All Chapters of Accidentally Yours, Hockey Captain: Chapter 81 - Chapter 89

Emily’s POV “Em… will you teach me how to paint?” Alex stood near my work corner, hands in pockets, looking curious and calm. I shook my head straight away. “No way. Painting is messy, and you’re busy enough as it is.” He smiled, that soft, stubborn smile I knew too well. “Come on. I just want to try something new. Please?” “At first I refused,” I said, laughing a little, “but you always find a way to change my mind, don’t you?” “Only when it matters,” he answered. “So… yes or yes?” “Fine,” I gave in, grabbing a small canvas and setting it before him. I lined up tubes of color and handed over a brush. “Okay. What do you want to paint?” “What do you like?” Alex tilted his head, thinking. “Oh wait—you love flowers, right? I’ll paint one for you.” I just smiled. “Go ahead then.” He dipped the brush into green and moved it carefully over the white surface. Strokes were stiff at first, unsure, but steady. I leaned closer, watching every mark, fully focused—so focused I didn’t no

Alex’s POVI pulled up outside Emily’s building just as the morning sun began to warm the streets. I had been looking forward to this day for a while—finally introducing her to the people I spent almost every day with, the team that felt like family. When the main door opened and she stepped out, a soft, bright smile already playing on her lips, my chest felt lighter instantly. She walked toward the car with easy steps, carrying a small bag slung over one shoulder, and I got out just to open the passenger door for her before sliding back behind the wheel.“Morning,” she said, settling into the seat and pulling the belt across her chest to fasten it.“Morning to you too,” I replied, and while she was still busy clicking the buckle into place, I leaned over and pressed a quick, warm kiss to her cheek. She turned her head toward me, eyes glinting with that quiet happiness I was learning to love more every day.“Are you ready?” I asked, starting the engine and pulling away from the cu

Emily’s POVThe doctor’s words hung in the air as we left the clinic: Kael’s injury wasn’t serious enough to need treatment or further examination, but he would definitely have to stay off the ice and rest for a while—long enough to make sure his leg healed completely without risk of strain or re‑injury. Alex and the others helped him to his car, making sure he was comfortable before heading back to finish up at the arena, while Alex offered to drive me straight home.Inside the car, the afternoon light filtered softly through the windows, but my mind was still turning over everything Karen had told me earlier. I wanted to ask Alex about it—and about something else that had lingered in my thoughts ever since she spoke about their past. I turned slightly toward him as he merged smoothly into traffic.“By the way… I just found out you and Karen have actually known each other since elementary school,” I said, watching his profile. “Back then… why did you reject her?”Alex let out a lo

Emily’s POV The restaurant Karen chose was warm and quiet, with soft lighting and the gentle hum of conversation around us. We sat across from each other at a small table near the window, and as soon as I settled into my seat, she leaned forward slightly, looking both relieved and uneasy at the same time. “Thanks so much for coming, Em,” she said, twisting the stem of her glass between her fingers. “I hope Alex doesn’t mind that we’re meeting like this, does he?” I smiled reassuringly, unfolding my napkin and placing it across my lap. “It’s completely fine, Karen. Actually, he came over earlier planning to have dinner with me, but when I told him I’d already agreed to meet you, he understood right away. He said it was no problem at all.” Karen’s face fell a little, and she let out a soft sigh. “Oh no, now I feel even worse. I didn’t mean to disrupt your plans or take time away from you two. I’m really sorry, Em.” I shook my head quickly, reaching across the table to touch her h

Emily’s POVAfter we had finished walking through every section of the gallery, stopping to admire each display and lingering longest in front of my own paintings, Mr. Pierre suddenly appeared beside us, looking more animated and excited than I had ever seen him.He carried a small sheet of paper in one hand, and there was a wide, knowing smile on his face as he stepped close enough to speak without drawing too much attention.“Em, Alex—wait just a moment, I have some incredible news for you,” he said, his voice full of surprise.“A buyer has just come forward, and he has made a very unusual request: he wants to purchase all of Emily’s work—every single painting on display here today.”My breath caught in my throat, and I stared at him, certain I must have misheard. Beside me, Alex’s arm tightened around my waist, his eyes widening in equal shock.“All of them?” I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. “You mean every painting, not just one or two?”Pierre nodded vigorously, his s