The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The world champion announced his retirement the moment he lifted the trophy, sending shock waves through the competitive gaming community.

Aaron’s retirement news hit the trending lists instantly, outshining even Hawk’s victory celebration in terms of online explosion.

Yet, the person who took it the hardest was Kenneth.

“Dammit, he wins, and then he quits? How is that any different from those jerks who ghost you after a one-night stand!” Kenneth raged.

Callum tried to reason. “Dude, that… Might not be the best analogy.”

Kenneth shot him a glare that could scorch the earth. “Well then, genius, you tell me how to put it!”

The room fell silent, fearing Kenneth’s wrath. Seething, Kenneth grabbed his phone and called Aaron, unleashing a tirade that lasted a solid ten minutes without repeating a single insult.

Aaron, however, said nothing, hanging up the phone as soon as Kenneth took a breath.

Kenneth stared at his phone, the tone droning in his ear, his face so dark that even the devil would steer clear.

Callum instinctively scooted back.

They all knew Kenneth was at his most terrifying, not when he was shouting but silent like this.

Kenneth’s grip on his phone whitened his knuckles.

Suddenly, with a loud crash, Kenneth slammed his phone to the ground and spun around, intent on confronting Aaron.

But standing behind him, more menacing than Hades himself, was Percival.

“Bro,” Kenneth immediately lowered his head, “I screwed up, punish me whatever way you want.”

Percival sat down, his long legs crossed, leaning back casually on the couch. He looked up and asked, “What did you do wrong?”

“I embarrassed you.”

Percival’s eyes flashed coldly. “You still don’t realize what you did wrong, and you have the nerve to settle scores with Aaron?”

Kenneth flinched as if struck.

knew Percival was furious

the high ground, focused solely on beating Aaron, and ignored the rest. Have all my words these past few days

questions left Kenneth

the moment the match ended, he knew that they lost mainly because of

let his temper get the best of him and disrupted

yet he was so provoked by Aaron that he

of teamwork alone, even if Hawk had won, it would

into silence while the rest of Team Snake

the

no excuses!” Percival bellowed, smashing the marble

had never seen Percival this angry before and had a feeling that it was not just about losing the

…

Meanwhile, on the rooftop.

we won.” Aaron touched the medal around

Vivienne understood.

for an

this moment

was not just

factor was the

professional training in his

“Regret it?” Vivienne asked.

let out a bitter laugh. “Regret? How could I not? It’s my passion, my irreplaceable glory, my very own triumph.

a tear before looking up again, his face

regret it.

nodded firmly

in E-sports, there

not doing it for money but

the Miller family to look down on him. For

saying, “Go say goodbye

aren’t you

Vivienne walked away, she waved her

watched Vivienne’s retreating figure, the light in his

I’ve regretted it once. From now on, I won’t let myself regret again!” He declared

black luxury car rolled out at the Centurial E-sport

the