The Boy Behind Number Nine

The Boy Behind Number Nine

A New Adult College Romance | Slow Burn | Sports Romance | Dual POV

Everyone knows Gift Triomphe.

The name that echoes through Carolina Stadium.

The quarterback wearing number nine.

The captain everyone looks up to.

The son of the family behind the famous Gift Program and Gifted Hospital.

To the world, Gift has the perfect life.

Fame.
Talent.
A legendary last name.
A future already written for him.

But nobody knows the pressure behind the smile.

Nobody sees the boy behind the number nine.

Except her.

Samantha "Sam" Dreher Cepeda never cared about football.

She came to UNC with a camera in her hand, a dream in her heart, and one goal:

Find herself.

She wasn't looking for a quarterback.

She wasn't looking for someone famous.

She definitely wasn't looking for Gift Triomphe.

But after one unexpected meeting, the girl who didn't even know his name becomes the only person who sees past the jersey, the reputation, and the family legacy.

Because Gift is used to people wanting something from him.

A win.
A picture.
A future.

Sam wants none of that.

She sees the guy who jokes when he's stressed.

The guy who acts like he doesn't care but always shows up.

The guy who hides behind confidence because admitting he needs someone feels impossible.

Two different worlds.

One unexpected connection.

A quarterback carrying a legacy.

A photographer searching for her place.

And a slow-burn story about finding the one person who makes you feel seen.

Because sometimes the person who changes your life...

is the person you never expected to find.

redits & Notes

Written by: [Your Wattpad Username]

Story & Characters:
This is an original fictional story created by me. All characters, plotlines, relationships, and story concepts are my own.

Cover Art:
Cover created by/edited by: [RavenScript]
(If using artwork or images from another creator, proper credit will be given.)

Inspired by themes of college life, sports, family expectations,