Chapter 1
Fiona
The ballroom echoed with applause, a rolling tide that filled every corner of the room. We all turned toward the entrance as our esteemed guest finally arrived.
I stood on stage, bouquet in hand, offering a practiced smile. From up here, I saw how the girls tried to keep their composure but still squealed when Sebastian Taylor stopped to shake their hands.
The name had been on every banner around Bluehaven Aquatic Centre this past week, but the photos hadn’t done him justice. Sebastian was taller than I’d imagined, broad-shouldered and effortlessly composed. The black suit he wore looked like someone who understood power and precision had tailored it. His presence drew attention without asking for it.
Unlike the other sponsors or executives who had visited The Falcons before, Sebastian had a warmth that made the air feel lighter.
Behind him trailed two men: Coach Martin, beaming like a proud father, and a bodyguard who scanned the room with practiced calm.
Sebastian stepped onto the stage, and something about him caught my breath. Up close, his face tugged at a memory I couldn’t quite reach. I moved forward, presenting the welcome bouquet with the curtsy Coach Martin had taught me for formal visits.
“Welcome to Bluehaven Aquatic Centre,” I said.
“Thank you,” Sebastian replied, taking the flowers with a nod. His eyes lingered on me, and a strange familiarity stirred, like an old memory being pulled to the surface. I looked away quickly and stepped down the stage, joining the other girls as they clapped.
Sebastian crossed to the front table, where three chairs awaited.
“You two stared for almost a minute.” Vera, my best friend, murmured in my ear, and I frowned.
“Please, I just handed flowers.”
“And stared.” She nudged.
“Shut up.”
Coach Martin cleared his throat and began talking, “Welcome, Mr. Taylor. We’re honoured to have you with us today.”
“Thank you,” Sebastian said. “It’s a pleasure, and I must say, quite a warm welcome.”
Laughter rippled through the room.
“The Falcons have been looking forward to this visit,” Coach Martin continued. “It means a great deal that you could take the time.”
Sebastian nodded, glancing across the long tables filled with swimmers — our team, The Falcons, the pride of Atlanta. We weren’t just another club; we were the team that had produced the most swimmers to compete in nationals.
“It’s a privilege to meet the Falcons,” Sebastian said. “You have earned quite the reputation, which is well deserved.”
Everyone clapped again, some grinning too brightly, others whispering behind their hands. I wasn’t immune either; there was something about the way Sebastian spoke. He had the kind of voice that made you want to listen.
Coach Martin adjusted the microphone and turned to Sebastian. “The girls are deeply grateful for your continued support, Mr. Taylor. Your company’s partnership has helped us reach new heights, and this season, we’re proud to announce that three of our swimmers have been selected to represent the state in the upcoming national competitions.”
Applause erupted, echoing off the chandeliers. Sebastian waited, a quiet smile on his face, until the room stilled.
“In my world,” he began, “progress is measured in data, in percentages and performance charts. But watching you all reminds me that excellence isn’t built on numbers alone. It’s built on discipline, endurance, and heart. And that,” he said, gesturing toward us, “is what makes The Falcons remarkable.”
He nodded toward Coach Martin. “You’ve built something special here. I’m proud our company can contribute to it.”
An assistant rolled forward a tray lined with slim black boxes. “We brought a small gift,” Sebastian continued. “A prototype smartwatch designed to monitor heart rate, oxygen levels, and recovery time. But think of it as more than technology. It’s a reminder that effort still beats every algorithm.”
Excited whispers rippled through the tables as the assistant handed out the boxes. Lids lifted, and silver-edged watches gleamed under the lights.
Coach Martin stepped up again. “And now,” he said, his voice swelling with pride, “please join me in recognizing our top three swimmers who are preparing for nationals. Lydia Cruz, Naomi Becker, and Fiona Harts.”
I rose with the other two and walked up the stage.
Sebastian shook Lydia’s hand, then Naomi’s. When he reached me, he surprisingly said my name. “Fiona Harts”
“Sir.” I shook his hand, careful not to look at him too long, afraid I’d drift off trying to remember where I’d seen him before. His name didn’t ring any bells, but I will never forget a face I saw before.
The celebration carried on. Music pulsed softly from hidden speakers. The Falcons mingled freely among the guests, coaches, and the Apex Crew, the male team who joined later to celebrate with us.
Coach Martin went on to show Sebastian Taylor around the facility. I couldn’t help glancing at him once in a while, my brain still playing tricks on me.
“Was the selfie not enough?” Vera nudged me, nearly knocking me off balance.
I turned to her. “Do we know him from somewhere?”
