Mag-log inCHAPTER FORTY-FIVE – A Promise I Can’t KeepStella’s POVSleep refused to come.I lay on my bed with my eyes fixed on the ceiling, but every time I closed them, Amber’s voice echoed inside my head.“If you keep trying to turn Jaxon against me… you’ll never see your mother’s necklace again.”I slowly turned onto my side and pulled the blanket closer, hoping the warmth would somehow calm my restless heart, It didn’t.Instead, another memory appeared, I was only six years old.My mother sat in front of the mirror, gently brushing her long hair while I sat on the bed behind her.She smiled at me through the reflection. “Come here, Stella.”I climbed onto her lap without hesitation.She wrapped one arm around me while I played with the silver necklace resting around her neck.The moon-shaped pendant swung gently between my fingers.“It is pretty,” I had whispered.She laughed softly. “When you grow up, I’ll let you wear it.”“Really?”She nodded. “But not yet.”“Why?”“Because some things
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR – A Mother’s Last MemoryStella’s POVI stood at the top of the staircase for a long time.The conversation with Jaxon kept replaying in my mind.He had believed that I was worried.He had thanked me for telling him.But he still believed Amber deserved the benefit of the doubt.I could not blame him.He had no proof, neither did I.I let out a quiet sigh and turned toward my bedroom.Maybe I needed a shower, maybe I needed sleep.Maybe tomorrow would somehow feel easier than today.I had barely taken two steps when I heard a voice behind me.n“Stella.”I stopped immediately.For a brief moment, I thought it was Jaxon.When I turned around…nIt wasn’t.Amber stood at the end of the hallway.She had changed into comfortable clothes, and the sweet smile she always wore in front of everyone rested on her face.She slowly walked toward me.n“Can we talk?”I looked at her without answering. “There is nothing for us to talk about.”She smiled..“You always say that.”“I mean
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE – A Warning Without ProofStella’s POVThe walk back to the pack house felt much longer than usual.The sun was already beginning to set, painting the sky with shades of orange and gold, but I barely noticed it.My mind refused to stay quiet.Every step I took brought Chase’s words back to me.“Looks like history is repeating itself.”“First me… now Jaxon.”“Amber and I have a deal.”I closed my eyes for a brief second before opening them again.What kind of deal?What were they planning?Why had Chase looked so confident?He had smiled as though everything was already decided.I tightened my grip on my hockey bag.“No,” I whispered to myself. “I can’t ignore this.”Even if Chase had been trying to get inside my head…Even if he had only wanted to hurt me…There was still a chance he had been telling the truth.What if Amber really was working with him?What if they were planning to hurt Jaxon?The thought made my chest tighten.I stopped walking for a moment.Shou
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO – A Deal in the DarkStella’s POVTraining ended later than usual.Coach kept us on the ice for extra drills after the morning practice. By the time the final whistle echoed through the arena, my legs felt heavy and my shoulders ached.One by one, the players began leaving the rink.Some headed to the locker rooms.Others stood around laughing as they talked about the upcoming exhibition.I packed my equipment into my hockey bag and quietly walked out of the changing room.All I wanted was to go home.My mind was already exhausted.Ever since Amber came into our lives, it felt as though I could no longer breathe properly.I stepped outside the arena.The afternoon sun was beginning to fade, and the parking lot was much quieter than usual.A few cars pulled away while others remained parked.I tightened my grip on my hockey bag and started walking toward the road.Behind me, I heard footsteps.At first, I ignored them.I assumed another player was leaving.Then a fami
CHAPTER Thirty Eight – What Are You Hiding?Stella’s POVJaxon kept his promise.The moment training ended, he stayed beside me as the rest of the team slowly left the arena.Some players headed toward the locker rooms while others stopped to joke with one another before going home.Amber disappeared with a few teammates, laughing as though nothing had happened during practice.I quietly picked up my hockey bag.Without saying a word, I started walking toward the exit. “Stella.”I stopped. I already knew what he was going to say. I slowly turned around.Jaxon stood only a few feet away. “We’re not finished.”I forced a small smile. “I know.”He walked closer. “Come with me.”I wanted to refuse, I wanted to make an excuse but the determination in his eyes told me he would not let me leave this time.Without another word, I followed him.Instead of leaving the arena, he led me down a quiet hallway.The sounds of the players slowly disappeared behind us.He opened the door to one of the
Chapter 437The Truth She Wouldn’t TellStella’s PoVThe entire arena became quiet, every player was looking at me. Even the assistant coaches had stopped talking. Jaxon stood only a few steps away, waiting for my answer. “I want to know why you’re trying so hard to push me away.”His voice was calm, there was no anger in it.I swallowed hard.My heart was beating so fast that I thought everyone around me could hear it.If I told him the truth…Everything would change.I looked at Amber. She stood quietly with her hands folded in front of her, she looked innocent looked harmless.If I had not known her my entire life, I might have believed that expression.I forced myself to look away.Then I smiled. It was a weak smile. “I’m not pushing you away, Jaxon”Jaxon did not move. “You aren’t?”I slowly shook my head. “I only thought Amber deserved a chance.” My voice sounded steadOc only I knew how much effort it took to keep it that way. “She’s new…I thought it would help her settle into







