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"And this arena will be packed tomorrow," my brother said, his voice echoing slightly in the empty space.
I turned my head, taking in the scene around me. The bright overhead lights shined down on the ring in the center. Rows upon rows of empty seats stretched high into the stands, waiting to be filled with thousands of fans.
In just twenty-four hours, this place would be alive with energy—flashing cameras, roaring cheers, and the tension of a fight that had been building for months.
I took a deep breath, this was what I had been training for, grinding for.
Before I could get too lost in my thoughts, the sound of, quick footsteps pulled me back. I barely had time to turn around before Ava came running full speed toward me, her little arms outstretched.
"Daddy!" she called out, her voice filled with excitement.
I smiled instantly, bending down to scoop her up effortlessly. She giggled as I lifted her, wrapping her arms tight around my neck. I settled her on my hip, her curls tickling my cheek as I pressed a kiss to her soft, round face.
"Hey, princess,"
She pulled back slightly, her big, curious eyes scanning the arena. "It's so big," she whispered in awe.
I chuckled. "Yeah, it is. Tomorrow, all these seats are gonna be full. People are coming to watch Daddy fight."
Her eyes widened, and she nodded as if she understood the importance of it. "Are you gonna win?" she asked, her small hands gripping my hoodie.
I smirked. "Of course, baby. You know your daddy don't lose."
She giggled again, resting her head against my shoulder.
I started making my way to the back where everyone was gathered in the spacious locker room.
The first thing I noticed was Onika. She was smiling, her head tilted slightly as she and Omari took selfies together. The way she laughed softly at something he said made my chest feel warm for a second.
She looked good. Comfortable. Happy.
My eyes drifted to the side, landing on Robin. She was sitting in the corner with her legs crossed, typing on her phone like she wasn't aware of anyone else in the room.
I felt Ava shift in my arms. The second she spotted Onika and Omari taking pictures, she wiggled excitedly before jumping down and running straight to them.
"Slow down, baby," I called after her, but she wasn't hearing me. She was already at Onika's side, smiling big as she climbed up next to them.
I watched as Onika turned, smiling at Ava and pulling her in without hesitation, letting her be part of the pictures. They all looked happy together, and I couldn't help but smirk a little.
