Chapter 30

Orion’s slender fingers wrapped around his smartphone. It took him a moment to reply, “I’m here to support her growth, help her navigate difficult times, until she can be independent.” Thaddeus, ever the pragmatist, quipped, “Until she’s grown, dating, married, with kids?” Orion’s brows furrowed slightly. “Something like that.”

After her parents' passing, and with her brothers proving unreliable, she'd faced a difficult journey alone. Orion swiftly changed the subject. “Got tickets for this afternoon’s game?”

“The wildcard match? You’re interested? I thought your brother made the finals!”

“Forget that. There’s something else to attend to before the game.”

Orion looked up at the sky, thinking he would be there for her until she no longer needed him. He wished her parents were still alive; things would have been so much easier.

Lemira arrived at the venue. Outside, a crowd of fans thronged, many holding support banners, including several for SkyBlaze. Evelina, too, had cultivated a significant following. Thanks to Caspian’s company, she’d become a rather famous influencer and streamer. Youth, charm, and an air of innocence had won her many fans.

Lemira glanced at the banners. Once, she had been a devoted SkyBlaze supporter, actively sharing team news and managing fan groups.

With a neutral expression, Lemira entered, ticket in hand. Sitting and gazing at the stage, she was lost in thought. In her past life, she had stood on that very stage, leading her team to victory.

The competition was fierce. Her team was powerful, possessing consistent skills. Unlike Alaric, who, despite his abilities, often lost his composure, disrupting the game’s flow and stubbornly refusing advice.

Soon, the teams took to the stage, their fans roaring their support. Lemira, calm in her seat, observed Alaric and Evelina leading their team, dressed in matching jerseys, presenting a united front. Yet, she sensed Alaric's low spirits.

Lucian and Caspian were absent. What's going on? she wondered. Weren't they supposed to be training with the team?

On stage, Alaric's frustration was palpable. He hadn't anticipated Lucian and Caspian's last-minute absence, throwing their strategy into disarray.

Evelina, ever supportive, said, “Alaric, Lucian and Caspian had company emergencies. They're CEOs, not professional players, after all.”

“What do you know? We’ve trained together for so long, and they just bail? How are we supposed to compete now?”

“Alaric, our team is strong, and we’ve trained together. We’ll coordinate and we won't lose,” Evelina reassured him patiently, despite his harsh tone.

For Evelina, supporting Alaric, especially now, might solidify his appreciation, potentially replacing Lemira as his sister figure.

Frustrated, Alaric had no choice but to continue. Suddenly, he thought of Lemira, muttering, “Eve, imagine if Lemira were here. Would things be better?”

Evelina’s smile faltered, irritation simmering. Why did he mention that girl again? Hadn't her dedicated training and competition, even involving school deception to gain time off, surpassed Lemira's inaction?

Out of the corner of her eye, Evelina spotted a familiar figure.

“Alaric, Lemmy’s here to watch us.”

Lemira, noticing Evelina’s gaze and the ensuing commotion, realized she'd been seen.

At the sight of Lemira, Alaric’s eyes brightened. She had come.