All Chapters of The Coach's Forbidden Play: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

Ava's POV The rest of the school day passed in a blur of Pauline’s excited whispers and my own internal monologue of guilt and relief. She peppered me with questions about Kay and I fabricated details, weaving a convincing narrative of a budding romance. It felt sickeningly easy, and that only amplified my unease. I was using Kay and I was lying to Pauline, two things I genuinely dislike doing. But the alternative – Rina successfully poisoning Pauline’s mind was far worse.As the final bell rang, I found myself walking out of school with Pauline, her arm linked through mine, her earlier suspicions seemingly forgotten. “You have to tell me everything about your date with Kay tonight,” she gushed, squeezing my arm. “Every single detail! And you know what? We should totally have a double date sometime! Me and… well, I’ll find someone and you and Kay!”I offered a weak smile, the thought of a double date with Kay and Pauline filling me with dread. “Yeah, maybe,” I mumbled, trying to soun

Sage's POV The next morning, the lingering unease from the night before clung to me like a damp cloth. Sleep hadn't offered much respite and I woke feeling more exhausted than when I'd gone to bed. The thought of facing Pauline and then Andrew, knowing the web of half-truths I'd woven, made my stomach churn. I dragged myself out of bed, each movement feeling heavy.At school, Pauline was waiting for me by my locker, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “So? How was it? Tell me everything!” she gushed, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet.I forced a smile, trying to conjure up an air of casual excitement. “It was good, really good,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “Kay’s really sweet. We went for a picnic at the park and then we grabbed dinner at that new Italian place.”Pauline’s eyes widened. “Oh my god, the Italian place? I heard it’s amazing! What did you guys talk about? Did he hold your hand? Did he try to kiss you?” Her questions came in a rapid-fire succession

Andrew's POV The click of the office door closing behind Sage was a final, jarring punctuation mark to the conversation. I watched her walk away, her shoulders slumped and a fresh wave of something akin to despair washed over me. "If you truly valued me, if you truly valued what we have, you wouldn’t have gone on that date in the first place." The words, my own words, echoed in my mind hollow and painful. I had meant them. Every single syllable and the sight of her kneeling and begging, her face streaked with tears, hadn't softened the blow, not really. It had only solidified the bitter truth that she had in fact gone out with another man.My office, the air thick with accusations and shattered trust. I walked over to the window, staring out at the familiar school grounds.but seeing nothing. My mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Hurt, primarily and a searing indignant hurt that she could have done this. That she could have so easily jeopardized what we had, for a "plan." A

Andrew's pov A profound silence settled between us, heavy with the weight of her words and the sudden shift in my own perception. I looked at Sage, truly looked at her and saw not just the deception but the genuine distress in her eyes, the raw vulnerability of someone who had made a terrible mistake out of what she believed was a good intention. Her explanation while not entirely excusing her actions still offered a perspective I hadn't considered with a glimpse into the impossible corner she felt backed into. The thought of Pauline being shattered by such a revelation did cut deep."So, you did it for Pauline," I finally said, my voice softer with the rigid anger in my chest beginning to yield, though slowly. It wasn't a question, more of a reluctant acceptance.Sage nodded, her gaze fixed on mine and searching for any sign of understanding. "Yes, Andrew. It was selfish of me not to tell you, I know that. And I should have trusted you, trusted us to find another way. But in that m

Sage's POVThe familiar grand oak doors of my parents’ mansion loomed before me, which was an imposing structure that always felt more like a museum than a home. I pushed one open, the heavy wood groaning in protest and stepped into the echoing silence of the foyer. No warm greetings, no bustling activity—just the cold and polished marble reflecting the dim light from the chandelier above. It was exactly as I’d expected yet a fresh wave of loneliness washed over me."Sage? Is that you, dear?" Mrs. Gable, our housekeeper for as long as I could remember, emerged from the direction of the kitchen with a surprised but welcoming smile on her face. Her presence was a small comfort in the vast emptiness."Hi, Mrs. Gable," I managed, forcing a smile. "Are my parents around?"She shook her head, her expression softening with a hint of sympathy. "I'm afraid not, dear. They've been quite busy with work. They left word they might be home late tonight.""Of course," I murmured, the words tasting l