Allie
The rumors hit like a fresh wave of ice water. I sat on Mia’s couch, phone in my lap, scrolling through headline after headline. “Chase Ryder Pursued Allie While She Was Engaged.” “Insider: Ryder Broke Bro Code with Logan Pierce.” Comments flooded every post—fans attacking Chase, calling him a homewrecker, questioning his character as a team captain. Some dragged me too, but the heat was mostly on him now.
Guilt twisted in my stomach. This was my fault. If I hadn’t gone to the game, hadn’t stood on that balcony, hadn’t let myself enjoy his company… his career wouldn’t be taking hits. Sponsors, fans, the league—they all cared about image. And I was the mess that kept complicating his.
I typed out a message to Chase with shaking fingers.
Allie: I saw the new rumors. I’m so sorry. M
