My Hockey Alpha novel Chapter 322

“You’re right, Luke,” I said softly, my voice filled with a combination of regret and exhaustion. “I can’t believe I was even considering it. I’ll wait until Enzo gets back from his weekend trip. We need to discuss this in person.”

Luke sighed, his eyes softening as he nodded. ” That sounds like the right thing to do, Nina.

Whatever you decide, just make sure it’s a decision you both can live with.”

I chuckled softly, shaking my head as I looked at Luke. “You know, it’s funny you say ‘a decision we both can live with.’ Because I’m not even sure if that would be possible.”

Luke tilted his head, his eyes searching mine for an explanation. “What do you mean?”

I sighed, my eyes drifting towards the window. ” Where do I even start?” I murmured. “First, the pregnancy might be difficult —the doctor thinks I have endometriosis. And second, on top of a difficult pregnancy, there’s the issue of a baby getting in the way of Enzo’s dreams.”

“And what about you?” Luke prodded gently.

A lump formed in my throat. “I got into medical school, Luke. I’ll be drowning in textbooks, pulling all-nighters in the library, and attending back-to-back classes. And when I graduate, I’ll be a resident at a hospital, which means I’ll barely be home. How can I be a good mom when I have to focus so much on my own path?” Some paragraphs are incomplete if you are not reading this novel on Jobnib.com. Visit Jobnib.com to read the complete chapters for free.Luke was quiet for a moment, absorbing my words.

Then, he took my hand, his touch warm and comforting. “You and Enzo are two of the most amazing people I know. If anyone could find a way to incorporate a child into your lives without losing sight of your dreams, it would be you two. And it doesn’t have to be an extreme, one way or the other.”

“And besides,” he added softly, “not everything has to be a life or death situation anymore, Nina.

We’re not living in a constant state of fear.”

I sighed, his words causing realization to strike through me. He was right. Ever since everything had happened, that was how I saw things: black and white, life or death. No in betweens. But maybe this didn’t need to be like that.

“Thank you, Luke,” I murmured. “You always know what to say, don’t you?” He shrugged, grinning. “I try.”

I hesitated for a moment, but there was another thought that had been pressing against the walls of my mind, and seeing Luke only reminded me of it. ” Speaking of fear, have you found anything else on Edward?”

Luke’s eyes clouded over, his grip tightening ever so slightly on my hand. “No, I haven’t. But I’m keeping an eye out.”

Just the mere mention of Edward’s name made me feel a little shaky, like there was a cold dread settling in the pit of my stomach. Luke sensed my discomfort and pulled me into a hug, his arms wrapping around me tightly.

“You have nothing to fear, Nina. You’re protected,

I promise.”

For a moment, I allowed myself to melt into his embrace, feeling the comforting warmth of his arms around me. His gesture made me realize just how blessed I was to have people who cared for me. My worries weren’t gone, but for the first time in what felt like forever, they seemed almost manageable.

I pulled away from the hug, meeting Luke’s reassuring gaze. “Thank you,” I whispered, “for everything.”

He smiled, giving my hand one last reassuring squeeze. “Anytime, Nina. Anytime.”

As Luke left, I felt a strange calm settle over me, replacing the whirlwind of uncertainties and fears that were stuck inside my mind. I was still standing at a crossroads, but now, I felt like I had the strength to choose a path — not just for me, but for Enzo and our uncertain future.

Enzo

Tim looked impressed. “You’re already thinking about fundraising?”

I nodded. “Any team that’s self-sufficient and proactive is automatically better off than one that isn’t.” I paused then, casting another look at the players who still seemed like strangers sharing the ice rather than a unified squad. “And besides, I can tell that their camaraderie is lacking.

Fundraising and volunteering isn’t just about money and approval; it’s about building bonds, which can make or break a team.”

At my words, Tim broke into a genuine smile, one that crinkled the corners of his eyes. “You’re going to be a fantastic addition to the team, Enzo. I can feel it.”

Before I could respond, Tim’s phone buzzed insistently in his pocket. “Sorry,” he said with a sigh as he stood, “I’ve got to take this. Why don’t you keep watching? Get a feel for the team dynamics.”

I nodded, watching Tim’s fading form for a few moments before returning my attention to the scrimmage. Already, the gears were turning in my head as to how this team could improve-and how I could be at the helm, guiding them toward the potential I knew they had.

“Enzo, right?”

A voice pulled me out of my reverie, and I turned to see a woman approaching me. She was undoubtedly attractive-blonde hair, piercing blue eyes-but there was an air of professionalism about her. She wore a fitted black jacket and jeans, and shot me a warm smile. 1

“Yes, that’s me,” I said. “Are you a part of the team?”

She chuckled. “In a way. I’m the team doctor.” she stuck her hand out. “Mila.”

Standing, I took her hand. “Nice to meet you, Mila.” Her eyes wandered to my hand, settling on the gold band wrapped around my finger. “A young, good-looking guy like you is already taken?” she asked, a hint of something almost teasing in her voice.