Chapter 18
Chapter 18
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After chatting for a bit, Kaia and Gemma figured out who the other was.
“I heard from Myles that you’d come back to Morganburg,” Kaia said.
“Yeah. I’ve also heard about Myles’s last great student,” Gemma replied with a smile. “I’ve been living overseas, so I’ve never met you before. I can’t believe you’re the one he bragged about so much.”
“I didn’t realize you were the student Myles always talked about. No wonder you’re so good at fighting,” Kaia said with a grin.
Gemma shook her head. “Don’t butter me up. You’re the real natural here. Myles was right–you were born for boxing. You’re only twenty, and trained with Myles for such a short time, you’re already this good.
“The rest of us, me included, had to grind hard to get anywhere close. Honestly, at your age, none of us would’ve stood a chance against you.”
As she spoke, Gemma reached over to fix Kaia’s messy hair and straighten her clothes.
That was when Tobias and the others walked in, catching the warm scene. They all froze, eyes wide and jaws dropped.
“Mom, what’s going on?” Tobias asked.
Gemma held Kaia’s hand, grinning. “We were sparring, and I found out she’s Myles’s youngest
student.”
The news stunned Tobias.
“For real?” Russell’s mouth hung open in shock.
Everyone was shocked. Myles wasn’t just Gemma’s coach–he was the top boxing trainer in all of Wustriland. No one could believe that Kaia was his student.
“Mom, are you sure?” Tobias asked, glancing at Kaia.
“Do you think I’m losing my mind? I’m not wrong about this. She’s really his student,” Gemma said firmly.
Russell felt a pang of embarrassment. He’d always thought Kaia wasn’t all that, even treating her rudely a few times. Now he understood that he’d been way off.
Gemma gave Kaia a light push toward Tobias. “What are you standing there for? She trains under the same coach as me–and I’m your coach. You should show her the same respect you show me.”
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Chapter 18
Tobias’s face tightened when he heard that.
Kaia gave him a sly look and patted his shoulder. “I didn’t find out until just now that and I trained under the same coach. Guess I’ll have to look after you from here on out.”
Tobias’s usual cold expression cracked for a moment before he brushed her hand off.
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Keaton then stepped forward. “What’s all this chit–chat? Today’s your engagement party–you two are going to get married.”
Taking a deep breath, he turned to Gemma. “So, are you still against the engagement?”
Gemma took Kaia’s hand again. “Honestly, my son’s not good enough for you. If I were in shoes, I’d be against it.”
your
Tobias was speechless. Russell was fighting not to laugh.
Gemma went on, “But Tobias is my son. And as his mom, I hope you two work out. You’re a great girl.”
Kaia smiled. “I promised Mr. Keaton Moreno I’d be engaged to your son for one month. If we don’t like each other after that, we’ll go our separate ways.”
“Oh, so that’s how it is,” Gemma said–she hadn’t known about the one–month deal.
“By the way, this belonged to Tobias’s grandmother. You should have it.” Gemma took off her emerald bracelet and went to slip it onto Kaia’s wrist.
“It’s too valuable. I can’t accept it,” Kaia said, pulling her hand back.
“Exactly–it’s valuable, and that’s why I’m giving it to you,” Gemma insisted.
“I really can’t,” Kaia said again.
“This is my gift for meeting you. If you don’t take it, are you saying you don’t like it?” Gemma asked, pretending to be upset.
“Of course not,” Kaia said, feeling cornered.
“Then wear it.” Gemma clasped the bracelet on Kaia’s wrist herself. “And don’t take it off. That will make me feel bad.”
At that point, Kaia couldn’t argue anymore.
Nearby, Tobias watched the two of them getting along so well. His expression was hard to read.
“Alright, it’s getting late. Let’s wrap this up and go home to finish the engagement party,” Gemma said and walked to the car, linking arms with Kaia and chatting with her like they were old friends.
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Chapter 18
Russell walked past Tobias, giving his shoulder a pat without saying a word.
Tobias shot him a glare, brushed his hand off, and followed behind.
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The engagement party wrapped up quickly. Kaia would stay with the Moreno family for the next month, just like she’d promised Keaton.
After dinner, Tobias led her upstairs. “This is your room.”
“Oh, thanks,” Kaia said politely.
“No need to thank me. This is my grandfather’s idea. And as the host, it’s my job,” Tobias said flatly.
Kaia could tell he was keeping his distance, but she didn’t care.
“My room is next door, and that’s also my grandfather’s idea. Just so we’re clear–you can’t just walk into my room, and I won’t walk into yours,” Tobias added.
Kaia stayed relaxed. “Got it. Don’t worry–I won’t set foot in your room, and I’m definitely not interested in you.”
“Good,” Tobias replied. Then they each went to their own rooms without another word.
The next morning, Kaia got a message from Owen.
[Queen K, King T is waiting for you at The Quiet Gallery. When will you be there?]
Kaia yawned and typed back lazily: [I’m on my way now.]
[You didn’t just wake up, did you?] Owen asked.
[I was beat yesterday and overslept a little. I’ll get ready quickly.]
[I’ll come pick you up.]
[You’re coming too, huh?] Kaia asked.
[Of course!] Owen replied, sounding excited. [This is a showdown between two chess masters- once in a hundred years! I have to see it for myself.]
In a private room at The Quiet Gallery, Tobias actually looked excited–a rare sight.
When Russell walked in, Tobias’s head shot up, but when he saw it was just Russell, the spark in his eyes faded.
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Chapter 18
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“Expecting Queen K?” Russell teased.
“Why isn’t she here yet?” Tobias muttered. Normally, he kept his cool, but when it came to chess, he couldn’t hide his eagerness.
“I heard she’s almost here,” Russell said, taking a seat. “So, who do you think has the better shot at winning–you or her?”
“Hard to say,” Tobias admitted.
Just then, footsteps sounded outside, followed by the creak of the door. Both men turned toward it.
The door swung open, and there she was—Kaia.
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