Chapter 1 

Talia's Pov

“That’s my girl! Triple Axel Queen!” Chriss cheered loudly in the stadium. The chills from every eye that was on me made my senses heightened, I could almost fly. 

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling. I ended the routine with a flawless landing, arms raised, chest heaving, and heart pounding with the kind of adrenaline I always lived for. The few early skaters clapped. I bowed slightly, then glided to the edge where Chris waited.

“That was insane, T. You’re gonna wreck everyone at regionals.”

“Let’s hope so,” I muttered, pulling off my gloves.

Sudden noise erupted from the entrance of the rink and all attention was turned including mine. 

I scoffed, realizing it was the hooligans our school harboured. Honestly, it was insane to consider violent people in the rink to play hockey. 

And what? Their leader was a hockey captain. My greatest enemy, Maxton. 

They barged in like they owned the ice. Typical. 

“Yo! Clear the rink, figure Barbie’s done posing!” one of them shouted.

Of course it was him, Donna High’s golden boy, star hockey forward, and king of all things obnoxious. His dark hair was messy as always, his sharp arrogant eyes. His presence always triggered a nerve in me. Or maybe ten.

Chris groaned beside me. “I wish they could get the hockey players another rink…”

Maxton skated past and grinned. “Didn’t know figure skating was just a warm-up for the real athletes.”

“Didn’t know being late was a team policy now,” I snapped back with my arms crossed.

He raised a brow, then smirked. “Maybe I’d have been on time if someone wasn’t hogging the rink pretending she’s at the Olympics.”

I started to skate past him, but he leaned in with eyes looking all down on me.

“Your bra strap’s showing,” he said, and a smug smile crept onto his lips.

“Jerk.” I muttered, fixing my dress properly. 

“You should learn to say thank you. Maybe aggressive looks good on your already pretty face. Having manners would give it a little more touch.” 

My eyes narrowed. “Your face around here just wants to make me puke.”

Maxton blinked. Chris coughed to stifle a laugh.

“Is that all you’ve got, Barbie?”

I skated up to him, toe to toe, not caring that he towered over me. “I don’t speak fluent douchebag, but I’m guessing that was meant to be an insult.”

“Pretty sure it’s a compliment. You’re just not used to attention unless it’s from your reflection.”

“Coming from a guy who needs five teammates just to feel relevant?”

“Ouch.” He leaned closer, voice teasing. “I didn’t know skating made girls this aggressive. Or hot.”

I scoffed and turned to leave. “Don’t flatter yourself, Carter. You’re not even on my radar.”

He called out, “Keep dreaming of me though, Talia.”

I didn’t turn back, but if looks could kill, he’d be melted into the ice.

“Now that's enough of the bantering.” The rink manager’s voice rang through the rink and the tense atmosphere changed. “Carter, your team’s late. Talia, you’ve had your slot. Take the drama outside.”

“Gladly,” I muttered, grabbing my bag as Chris rolled his eyes beside me and followed. 

But I didn’t stop glaring as Maxton  skated backward, a cocky smirk glued to his face.

Later that night, after a long shower and a rewatch of my skate, I flopped onto bed, phone pressed to my ear.

“…and then this idiot had the nerve to say my bra strap was showing,” I told Deej, pacing my room in my oversized tee and fluffy socks.

“Why does he always go for your neck like that?”

“Because he’s a jerk with a stupid jawline.”

Deej snorted. “A very punchable jawline, if you'd ask me.”

I laughed, right as a second call beeped through. “Hold on, my mom’s calling.”

I answered with zero energy. “Hey.”

“Talia, sweetheart! Are you home?”

“Obviously. It’s not like I have a social life, thanks to you.”

She chuckled nervously. “You skate girl, don't give that tone. Well, listen. I have news.”

I stopped in my tracks. “What kind of news?”

“I’m… getting married.” She said excitedly. I felt irritated over the phone but I couldn't show it. 

Married? What was she thinking? In the space of how many months? 

“What?” I managed to ask after a brief silence. 

“I know it’s sudden but—”

“Mom, how many times have I told you I don’t want a stepdad?!” My voice cracked. “Dad died a year ago and now you’re marrying someone?! I really don't want anyone else. Just me and you. It's enough that I have to deal with you and I can't out up with someone else.”

Her tone softened. “Talia, please calm down. It’s not just anyone. And you don't need to worry about anything because I'm getting married to someone decent and a high status.” Her convincing tone almost made me forget I was in total disapproval.

“And who might that be?” 

She giggled, “It's the Carter family. Matthew Carter. Remember? He attended your birthday party last year when you had a fight with Maxton.”

“You mean when he broke my leg? You're getting married to Mr Carter? He's a freaking stiff being. Why would you do that? I'm going to have Maxton as my step brother? Mum, think about me.” I urged, my resolve falling apart. 

I was dying!!

“You don't have to worry about that, sweetheart. I'm sure you two will get along.” 

Well, I don't want to get along! 

I huffed, “Mum, I'll hang up.” I said and ended the call.

I stomped to the kitchen, yanked open the fridge, and grabbed the nearest leftover. I didn’t even care what it was. Shoveling food into my mouth was the only way I wouldn’t scream. A spoon of mac and cheese. Then chocolate pudding. Then straight from the peanut butter jar.

My phone buzzed and it was a  message from Mom.

“Be ready for Saturday. We're meeting for dinner.”

He was going to be my stepbrother?

I groaned and fell back onto my bed.