All Chapters of Contract Marriage with My Hockey Alpha: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

CHAPTER ELEVEN — Scarlett’s POVThe drive back to the mansion felt longer than usual.I sat quietly in the back seat, staring out of the window as the city slowly disappeared behind us.The contract I had signed refused to leave my mind, no matter how many times I told myself I had no choice, the words still echoed inside my head.Next week is the championship… Ryan Carter must not win.I closed my eyes tightly.My fingers curled into fists on my lap.I had signed my name, I had actually signed it.The thought made my chest ache.I had spent years chasing my dream of becoming a professional hockey player, but now that same dream had become a chain around my neck.The car finally pulled into the driveway. I thanked the driver quietly before stepping out.For a few moments, I remained standing outside the mansion, taking slow breaths as I tried to calm myself.Then I walked inside, the house was peaceful.The evening sunlight poured through the tall windows, giving everything a warm go

CHAPTER THIRTEEN — Scarlett’s POVThe afternoon sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, filling the living room with a soft golden glow.For the first time in what felt like forever, the mansion was peaceful.Ryan sat on one end of the large sofa with his laptop resting on his knees while a sports documentary played quietly on the television.I sat a short distance away, pretending to watch the screen.The truth was, I had no idea what the documentary was about.My thoughts kept drifting back to Coach Harrison.Every time I remembered the contract I had signed, guilt settled heavily inside my chest.I stole a quick glance at Ryan.He was focused on the laptop in front of him, occasionally looking up at the television whenever something caught his attention.How could someone trust people so easily?How could someone be so kind without expecting anything in return?I looked away before he could catch me staring. “You’ve been watching me more than the movie.”His voice s

CHAPTER Fifteen — Ryan’s POVThe championship was only one week away, and there was no room for mistakes.I walked into my study earlier than usual with a cup of black coffee in one hand and my tablet in the other. The house was still quiet, and most of the staff had not yet begun moving around the mansion. I preferred mornings like this because they gave me enough time to organize my thoughts before the day became crowded with meetings and responsibilities.Today’s meeting was important.Every member of the coaching staff would be there, along with the management team and the analysts who had spent months preparing for the championship.The strategy we had built together existed inside one file.Every formation, every tactical adjustment, every report on our opponents, every weakness we intended to exploit. Months of preparation rested inside that single document.I placed my coffee on the desk before walking toward the cabinet where I always kept confidential files, I unlocked th

CHAPTER Seventeen — Ryan’s POVThe living room slowly became quiet after everyone left.One by one, the elders excused themselves until only my parents, Kelly, and I remained inside the mansion.The silence that settled over the room felt heavier than the argument that had filled it only minutes earlier.I remained standing near the fireplace, watching the flames dance behind the glass while trying to collect my thoughts.The missing championship file had been found beneath Scarlett’s bed.Every piece of evidence had pointed toward her.Even so, I had chosen to believe her.I did not regret that decision.A guilty person looked for excuses.Scarlett had looked completely broken.My father finally broke the silence. “Sit down, Ryan.”His voice was calm, but I knew him well enough to recognize the warning beneath it.I walked toward the sofa and sat across from him.My mother folded her hands neatly on her lap before looking directly at me. “You embarrassed this family today.”I met her

CHAPTER Nineteen — Scarlett’s POVAfter the training hours, I was released, so I went to Ryan pretending to know nothing.The drive back to the mansion was unusually quiet.Ryan insisted he was fine, but I could tell he was in pain.Even the smallest movement made his expression tighten for a second before he forced himself to look normal again.That only made me feel worse, neither of us spoke during the journey home.I sat beside him with my hands resting tightly in my lap, unable to look at him for more than a few seconds at a time.Every time my eyes drifted toward his injured shoulder, Coach Harrison’s words echoed inside my head.“Three well-placed hits…”I closed my eyes, I wished I had never opened my mouth.The moment the car stopped in front of the mansion, I quickly stepped out and hurried to Ryan’s side.“I’m alright,” he said with a small smile.“You don’t have to worry so much.”I ignored him and slipped my arm around his uninjured side to help support him.He looked dow