Stolen love: In love with my sister 's fiance-Chapter 24: Celebration and congratulations

Both teams won their matches, the crowd erupting in cheers. Elaine, still catching her breath, instinctively searched for Alex among the spectators. But he was nowhere to be seen. A part of her had hoped—just maybe—he would be there, watching, waiting to congratulate her.

But why would he? She wasn't his priority. She never was.

Elaine swallowed down the lump in her throat, forcing herself to smile as her teammates surrounded her in celebration. Adrian patted her shoulder. "You did amazing out there," he said warmly.

She nodded, trying to push away the disappointment settling in her chest. "Thanks, Adrian."

If Alex didn't care, then why should she?

Elaine turned to Adrian with a small smile. "You did great too. Congratulations, Captain," she said, nudging him playfully.

Adrian chuckled. "Right back at you, Captain."

Before they could say anything else, Mary and Ryan rushed over, beaming with excitement. "Okay, champions! You both owe us a treat. No excuses!" Mary demanded, hands on her hips.

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Ryan nodded eagerly. "Yeah, you guys won, so it's on you!"

Elaine and Adrian exchanged a glance before laughing. "Fine, fine," Adrian agreed. "Let's go celebrate."

Elaine nodded, pushing aside all her lingering thoughts about Alex. Tonight, she would just enjoy the moment with her friends.

As all the friends made their way toward a cozy restaurant, the lively chatter and laughter filled the air. This place was popular among college students, buzzing with energy and warmth. Just as Elaine was about to step inside with her friends, a familiar voice called her name.

She turned around to find Alex standing there. Her friends exchanged glances before Mary said, "We'll be inside. Don't take too long."

Adrian lingered for a moment, his gaze flickering between Elaine and Alex. But eventually, he turned and followed the others inside.

Alex took a step closer, his expression unreadable. "Congratulations. You played really well."

Elaine blinked in surprise before offering a small smile. "Thank you."

"I'm proud of you," he added, his voice softer.

Elaine's fingers clenched around the strap of her bag. It had been a long time since those words came from him. She nodded. "That means a lot."

An awkward silence stretched between them before she hesitantly asked, "Do you want to join us?"

Alex wanted to—more than anything. But then he glanced through the restaurant window, seeing her friends laughing and waiting for her. He hesitated.

"No, it's okay," he finally said. "You should celebrate with them."

Elaine studied him for a moment, sensing it's a best so she didn't push it. "Alright. See you later, then."

As she walked away, Alex watched her go, feeling a strange mix of relief and regret. For the first time in a while, Elaine looked free, surrounded by people who genuinely cared for her.

But with Adrian—it was a different story.

___

Elaine sat in her seat, feeling the weight of her friends' gazes on her. The usual chatter and excitement were replaced by an unusual silence, their concern evident on their faces.

She raised an eyebrow, trying to lighten the mood. "Why are you all so quiet? We're not at a funeral, you know. No need to create such a depressing atmosphere."

Mary rolled her eyes but smiled. "We were just making sure you're okay. You looked... tense back there."

Elaine scoffed playfully. "Oh, come on. It was just a short conversation. I'm not going to break apart that easily."

Ryan leaned forward, smirking. "Still, Alex showing up out of nowhere? That's something."

Adrian, who had been quiet, finally spoke. "If you want to talk about it, we're here." His voice was calm, but there was something firm in his tone.

Elaine glanced at her friends, their genuine concern warming her heart. She exhaled, shaking her head. "There's nothing to talk about. He congratulated me, and that's it."

Mary nudged her. "Good. Because tonight, we celebrate. No brooding over ex-crushes, okay?"

Elaine laughed, nodding. "Agreed."

The tension slowly faded as the group dove into their food and conversation, the restaurant filling with their laughter once again.