All Chapters of Claimed By My Ex's Rival Hockey Captain: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

Bailey POVThe rest of the day passes in a blur of flour and sugar.The familiar rhythm of baking provides a welcome distraction from the morning's unexpected encounter with Fiona.I am piping frosting onto a batch of cupcakes when the bell above the door chimes."Bailey!" Mrs. Chen walks in, followed by two other women I recognize as my regular customers.“We came to check on you, dear." She informs me, her kind eyes showing concern.I set down the piping bag, surprised. I didn't expect someone to do that, especially not with how wild the rumours have been spreading online."Check on me?" I ask, not concealing my emotions.Mrs Chen nods, a smile adjourning her beautiful face."After all that nonsense online, we wanted to make sure you knew that we don't believe a word of it." One of her companions adds.My heart warms from her words.Apart from those closest to me, only Orion's parents didn't seem to believe what Nolan posted about me."Not a single word," Mrs. Chen agrees firmly. "

Orion POVCoach Williams' tone makes it clear this isn't a request.I exchange glances with Tyler, who shrugs, then follow Coach to his office. When he closes the door behind us, I know this is going to be one of those conversations."Sit," he says, settling behind his desk.I sit and wait. The coach has always been direct, so I don't have to wait long."I got some calls this morning," he begins, leaning back in his chair. "It's the club sponsors. I got a few of them actually.""About?" I ask even when I can already guess the direction of this conversation.I know I won't like what I am about to hear, nevertheless, I give him my attention."About you and your relationship with Bailey Dawson." He holds up a hand when I start to protest. "I'm not saying I agree with them. I'm just telling you what they said." He defends himself immediately."Which was?" I ask even when I can already tell the venomous words that left their mouths."They want you to keep your distance from her. At lea

Bailey POV "It's not your job to protect me," Orion replies almost immediately, his voice softer now but no less firm. "It's my job to protect you, Bailey.That's what I'm trying to do here." He adds.His concern is valid but…"I know. But Orion, relationships aren't one-sided. You don't get to be the only one who protects. I love you, which means I get to worry about you too. I get to want to keep you safe." I articulate my point. I know I said that I'll concentrate on loving him and being loved and leaving the rest to him but this…I still want to protect my man and I believe there's nothing wrong with that.Orion comes back to the table, kneeling beside my chair so we're at eye level. "Bailey, I love that you want to protect me. I really do but not like this. I won't allow you to protect me by putting yourself in danger." He declares firmly."It wouldn't be dangerous. Fiona said we could meet somewhere public…"I am trying to reason or should I say being stubborn when Orion cuts me

Bailey POV The shrill ring of my phone jolts me from my slumber.I grope for it blindly, squinting at the too-bright screen. 6:47 AM?“Who the fuck calls this early?” I groan in annoyance.I haven't had a good sleep for two days and someone dared to…My heart drops when I see the caller ID: It's the Michigan General Hospital."Hello?" My voice is rough with sleep and rising panic."Is this Bailey Dawson?""Yes, this is she. What's wrong? Is it my grandmother?" I ask amidst my panic."Ms. Dawson, this is Nurse Patterson from the cardiac rehabilitation unit. Your grandmother is fine…""Then why are you calling me at six in the morning?" I almost snap but remind myself that feeling relief is better than projecting whatever frustration I have from my disrupted sleep."I'm sorry Ms Dawson but I didn't have a choice.” The nurse replied, sounding apologetic and making me feel bad about my earlier reaction.“ Why? What happened?” I asked, half curious and half worried.“ Your granddaughter

Orion POV"You really don't have to walk me to the entrance," I tell Bailey as we approach the club's training facility. "I'm a big boy. I can find my way.""I know you can," she replies, her hand wrapped securely around mine. "But I wanted every extra second with you before you disappear into hockey land for the next four hours."The past weekend was perfect. Between getting Grandma settled back into her house, stealing moments alone with Bailey, and just existing in our little bubble of happiness…I don't think I've ever been more content.But now it's Monday and reality calls."You could come watch practice," I suggest, even though I already know what she'll say. "The guys would love to see you. Tyler's been asking about those cinnamon rolls you promised him." I try to persuade her."And give your coach and sponsors more ammunition?" Bailey shakes her head firmly. "Absolutely not. You just got lectured about keeping our relationship less visible. I'm not going to make things harder