The Queen's Blunder

I had traveled home just to watch Naomi Wilson's next competition with both my parents and Naomi's parents.

The Spring Orchid Cup proved to be an intense competition, with only Naomi and two other Hapans making the last eight.

And even after months of preparation, Orea's entire team was defeated, and it was just Naomi and another Hapan left in the final.

After a draw, it was going to be the last decisive round soon.

Naomi's mother, Alice Dell, beckoned at me when she saw me, and she looked delighted. "Hurry up, Andy! The game hasn't started yet!"

I smiled as I brought both Alice and my mother, Wanda Smith, presents, with the latter smacking my hand in disapproval. "Honestly, can you at least show some interest? Your girlfriend is participating in the final. You could've come home sooner."

I chuckled, throwing an arm around her shoulder. "I was just busy with my studies, Mom. And I'm back now, aren't I?"

Alice smiled, waving me off. "Oh, Wanda—let Andrew rest. He's going to be busy since he'll be graduating soon… And Avon University has accepted your postgraduate application, yes?"

"Yeah," I replied, nodding.

"That's wonderful!" Alice smiled, patting my head. "When the time comes, you'll be able to stay with Nana instead of staying so far apart. These past few years must have been difficult because of that, so Nana should make it up to you… By the way, has she called you lately?"

I pursed my lips but nodded. "Of course, but she's a little busy preparing for the competition."

That was when Naomi's father, Steve, suddenly butted in. "Hey, Andy? Listen—tell me if Naomi ever bullies you, and I'll straighten her out!"

Alice quickly nodded. "Yeah, don't be a stranger. We have known you since you were a baby, and you're a son to us already."

My father, John Hill, shared a glance with Wanda, while I smiled and nodded, and then pointed at the TV to distract them. "The game's starting soon."

Naomi was soon on screen, walking in with a young man—the other Hapan whom she would play against.

I quietly lowered my gaze as I watched Naomi smile dazzlingly at him.

In the past, I was already waiting at the TV hours before, but I was more or less avoiding watching the Spring Orchid Cup this time.

Taking out my phone, I tapped into my text conversation with Naomi, but the last message was at least two weeks ago.

She said she needed to concentrate, so we didn't stay in touch.

She used to do the same before, but would still reach out from time to time—the only difference this time was Carl Dunham, the other finalist and a chess prodigy in his own right.

Since he joined the Hapan national team, he always seemed to come up whenever Naomi and I talked.

And Naomi would never shy from praising him, droning on about her admiration. "Did you know? He actually played an open Ruy Lopez against me! I was so shocked, and I have to admit that he's as good as I am!"