Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 11 - Chapitre 20

AsherIf anyone had told me few days ago that I’d end up in a fake relationship with Ivy Hart, let alone publicly announce it in front of half the campus, I would’ve had them arrested for insanity.Charity Case.That’s what she used to be to me. The quiet girl in high school I tormented just because I could. I thought if I pushed hard enough, she’d disappear. Break. Leave me alone. But she never did. She just took it, endured it, and somehow still ended up here — at Northbridge, with a full ride, camera in hand, and that stubborn fire in her eyes that refused to die.And now?Now I’m the one who can’t seem to stay away.I loaded her ridiculously oversized suitcase into the bus compartment, ignoring the way she murmured a quiet “thank you.” I didn’t respond. Just slammed the compartment shut and headed inside to sit with the guys.The second I dropped into my seat, the teasing started.“Yo, lover boy!” Jax called from across the aisle, grinning like an idiot. “Since when do you play

IvyI followed him to the elevator in stunned silence.The doors slid shut, trapping us in the confined space. The hum of the elevator filled the silence between us.After a moment, Asher spoke.“You can have the bed.”I looked at him suspiciously.“I’ll take the floor.”I snorted.“How chivalrous.”A crooked smile tugged at his lips.He took one slow step toward me, close enough that I could catch the clean scent of his cologne. His eyes held mine, amusement dancing in them.“Relax, CeeCee.”His gaze deliberately swept over me before returning to my face.“You’re not my spec.”Heat rushed to my cheeks.“I wasn’t worried. And for your information, you're not my type either.”“Liar.”“I’d rather sleep in the hallway than in the same room as you.”His smirk only widened.“Keep telling yourself that.”The elevator chimed and the doors slid open before I could think of a comeback. He walked out first, carrying my suitcase as though he’d won the argument.I hated that he probably thought h

IvyThe moment Asher and I stepped into the dining hall, conversations slowed.Then the teasing began."There they are!"“The lovebirds finally decided to show up!” one of the guys called out.“Looking cozy this morning, Hayes,” another teammate grinned. “Didn’t expect you to be the type to play house so early.”A few whistles and laughs rippled through the team. I kept my head slightly lowered, cheeks warm, but Asher didn’t seem fazed at all. If anything, he looked amused as he kept his hand lightly on my lower back, guiding me through the room like it was the most natural thing in the world."I was starting to think they'd skipped breakfast.""Captain! How was the honeymoon suite?"Laughter erupted across the room.I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole."If you idiots are done embarrassing yourselves," Asher drawled, "I'd like to eat before Coach starts yelling.""Look who's blushing!" one of the boys shouted, pointing at me."I am not blushing.""You totally are.""I s

IvyThe opening ceremony transformed the main arena into something electric.Thick black platforms swallowed the ice, turning the rink into a shadowed cathedral of competition. University banners swayed from the rafters like battle flags, giant LED screens glowed with sweeping graphics, and the stands were already packed shoulder-to-shoulder with athletes, coaches, officials, and buzzing media. The air hummed with anticipation—sharp, alive, and a little dangerous.It was overwhelming.In the best possible way.Coach Harlan led the hockey team toward the prime seats reserved for players and staff, his voice cutting through the noise. “Ivy, media assistants are with communications. Back section.”I nodded. “Got it, Coach.”For the first time since stepping off the bus, Asher and I split without a word. He melted into the sea of black-and-gold jerseys up front. I slipped farther back into the MEDIA & OPERATIONS zone, claiming an aisle seat that gave me a perfect view of the stage.The ar

IvyThe ride back to the hotel felt… strange.Quieter than usual.Without Asher, the bus somehow seemed less alive. The freshmen chatted excitedly about the arena. A few players argued over who had looked best during practice. Someone at the back had already fallen asleep.I rested my head against the cool window, watching the city drift by in streaks of gold and gray.My thoughts refused to stay quiet.Jennie hadn’t left Asher’s side much after the opening ceremony. I’d noticed her waiting outside the practice rink, laughing with him, even offering him a bottle of water and face towel. And now she was in that meeting with him. Alone. While I was here on this bus.Why do I even care?This relationship wasn’t real.It was nothing more than a solution to a stupid rumor. A temporary arrangement. One that would end the moment the tournament was over.So why did the image of Jennie flipping her hair and blocking me from Asher’s view make my chest feel tight?Why did the thought of them tal