004

 CADEN

I stood frozen, staring at the photograph. For years now I had avoided looking at it.

Not because I hated the memory.

But because it made me furious. It reminded me that I didn't do anything.

I didn't do anything to save her. I just stood and watched while she endured it all.

And even now, I was still a coward.

Pretending I didn't know what truly caused her end.

I crouched down on the ground, not minding the broken pieces of glass. My gaze fixed on her smile…one that always warmed my heart. I wished it was the last memory I had of her.

But it wasn't.

Instead, all I saw in her eyes that day was—

Pain.

Anger.

Perhaps regret?

All these years, I tried my best to forget it, only for that fucking brat…what was her name again?

Avaline? Ava?

The ever-cheerful scholarship girl. She must have been so happy knowing how great of a step-father she's going to have.

A bitter chuckle escaped my lips. I mean, with the way he managed to pretend during that dinner, I’d totally fall for him if I were a lady.

But if only they knew how—The loud ringtone of my phone broke me away from my thoughts.

Speak of the devil.

I ignored the call quickly, just for a message to drop. “We have an appointment by 12pm; don't be late!”

“I have a game tomorrow,” I typed back furiously, about to toss my phone when another message came in.

“12pm, Caden. Don't fucking keep me waiting.”

Yeah.

That was how the real Grant Duke behaved. One, neither Ava nor her mom knew about.

And trust me, I was eager to see how all this would play out.

~~~

The next day came quickly.

I had practice in the morning and a game at night.

And that stupid appointment was squeezed right in between.

12:20pm, I was still sitting there, waiting. I didn’t even know how long it had been before the door finally clicked open.“Your father will see you now.”

I tried to contain my rage as I walked into his office.

“You're 20 minutes late, Ca—”

“Is that why you kept me locked in the waiting room for over an hour?” I cut in, my voice loud.

“I detest lateness, Caden.”

“I told you I had practice. If you were an active parent, you'd know I'm playing tonight,” I spat.

There was a moment of silence, both of us staring daggers at each other.

Until he broke it. “How's therapy?”

I scoffed. “Is that why you called me here?”

“I'm concerned, Caden.”

“Since when did you care?” I spat. “Since you introduced your new family–”

“Yes, since then!” He cut in, rising to his feet. “Your behavior during that dinner was unacceptable, and I need to know that you won't spoil this for me.”

Another loud silence.

I wanted to speak, rant, so many thoughts running over me, but I disregarded all.

“I have a game in three hours; have a good day.” I turned.

“Caden!” He called out. “We are not done; come back here!”

I stopped at the door, my fists clenching hard. “I don't give a damn about your new family, Grant,” my voice was venomous. “I just need them to stay the fuck away from me. My things. My space!”

Our eyes met. “Especially your stepdaughter.”I didn't wait; I slammed the door hard.

Three hours passed quickly, and I was at the arena.

Loud cheers erupted in the hall as we stepped into the rink, and my eyes searched the front row but were shocked she wasn't in her usual seat.

“Why the hell isn't she seated there?”

I knew she would never miss any hockey game and would always sit at that particular spot. I knew all that because I had been watching her since two weeks ago when Dad opened up about his engagement with Diane.

I squinted my eyes, creased lines appearing on my forehead until my teammates called my attention.

I shook my head to ignore her thoughts. After all, she was nothing but an interruption to my life.

“Let's… Go!” We did our signature move before setting out arrangements.

There was total silence. The referee stood in between both teams, then he dropped the puck, and I was quick enough to navigate my way around the puck.

A smirk formed on my lips, and my teammates made it impossible for the other team to get a hold of the puck until I pushed the puck across the goal line of the opposing team.

Cheers erupted, and my teammate hugged me while I looked around. She still wasn't there; maybe she didn't watch the game today.

The game went on, and by the end, I had scored three goals, making me the top scorer.

My team huddled around me until coach Darren arrived.

Immediately we sensed his presence; we tried our best to pay attention, the loud noise slowly reducing until it died down completely.

“Nice jobs on ice today, boys.”

We nodded, but he turned to me. “Seems your training paid off. Nice job, Caden.”

Then he gave some more information. “Training begins tomorrow, but for now, celebrate your win; you deserve it.”

“Thank you, coach!” We roared as soon as Darren walked out of the room; cheer erupted again.

“We should celebrate at Caden's place,” one of the guys said with excitement, and the rest of them roared loudly.

“Yeah, Caden, Caden, Caden!”

I waved my hands to calm them down, knowing fully well I couldn't refuse. Besides, it was the right thing to do.

“Let's party!!!”

At the house, there was loud music, and drinks, and the sitting room was filled with my teammates. Some chatted with each other while others cheered those playing video games.

I stood up, watching everyone, but I decided to check the kitchen.

I slowly walked towards the kitchen but froze when I heard voices.

“Who the hell is she?” A voice I didn't recognize said, and lines appeared on my forehead.

“He keeps so many girls around now. Is she his newest catch?”

“Hey! I'm not one of his girls.”

I heard Ava's voice, and I immediately lost it. I fisted my hands and clenched my jaw so tight I felt my teeth aching.

“I'm his soon-to-be step sister, so mind your—”

Her words suddenly got stuck in her throat, and I watched how she froze in place.

My eyes stared right into hers, and I didn't fail to notice what she wore. Mini skirt and a crop top. Was she trying to be noticed?.

I instantly ignored those in the kitchen, walking until I could cover the distance between us.

“I thought I made arrangements to rule number one?” I spat, not breaking eye contact.