LOGINEmilia's POVCoach Harrison’s words stayed with me as we returned to the court."The team that wins this set... will be the one that handles disappointment better."I repeated them silently.The scoreboard shone brightly above Centre Court.First SetWillowbrook Academy 5 – 5 Eastgate AcademyThe championship crowd had become an active presence in the match itself.Every point was met with thunderous applause.Every rally drew collective gasps.Daniel stood behind the baseline, bouncing the ball with composed confidence.He looked across the net."Let’s close out this set properly."Wesley smiled."I wouldn’t have it any other way."The umpire called for play.Daniel served.The ball flew toward the corner at exceptional speed.Wesley returned it with a deep, controlled shot.Immediately, Sophie advanced to the net.She cut off the angle with a precise volley.I sprinted forward.Rather than attempting to overpower her, I executed a soft drop shot just over the tape.Sophie lunged.Sh
Emilia's POVCentre Court fell into complete silence.The scoreboard glowed brightly above us.First SetWillowbrook Academy 5 – 4 Eastgate AcademyOne game.That was all we needed to secure the opening set.But standing across the net were the defending regional champions.Daniel Brooks walked toward the baseline with three new tennis balls in his hand, his expression composed and assured.He looked at Wesley."I've never enjoyed being pushed this hard."Wesley twirled his racket once."Then don't stop now."Daniel gave a quiet laugh."I wasn't planning to."The umpire called for play.The stadium held its breath.Daniel bounced the ball twice before launching his serve.Boom!The ball fired toward Wesley’s forehand.Wesley reacted instantly, driving the return deep into the corner.Daniel responded with a heavy forehand.The rally immediately intensified.Neither side hesitated.Every shot carried exceptional pace.Sophie closed the net aggressively, cutting off angles before I coul
Emilia's POVThe atmosphere inside Centre Court had reached an entirely new level.Every spectator remained on the edge of their seat.The scoreboard glowed above us.First SetWillowbrook Academy 4 – 4 Eastgate AcademyTwo games.That was all that separated one team from taking the opening set.I wiped the sweat from my forehead and glanced toward Wesley.He smiled."You still with me?"I smiled back."Always."The umpire called for play.Daniel stepped behind the baseline.He bounced the ball slowly, his eyes fixed on Wesley."I've been waiting for this match.""So have we," Wesley replied.Daniel tossed the ball high.His serve exploded toward the corner.Wesley reacted instantly, driving the return deep to Daniel's backhand.For the first time in the match, Daniel opted for patience over power.The rally slowed.Heavy topspin.Deep slices.Sharp angles.Each player searched for the smallest opening.Sophie suddenly rushed the net.She cut off my cross-court return with a crisp vol
Emilia's POVThe applause gradually subsided as we returned to our positions.The scoreboard glowed brightly above Centre Court.Willowbrook Academy 2 – 1 Eastgate AcademyWe held the early advantage.But no one on our side believed the most difficult part was behind us.Daniel Brooks twirled his racket once before stepping behind the baseline.Instead of appearing frustrated...He smiled."I was wondering how long it would take."Sophie glanced toward him."Time?""For us to stop holding back."A murmur spread through the crowd.Coach Harrison narrowed his eyes."There it is."Liam looked toward him."What?""Their real strategy."---The umpire called for play.Daniel's serve exploded toward Wesley.This time, however, he did not immediately attack after the return.Instead, Sophie rushed the net while Daniel remained several steps behind the baseline."They've switched formations," I whispered.Wesley nodded."They're baiting us."The rally unfolded differently from before.Daniel
Emilia's POVThe National Championship trophy sparkled beneath the bright stadium lights.Every time I caught a glimpse of it, I reminded myself not to think about the finish line.One point.One game.One rally at a time.That was all that mattered.The scoreboard showed:First SetWillowbrook Academy 1 – 1 Eastgate AcademyDaniel Brooks walked confidently to the baseline, ready to serve.He bounced the ball twice before looking at Wesley."I hope you're ready."Wesley smiled."I've only just warmed up."The crowd laughed softly.Even in the middle of the championship final, neither player had lost their respect for the other.The umpire called for play.Daniel's serve exploded toward the corner.This time Wesley anticipated it perfectly.His return landed deep near the baseline.Daniel attacked with another crushing forehand.I sprinted across the court, meeting the ball early.Instead of matching his power, I blocked it softly with a slice.The ball stayed low.Daniel frowned."He
Emilia's POVThe roar of the crowd rolled through Centre Court like thunder.The National Championship Final had begun exactly as expected.Fast.Explosive.Relentless.Daniel Brooks stood behind the baseline, calmly spinning his racket with quiet confidence.His opening service game had already demonstrated why Eastgate Academy was feared nationwide.Power.Pure, overwhelming power.I tightened my grip on my racket."This isn't like Imperial Crown," I whispered.Wesley nodded."No.""They're trying to finish every point before we can even settle."The umpire called for play.Daniel tossed the ball high into the air.Boom!Another blistering serve.This time, Wesley reacted early, blocking the return deep into the backhand corner.Daniel smiled."Better."The rally began immediately.Unlike Lucas, Daniel never hesitated.Every shot was an attack.Every forehand carried immense force.Sophie's movement was equally refined.She glided across the net, cutting off angles with exceptional
Emilia POV "Oh I'm sorry he only drinks kale smoothies after matches" I whispered to the bar attendant who lowered his head, passing me a genuine smile before walking away.That was the rule for Darian Scott,my boyfriend who was the cynosure of all eyes which made every girl's heart leap at the ra
Emilia POV "Are you always this nervous or is it because of me ?" Wesley asked,his tone dead serious as he wore a straight expression staring at me.The words struck me like a knife seeping into my bones.My heart thumped wildly in my chest as heat flooded through my skin making my stomach churn.S
Emilia's POV Tonight was supposed to be a perfect night, marking a new beginning for Darian and me.The night we would make things official, a testament to our love over the years.I strode carefully through the hall, the clanking of glasses and the laughter that spread across everyone's lips fill
Emilia's POV “ Mate “ my wolf jumped in excitement in my head as she felt a deeper connection between us. “ This can't be right” I hummed to my wolf because I already had a boyfriend, a mate who was enrolled in the school. “ How can this be? “ That was the question lingering in my mind as our