“Girl, everyone knows Sebastian from television, magazines, and billboards. So yes, we do.”
I exhaled. Still, it didn’t feel like that. “You’re right,” I said.
Drifting my attention from him, I focused on the girls going full swing with the party. Everyone had taken full advantage of the relaxed evening.
Vera leaned closer to me, whispering, “I swear, I’ve never seen Martin this happy.”
Naomi, who had joined us, laughed, swirling her wine. “Or maybe he’s glowing because Sebastian Taylor’s worth, like, a billion dollars.”
“Oh come on,” I said, shaking my head. I had forgotten how crazy these two could be. “You two are hopeless.”
Vera slapped my shoulder. “Excuse me, Miss Perfect Swimmer. Let us dream a little. The man is handsome and knows how to smile.”
“And he is single,” Naomi teased.
“And who said he is? You barely know him.” I said.
Naomi, already scrolling on her phone, squinted. “Wait, Look. No girlfriend or a single headline. He’s totally single.”
“Vera, control her before she starts applying for a marriage license,” I said, giggling.
Vera leaned over to peek at Naomi’s screen. “Single and sweet. Girl, those are the dangerous ones.”
I rolled my eyes. “If Coach Martin catches us gossiping about our sponsor’s romantic life, he’ll make us swim laps till midnight.”
“Please,” Vera said dramatically. “Let us admire, just for one night. The man is built like he was sculpted to fund dreams.”
I burst into laughter along with Naomi. “Okay, fine. He is handsome and polite. Happy now?”
Naomi grinned slyly. “And he said your name, Fiona. The way he looked at you when he did, admit it felt nice.”
I snorted. “Oh, please. It was just recognition.”
Vera smirked. “Mhm. Let’s dream a little and say maybe he found you cute.”
I held up a hand. “Hello, I have a boyfriend.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Naomi sighed. “The one who skipped competitions. Really supportive.”
“Don’t start,” I warned, rolling my eyes. “I know why he didn’t come, so zip it.”
Vera leaned closer, her voice softening. “Only because I love you.”
“Yeah, I know,” I said with a small smile.
The noises softened into music and chatter. My gaze drifted across the room to where Lydia stood with another group. She wasn’t fond of me, and the feeling was mutual.
“Come on,” Vera said, tugging my wrist. “Let’s get more snacks before Naomi eats all the chocolate.”
We walked toward the buffet, where the Apex boys were now helping themselves. Vera picked a pastry, leaning closer to whisper, “Girl, Daniel is coming over.”
My eyes followed hers and landed on Daniel, who had stopped to talk with a group but was clearly watching us. Daniel was the best swimmer among the boys, though he hadn’t made it to the nationals, a loss that had clearly gutted him. He was dating Lydia, my rival, the girl who despised me for constantly beating her in competitions. Yet somehow, Daniel still found ways to talk to me, like he had something to say but never quite the courage to say it.
My phone buzzed in my hand, drawing me back to reality. I checked the screen and groaned. “Mum.” I showed Vera the screen.
“They landed here already?” she asked.
“I am not sure.” I sighed, “I’ll go answer. It’s too noisy here.”
I slipped out through the side corridor, my heels clicking lightly against the tiled floor. The air cooled as I entered the pool wing. Through the glass, I spotted Coach Martin and Sebastian by the pool deck, discussing something near the diving boards.
Before they noticed me, I stepped back and ducked into the washroom, answering the call.
“Mum.”
“Fiona, we made reservations for Saturday evening dinner. We won’t have much time because of our flight, so show up on time.”
I stared at my reflection in the mirror, fixing a loose strand of hair. “You’ve told me that, Mum. I heard you for the first time.”
“I’m making sure you won’t go to practice and forget.”
“And miss the one dinner that happens once a year?”
“And whose fault is it?”
I sighed. “See you there. Is Ethan coming?”
“Yes,” she said. “And we will have guests. Your father wants you to meet—”
“My father is dead,” I said sharply.
A pause. “Fiona, listen to me—”
“I should go. I’ll see you Saturday. Bye.” I ended the call.
I stared at my reflection again, close to cursing. “My father? She was joking.” It was easy for her to marry a rich man and move on.
The only reason I was going to that dinner was because of my brother, Ethan. I couldn’t help wondering what business Mum’s husband had in Atlanta this time. If they were here to convince me to move back to Canada and learn his line of work so I could join his company, it wouldn’t end well. They still didn’t get that swimming was my dream, not sitting behind a desk in his organization.
This month, updates might be 2 chapters a week, then they will increase as from next month or the end of this month.
