Chapter 19: Watch Her Overtake Everyone

Alicia walked away from Kennedy. When he finally came to his senses, he shouted after the couple, “Wait for me!” and sprinted to catch up. But Alicia and Andy didn’t slow down. As they stepped onto the racing arena’s track, Andy began recounting its history. His late father and a few friends—die-hard car enthusiasts—had built it from the ground up.

He led Alicia to the all-time leaderboard and pointed at the top—his name. Even after three years away from racing because of his accident, he still held the number one spot.

“My big brother is one of the best racers in the world,” Kennedy said proudly. “I don’t know why he didn’t go pro. If he had, he would’ve won so many accolades.” He sighed in exaggerated regret.

Andy’s lips curled, pleased. He glanced at Kennedy, already thinking of how to reward him later.

“My man is the best,” Alicia chimed in. “He doesn’t need accolades or anyone’s approval to prove it.”

Kennedy fell silent at that. One look at Andy’s face told him he was outmatched on praise today.

Andy looked at Alicia with unmistakable fondness, suddenly more inclined to reward his wife than his brother.

A mocking voice cut through the moment from behind them. “Cripple, good you’re here to watch me take your spot on the all-time leaderboard.”

Alicia turned with a frown. Andy did too. Kennedy flushed as he saw who it was.

James approached with his lackeys. His name sat second on the board, tied with Andy on points. One more win and he’d claim the crown.

“You’re just a loser who couldn’t beat my big brother for years,” Kennedy shot back, voice tight. “If he hadn’t had an accident, you wouldn’t even—”

“Nah, nah,” James cut in, smirking. “He’s a cripple now. He won’t be competing again.”

Then he saw Alicia. His eyes widened, shock flashing into something uglier. He grimaced as if the sight of her beside Andy offended him.

“Hey, pretty lady,” James drawled. “You might not know this, but Andy’s not just a cripple—he can’t perform as a man either. I know you’re with him for his money, but I’m rich too. Come with me and feel like a woman.”

His lackeys burst into forced laughter.

Kennedy went pale. Panic tightened his voice. “James, show some respect for my sister-in-law! She’s not one of those women who hang around my brother for money.”

James spread his arms, unbothered. “I’m doing your brother a favor. He can look, sure—but he can’t touch.”

James glanced past Kennedy, fixed his gaze on Alicia, and drawled, “Be my woman.”

Alicia’s lip curled. “Are you worthy?”

Silence fell. Andy, lounging in his wheelchair with a faint smile, broke it first. He introduced Alicia to James with a lazy wave. “Meet my future wife. Expect a special invitation to our wedding.”

James’s face darkened. He recalled the many girls Andy had brought to the racetrack—girls James had stolen without effort. The memory soothed his pride. He sneered, “Don’t get cocky. She might refuse you, just like the others.”

“She’s not like the others,” Andy shot back. “And those others? Thanks for taking them—like shooing away stubborn houseflies.”

Losing the exchange, James huffed. “I’m taking your spot on the all-time leaderboard.” He spun on his heel and stalked off, his lackeys trailing behind.

Alicia watched him go, then turned to Andy. “Do you still want to keep that position?”

Kennedy stiffened at the question. Andy put on a dramatic sigh. “I still want to show off for you.”

“I’ll hold it for you,” Alicia said, calm and sure.

Kennedy stared, speechless. Was Andy blinded by love? Even if Alicia was bold, surely Andy knew better—James had dominated the track for months. Kennedy had spent a fortune bringing in outside talent, but none had beaten him.

He cleared his throat. “Sister-in-law, maybe you should take my big brother home.”

Alicia didn’t answer. She turned and headed straight for the changing room to grab her gear.

Kennedy blinked after her and whispered to Andy, stunned, “Is sister-in-law a racer?”

Andy shrugged, unbothered. “Maybe.”

Then, with an easy finality, he told Kennedy, “Give her my favorite car.”

Kennedy’s eyes reddened. “Big brother, don’t give up on yourself. You’ll walk again. You’ll be back on this track.”

He knew what that car meant to Andy. Handing it to a supposed novice felt like surrender.

Andy didn’t repeat himself. He simply wheeled forward. Reluctant but obedient, Kennedy called the management to make it happen.

The moment Andy’s car traced the racing line on the screen, the crowd buzzed with surprise. James scowled, thinking Andy was staging a comeback—until Alicia stepped forward, calm as ever, helmet in hand.

When she slid into Andy’s driver’s seat, James froze, then burst into laughter. “This cripple is hilarious—sending a woman to race me?”

He shook his head, pitying. “She’s going to wreck that car,” he muttered, already imagining the aftermath. Under his breath, as he climbed into his own car, he scoffed, “I’ll buy it off him for scrap when she totals it.”

Kennedy stood beside Andy, eyes glued to the screen. As the countdown ended and the race launched, his shoulders tightened, nerves coiling. His blood pressure felt like it had spiked.

When Andy’s car fell to the back of the pack, Kennedy’s face crumpled in disappointment.

But Andy’s mouth curved into a knowing smile. “Watch her overtake everyone,” he said softly.

Kennedy stared at him like he’d lost his mind—love-drunk, delusional. Then, reluctantly, he looked back at the screen.