Page 55 of Love on the Edge
Nina lets out a joyful laugh, practically throwing herself into Drew’s arms, kissing him before hugging her parents. She’s glowing, soaking in every moment, letting herself celebrate.
She deserves this.
I should be celebrating too. I should feel something. But my eyes scan the crowd, searching for someone who isn’t here. I feel the absence of him like a weight in my chest, heavier than it should be, heavier than I want it to be.
Nina must notice, because she turns, catches me staring. Without waiting for an invitation, she comes over to me, arms crossed, watching me carefully. “He couldn’t come.”
I frown, my stomach twisting. “What?”
“He wanted to. He was supposed to.” She exhales, rubbing a hand over her face. “But… Margo filed for full custody.”
The words hit like a slap. My breath catches. “What?”
“Yeah,” she nods, her voice tight. “Court hearings, meetings with Ryan—he has to stay with CC.”
I stare at her, my heart hammering, my chest suddenly too tight.
She studies my reaction, then tilts her head. “He makes the same face you are now.”
I swallow hard. “I don’t—”
“I know you miss him,” she cuts in, and something in her voice shifts. Softer. Sure.
I shake my head, but it’s weak. “It doesn’t matter.”
“It does.”
She steps closer, her eyes locked onto mine, unshaken. “Val, I don’t think you understand something.”
My voice is hoarse. “What?”
She exhales, like she can’t believe she has to spell it out. “You’re it for him.”
My stomach clenches.
“He loves you, Val,” she says simply, no hesitation, no doubt. “I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. Not even Margo.”
I stiffen at the name, but Nina doesn’t stop.
"I used to think my brother was just… done with love after everything she put him through. That he’d never let himself feel anything for someone again.”
She gives a small, humorless laugh. “And then you walked into his life.”
I press my lips together, my hands curling into fists at my sides.
"I’ve watched him, you know?" Nina’s voice is almost amused, almost fond. “Every time you’re in the room, he’s tuned into you. Even when you’re not talking. Even when you’re across the rink, not even looking at him, not even thinking about him—he’s always thinking about you.” She shakes her head. “I swear, Val, I’ve never seen my brother like this.”
I drop my gaze, my pulse loud in my ears. “It’s complicated, Nina.”
“No,” she says, her voice firm. “It was complicated. Before. When Margo was lurking, when you were running, when you both pretended it didn’t mean anything. But not anymore. Now? It’s simple. He loves you. He wants you. He has always wanted you. And the only person who doesn’t see it—is you.”
I hate to say it. But deep down, I already know she’s right.
The final scores are in. Zara takes third, Nina second, and I’m first. The arena erupts with cheers, the sound crashing around me, but it barely registers. People are celebrating. Nina goes back to Drew, his arms already wrapped around her, holding her tight.
But I don’t feel like celebrating.
Because Nina’s words won’t leave my head. Ethan loves me.
