Lahat ng Kabanata ng Falling For The Wrong Kane: Kabanata 21 - Kabanata 30

Wren POVThe scholarship fundraiser had become the main subject of conversation in the athletic department since the gala. The Kane Foundation wanted the event to highlight students who had benefited from its education programs, and because I was one of the foundation's longest-standing scholarship recipients.The event coordinator had asked me to provide a short statement about my experience.I didn't particularly like the idea of standing in front of a room full of donors and explaining how their money had changed my life, but refusing wasn't an option I was willing to consider. My scholarship had paid for my tuition, books and living expenses when my family couldn't afford any of them, and the least I could do was show up when they asked.I spent most of the afternoon reviewing the information the foundation had sent me. They wanted dates, academic achievements and a brief explanation of how the scholarship had helped me continue my education. Everything seemed straightforward

Jonah POVI didn't sleep much after the fundraiser.Every time I closed my eyes, I remembered the look on Wren's face when she thanked me for something I hadn't done. She had stood in front of me believing that I was the person who had quietly paid for her education, and I had allowed her to believe it because telling her the truth would have destroyed everything.The worst part wasn't the lie itself, it was how sincere she had been. She hadn't approached me because she wanted something from the Kane family. She hadn't used the scholarship as an excuse to get closer to me. She had come looking for the person who had given her a chance when she had needed one, and when she thought that person was me, her gratitude had been completely genuine.I understood then why she had always been so determined to repay every cent. She hated feeling indebted to anyone.Yet last night, she had stood in front of me and told me that I didn't owe her anything, while believing she was the one who owed

Jonah POVThe second day of the retreat started before sunrise.By the time our team assembled outside the lodge, the temperature had dropped enough to make the snow beneath our boots crunch with every step. The instructors had divided the day into several challenges, and each one required the entire team to stay together until we reached the next station.Which meant I was going to spend another full day with Wren.I had spent the previous night trying to convince myself that the first day's activities had only made us work well together because the circumstances demanded it. There was nothing unusual about a captain cooperating with a member of his team's management staff.That explanation became harder to believe within the first hour.Our first challenge involved navigating a marked trail without using the main path. We had to cross a section of woodland, locate three markers and return with the correct combination of numbers. Wren took charge of the map while I kept the group

Jonah’s POVThe meeting for the Kane Foundation outreach project was held in one of the smaller conference rooms beside the athletic department.The walls were covered with old photographs from State’s hockey program and framed newspaper articles from championship seasons.I arrived a few minutes before everyone else and took a seat near the end of the table, dropping the folder the foundation had given me beside my phone.The project was straightforward. A youth hockey clinic, a few community activities, a meet-and-greet with the players, and a fundraising portion for local youth programs. The kind of event the Kane Foundation could attach its name to and photograph from every possible angle.Wren walked in carrying a stack of papers against her chest.She glanced around the room before spotting me, then walked toward the empty chair across from mine.“Are these the final volunteer lists?” I asked, looking at the papers in her hands.“They are, but two people changed their availabi

Wren's POV Silence filled the atmosphere as Rhett didn't answer speak or even move from the spot where he stood. I stepped in front of him, and he looked down at me with his eyes filled with deep emotions.Do you want all of this?” I asked.“All of what?” His expression changed slightly.“The company, the expectations, and everyone already deciding what your future is supposed to look like.” I asked.“Sometimes I think people decide what I want before they bother asking me.” He looked away for a moment. “That sounds exhausting.” I studied his face.“It can be.” He nodded. “Then why don't you just choose something else?” I looked at him. “You make it sound easy.” He gave a quiet laugh.“Maybe it isn't easy, but it's still your life.” I lectured him. “You really believe that?” He looked back at me.“I have to.” I nodded.I thought about my own life and everything I've had to fight for. There had never been anyone waiting to decide my future for me. If I wanted something, I had to