Rejected By The Hockey Captain, Now He Begs for me

~~ARIA~~The cold air of the Silver Eagle arena wrapped around me like an old blanket as I stepped inside. It was barely six in the morning, and the hallways were still serene except for the distant hum of the ice machines. I liked this time best. No curious eyes were watching me, nor was stupid gossip following every step I took. Just me, my work, and the control I had fought so hard to win back.I adjusted the strap of my bag on my shoulder, my fingers gripping it a little tighter than usual. At twenty-nine, I was the Head of Performance for one of the most aggressive teams, the Silver Eagles” in the NHL. I had earned this position through sleepless nights, endless studying, and pure stubborn will. After everything that had been taken from me three years ago, this job had become my armor. My safe place and I refused to let anyone crack it again.“Morning, Dr. Vance,” one of the assistant trainers greeted me with a nod as I passed.I forced a small, professional smile as I respon

~~ARIA~~I stayed in the treatment room long after Ward left, trying to pull myself together. My hands still trembled slightly as I wiped down the table. I hated how easily he got under my skin after just two short meetings. Three years of building walls, and one look from those blue eyes threatened to crack them all over again.A soft knock pulled me out of my thoughts.“Aria? Are you there?”The door opened, and my best friend, Lena Harper, poked her head in. Lena was the team’s assistant nutritionist, bubbly, sharp-tongued, and the only person who had stuck by me when everything fell apart three years ago. She had been the one who helped me pack my bags and move to Chicago. She took one look at my face and stepped inside, closing the door behind her. “Oh no. He’s here, isn’t he? I saw the roster this morning and almost spilled my protein shake all over the break room.”I let out a shaky laugh that sounded more like a sob. “Yeah. He’s here. And I just finished his first therapy

~~ARIA~~I arrived at the arena even earlier than usual, hoping the quiet would calm the storm in my head. Sleep had been impossible. Ward’s face kept appearing every time I closed my eyes, the regret in his voice, the way his shoulders had tensed when I pushed him away. My chest feels tight at every moment I think about him.By 7:00 AM, I had everything ready in the treatment room. When the door opened, Ward stepped inside.I couldn't help but notice how his exhausted eyes were puffy, with dark circles underneath, like he hadn’t slept at all. His broad shoulders seemed heavier today, and he moved with careful, pained steps toward the table.“Morning Mr Bernett,” I said, keeping my voice professional. “Lie face down. We will start with an ultrasound on the hip.”He obeyed without argument, lowering himself onto the table with a quiet wince. I applied the gel and moved the wand in slow circles, watching the screen. The silence felt thick, but I forced myself to stay focused on my jo

~~WARD~~I couldn’t sleep or be at peace. I sat in my car outside Aria’s apartment building, the seat pushed back, darkness pressing in from all sides. My hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles hurt.Every few minutes I checked my phone again, trying to track that unknown number, but it was pointless. Whoever this was, they were always one step ahead.Fear sat heavy in my stomach like a rock. What if something happened to her tonight? What if I left and the worst occurred? I rubbed my tired eyes, my chest tight with worry. I had been here for hours, watching her window like a shadow. My body ached from the long day, my hip throbbed, but none of that mattered. Only Aria mattered.Then my phone buzzed and my heart stopped for a second. I opened the message with shaking fingers.The photo hit me like a knife to the chest.Aria was in her bedroom. She was slowly pulling off her dress, the soft fabric sliding down her shoulders and back as she got ready for sleep. She lo

~~ARIA~~I stood in the hospital treatment room early that morning, my hands steady even though my mind was not. I had made my decision last night after hours of thinking. I couldn’t keep treating Ward. Not after everything that had happened, I needed a lot of distance from him.Dr. Matthews, one of the senior team physicians, stood beside me as I reviewed Ward’s file.“I am handing Mr. Bennett’s case over to you,” I said clearly. “His hip injury is chronic. Significant inflammation, limited range of motion, and he had been pushing through pain for weeks. He needs daily ultrasound therapy, ice protocols, and some strength exercises. Avoid heavy loading for at least ten days. He also has fresh bruising on his right fist that he refuses to explain. Monitor that closely.”Dr. Matthews nodded, taking the file. “Understood. Any personal notes I should know?”I hesitated for a second. “Just keep it strictly professional. He’s… complicated.”I left the room before Ward arrived for his sessi