Fake Dating My Ex's Favourite Hockey Player novel Chapter 190

Chapter 190

She eyes the sad bouquet sitting on the table, its colours clashing violently with the velvet runner. I barely manage not to snort.

Before Mar can respond, Elijah cuts in. “Well, he has more than enough flowers. Didn’t suffer any real loss.”

Even Mar blinks, thrown by the sudden jab.

Emilia’s fingers curl tighter around mine. My jaw ticks.

I can handle Elijah’s thinly veiled bitterness when it’s aimed at me.

But the moment he turns it on Emilia?

That’s a different story.

I don’t look at Elijah when I speak.

“If you’ve got something to say, say it to me.” My tone is level. Flat. But the warning is there, sitting just beneath the surface.

Emilia tenses beside me, but I squeeze her hand once.

“I did,” Elijah says coolly, arms still crossed like we’re wasting his time. “And I said it exactly how I meant it.”

“Right,” I reply, giving him a single nod. “Always such a joy catching up.”

I let the smile drop, my voice even. “I’m sure Jessica told you we’ve cut ties. So whatever moral high ground you’re clinging to, feel free to step off it. I came here to be polite. Say congrats, then leave. You can go back to badmouthing me the second we’re gone – but while we’re still standing here, you’ll watch how you speak to my girlfriend.”

At the mention of Jessica, something flickers in Elijah’s eyes. Just a flicker. Like he suddenly remembers why he was angry – and realises he’s not sure what to do with it anymore.

There it is. That shift. The quiet clarity that comes when the grudge you’ve been gripping onto starts to feel pointless.

—

For a long time, I told myself all I wanted was for Jessica to own her mess. Thought maybe, if she did, I’d get Mar back the friend who felt more like a brother. But standing here now, I know the truth’s simpler.

I didn’t want Mar back. I just wanted to stop carrying the weight of losing him.

And with Emilia’s hand still in mine, steady and warm, I’m not sure I have any space left in me for old ghosts.

Elijah exhales, jaw tight. His eyes shift to Emilia. “You’re right,” he says. “I was rude.”

“Glad we agree. Now apologise.”

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