No More Waiting, She Chooses Love



I was gobsmacked.

Before I could further communicate with Jefferson, a voice from the crowd cut through, "You organizers always push your own picks forward. There's definitely something fishy going on. How about I take her on? If she can still win against me, then we'll let bygones be bygones."

Following the voice, my gaze landed on the speaker.

Yolande stood up while Ernest was chilling next to her, just sitting there cool as a cucumber, watching me with that deep, unbothered look.

Clearly, this woman was no ordinary competitor. She was daring enough to challenge me in a game of snooker, which meant she must be exceptionally skilled.

Instantly, the audience started chanting, "Let her play! Let her play..."

Faced with such a collective demand, the host looked towards Henrik for guidance, and I distinctly saw Henrik nod at the host.

Once the host got the signal, they quickly announced that Yolande was joining in.

"Ms. Hudson, looking forward to a fair game," Yolande said as she approached the stage, extending her hand for a shake.

I couldn't fathom her intentions, but backed into a corner as I was, retreating wasn't an option.

For Jefferson's sake, I couldn't back down, and of course, I wasn't about to give Yolande the satisfaction without a fight.

I extended my hand, our fingers lightly touching, ready to face off, "Likewise."

My sudden appearance had already electrified the atmosphere, and now with Yolande joining in, and both of us being women, the crowd's anticipation skyrocketed.

This was supposed to be an official competition, yet here we were, bending rules and swapping players on the fly, showcasing the sheer power of capital and the dark side of sports events.

But this wasn't the time to dwell on such matters. Having thrown myself into the ring, I was determined to give it my all.

"Just play like you always do, and try to keep the crowd on their toes; that would be best," Jefferson advised as I approached the table.

Piecing together his earlier words about seizing the moment to escape, I began to grasp his plan.

I spared him a glance and headed towards the table, with Yolande taking her position on the opposite side.

Just as I thought the referee would

kick things off and we'd start the game, Yolande chimed in, "Ms. Hudson's got someone with her, andContent protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

I'm here on my own. Not fair huh?"

I got her drift; it was all about flaunting her man. I laughed it off, "Well, Ms. Hudson, feel free to bring your man along too."

"Bring the man! Bring the man!" The crowd erupted into supportive chants.

The host again sought Henrik's approval, who, yet again, nodded in agreement, his demeanor still as calm as ever.

With his status and intellect, he was

bound to foresee the unfolding

events yet he let things spiral out of his control, indicating he was prepared for whatever came next.

If that was the case, it wouldn't be easy for Jefferson to whisk me away amidst the chaos.

Moreover, Henrik's decision to invite so many people today hinted at a trap being set.

Lost in my thoughts for a moment, Yolande had already signaled Ernest from the audience. Meeting her expectant gaze, he made his way onstage, standing beside Yolande, right across from me.

Their side-by-side stance was indeed a sight to behold.

I turned away, approaching the referee as Yolande did the same. The referee held a coin in his palm, indicating heads for me and tails for Yolande. As we both nodded, he flicked the coin into the air. It soared, then landed back in his palm.

Heads up it was my serve.

Yolande gestured for me to proceed. I approached the table, with Yolande and Ernest standing side by side across from me.

Gripping the cue, I took a deep breath and made my shot.

With the sound of clacking balls, they scattered across the table, two sinking into pockets. I continued to pocket balls.

Thwack!