My Hockey Alpha by Eve Above Story PDF

Chapter 0512

Nina

My heart pounded as I finally stepped out of my bedroom, dressed and ready for the ball.

I looked down at the gown, its midnight black fabric shimmering under the soft glow of the hallway lights. For the first time in forever, I felt like I almost belonged in this extravagant setting. But even as I started descending the grand staircase, the awkwardness seeped back in, making me hyper-aware of my every step, of every eye that turned toward me.

"Dazzling, aren't you?" My dad's voice was tinged with pride as I reached the bottom step I chuckled nervously. "Just trying my best to blend in."

My mom stood next to him, her eyes misty. "You look absolutely beautiful, Nina."

I took a deep breath and turned to the crowd. Enzo was talking to a group of people across the room, but when our eyes met, he offered me a reassuring smile that made my heart swell, and made his way over to me.

"Well, hello, there," he said, taking my hand and kissing it as if this was the first time we had met. "You're stunning. Are you single?"

actually. I

What he doesn't know

awkwardness started to fade away, replaced by a strange sensation of being in a surreal dream. There was music, laughter, and endless chatter, and then

dad began as he led me around the dance floor. His eyes were searching, as though he were trying to read my thoughts. "Have you given any thought to what your mom

room. He was still mingling. but there was

offer, dad, I really do," I said softly, "but I can't leave our home. Enzo and I have built something there. It's where I feel the

I

at me, a little surprised but also understanding. "I thought you

questioned,

know each other until a few months ago, but I can tell how fiercely independent you are.

said as I leaned my head on his

a strange mixture of pride and melancholy. "But promise me you'll think about it, even if it's just

can offer

looking at me, his eyes lingering, filled with a sort of quiet