eyes.

“I know you'd be going to Northbrook academy in my place, whatever you do. Avoid Adrian Volkov. He's deadly.”

I don't understand, did I miss something?

I took Samuel's uninjured hand in mine

“I promise you, I'll go to Northbrook academy and make you proud.”