Residuals (COMPLETED)

Chapter 40: Animosity Pt. 1

Detroit, MI:

The arena erupted as the final buzzer echoed through the crowd. Ambrose stood in the center, drenched in sweat and victory, surrounded by his ecstatic teammates. The Pistons had clinched the championship, and the arena was ablaze with energy and screaming fans, flashing lights, and confetti raining down like a sparkling snowfall. Ambrose's eyes darted to the sidelines where Isabella stood, her smile radiant. Their kids, Aries, Benny, and Dylan, were bouncing with excitement beside her. Aries had her arm around Dylan's shoulder, looking proud and beaming. Benny, trying to play it cool, couldn't hide his grin, while Dylan waved at Ambrose who waved back.

Justin, Austin, and Tory were also there, their kids—Tyler, Taylor, AJ, and Allen—joining in the celebration. The only person missing was Monica, and the absence felt heavy on Isabella's mind, but she shook it off. Tonight was for Ambrose. During the trophy ceremony, the Commissioner handed Ambrose the Finals MVP award. He held it aloft, the crowd roaring in unison. Ambrose was soaking in the moment, having capped off the season with nearly every major accolade: Regular Season MVP, All-NBA First Team, All-Defense First Team, All-Star MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year. It was a perfect climax to an incredible career.

When the noise subsided, Ambrose gave Cade a nod before stepping up to the mic at center court. The stadium fell silent, all eyes on him. "I know y'all waiting for me to drop some knowledge," Ambrose began, his grin lighting up the arena. The crowd's cheers grew louder. "We fought hard and did this together. But for me? This is it."

A hush fell over the crowd. Ambrose rubbed the back of his neck, his smile softening. "I'm announcing my retirement, right here, right now. I've had a hell of a run, but it's time to move on." The shock was palpable, but Ambrose wasn't finished.

"All season long everybody kept asking why I moved back home, and I avoided the question. Isabella Valentine. I met her my first day of high school, and I've loved her every day since. I moved back here to get the love I needed in my life back, and I did. Along the way I learned to be humble, to respect my teammates, my surroundings, myself, and I just wanna say though this was just for one season this is the most at home I've felt, and these guys have had my back through it all." He stopped talking for a moment, "There's a lot of people I owe this to. My teammates, my coaches, but most of all..." He turned and looked straight at Isabella, Aries pushed her mom onto the court, she knew what the plan was. All the kids were with Ambrose to help pick out the ring.

Isabella who was confused stepped back next to Aries and nudged her, "Girl don't be pushing me." Izzy mumbled making Aries bust out laughing.

"Mom you slow, go to Ambrose." She said.

"Who me?" She asked.

"Nah fool, you." Tory said and Austin and Justin laughed.

"Smartest person in the room and the dumbest too." AUstin joked making them laugh harder.

"Oh I'm tellin Bubba." Izzy said.

"Izzy wait." Austin stopped laughing but she had already walked to the middle of the court.