Chapter 46 Matilda
My whole body buzzed—I’d done it. We’d done it. The crowd’s cheers rang in my ears, and my chest rose with a breath so deep it felt like I hadn’t taken one in years.
Luca’s hand was a warm, solid constant in mine. We could barely take our eyes off each other, our excitement and love almost palpable.
After we’d received our flowers and trophy, we weaved through the busy corridors of guests, hand in hand, smiles beaming from our faces.
We had a few more loose ends to tie up.
Jack had texted Luca to say they were in our dressing room, so we headed in that direction.
When I’d called Rosie that morning, I’d had little hope she’d feel well enough to make it.
When she said she’d speak to the home to see if they had enough staff to bring her along for a few hours, I was so excited.
I knew she always watched our performances on TV, but I also knew it would mean a lot for Luca to have her there.
We celebrated, laughed, and chatted for twenty minutes. Rosie’s eyes sparkled as we told her about the last-minute change. Her laughter was light and genuine, but a faint shadow of fatigue crept into her expression.
We said our goodbyes. Luca guided her carefully toward the door where her nurse waited and followed them to the car.
Jack and Lily headed out to the reception area to mingle, so I took the chance to change into an evening gown—a long black strapless dress that would complement Luca’s tuxedo perfectly. I didn’t bother changing my hair or makeup, even though I still had diamantés sparkling in my curls.
Luca returned and changed quickly, and once we were both ready, we headed to the drinks reception.
The space was packed with people, the hum of conversation rising above the clinking of glasses.
Round tables draped in white linen scattered the room, each surrounded by clusters of guests.
A long table at the far end was laden with an array of drinks and appetizers, drawing a steady stream of people.
We wasted no time and headed straight to the press for one more interview, choosing the journalist with the most cameras surrounding her. As we walked over, Luca wrapped an arm around my waist.
“Matilda, Luca—huge congrats on your win. You must feel on top of the world right now.” The journalist held out a microphone for us.
“We do,” I said, as Luca squeezed my waist. “It’s been such an amazing season, and we feel so incredibly lucky to have had everyone’s support along this journey.”
“Everyone has loved watching you two, both on and off the ice. People are going crazy to know more about your romance. What are your plans now the series has finished?”
Here we go.
“Luca has a few opportunities lined up, and, as for me, this is going to be my final year on the show,” I told her, knowing I was 100 percent doing the right thing.
Her jaw dropped and her eyes went round. “Is this an exclusive? Are you really retiring from Stars on Ice?”
I nodded, relief loosening my shoulders. I’d finally done it—I was going to start a career I dreamed of, not the one my mother wanted me to have.
“Why? Have you got something else in mind? Perhaps a different television show?”
“God, no,” I laughed. “I’m not sure yet, but I’m looking forward to figuring it out. Especially with Luca by my side.”
I looked up at him, and a beautiful dimpled smile graced his lips.
“Luca, do you have anything to add?” She moved the mic to him.
“Nope,” he said, popping the “p.” “Other than I feel so grateful to have met someone as incredible as Matilda. I don’t really care what we do beyond the show, just as long as Matilda is happy and we do it together.”
The journalist visibly swooned, hand on her chest. She thanked us both for our time, and we turned, scanning the room.
“Ready for the next part, Stevens?” Luca asked me, grabbing a glass of champagne from a tray and passing it to me.
“More than ready.”
“Go get ’em.” He discreetly tapped my arse as I sauntered away.
My mother was already waiting for me by the bar, smiling widely, pleased for our win—but there was a hint of fire in her eyes. Beside her, Mark and Lauren wore mirrored expressions of displeasure.
Taylor wasted no time shaking herself out of her mother’s grip and running toward me. I caught her as she jumped, hugging her tight to my chest.
“You were amazing, Auntie Matilda!” she squealed. “That was my absolute favorite dance, and I am so, so, so glad you did it.”
“I’m glad you loved it too, Tee.” I kissed her head and set her down. She took my hand and I squeezed, so grateful to have such a loving niece.
“So, what did you think?” I asked in a sing-song voice.
“I am so pleased for you, Matilda!” my mother all but squealed.
And for the first time in years, she did genuinely look happy for me.
“You’ve finally won—I am so proud.” But then she glanced around the room, eyes roaming to see who was nearby, and stepped an inch closer.
“But,” she ground out through a clenched smile, “why did you change the dance? You were supposed to continue the legacy—remind people about what our family has achieved.”
“I thought it was amaaaazing!” Taylor added, bouncing at my side. “She looked so pretty skating out there.” I smiled down at Taylor, her unrestrained excitement and innocence warming my heart.
“It was the dance we wanted to do.” I lifted the glass of bubbles to my lips and took a leisurely sip as I looked at my mother. “Can’t you just be happy that we won?”
“I have already told you I’m happy you’ve won, Matilda—I really am. But this wasn’t your choice to make.” She stepped another inch closer. “We had made a decision. For once, this wasn’t about what you wanted to do.”
“It’s never been about what I wanted. It’s always been about what you wanted, hasn’t it?”
She flinched, realizing her mistake.
I rolled my shoulders back. “You know I don’t even like competing, right? I hated preparing for the Olympics and skating on the show. But you don’t care about that because it’s only about keeping the legacy, isn’t it?”
My mother’s eyes widened, and her breath caught. “I can’t believe you’re saying this.” She turned to my sister and kick-started her favorite party trick: pitching us against each other.
“Neither can I.” Lauren shook her head, looking me up and down. “Mum just wanted what was best for you. She invested all her time into your career, and you’re just going to walk away from it all?”
“Mum, don’t be mean to Matilda,” Taylor said and hugged my side. I wasn’t going to drag this out any longer; it wasn’t fair for Taylor to have to witness this. I parted my lips to tell them exactly that when Mark chimed in.
“The channel isn’t happy with you either. We didn’t sign off on the last-minute change.” He glanced at my mother and then back at me. “You know the channel will want to bring you in to discuss the matter and how it will affect your place next season.”
My mother’s eyes flared at his words.
“That’s fine.” I smiled tightly. “I’m handing in my notice for next season anyway.”
Their mouths hung open simultaneously, and my mother’s eyebrows knitted into a sharp, questioning line as she processed my words.
“This is all because of that stuck-up actor, isn’t it?” Mark demanded, face reddening.
“No. I am sick of doing things I don’t want to do anymore.” Scoffing, I turned my gaze back to my mother. “I’m not doing this to hurt you. I’m quitting the show because I no longer want to do it. The decision has nothing to do with you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Matilda. Stop throwing a—”
“Please stop.” I held up my hand, cutting her off. “Unless you want to have a genuine conversation about this, let’s end it there. I’m not changing my mind.”
Her jaw clenched so tightly that her cheek muscles twitched.
“So, that’s it, then? You’re quitting?” Mark’s lips pressed into a thin line. “What about us?” He gestured between our bodies. Lauren’s eyes widened as a flicker of disbelief passed across her face.
He flinched at my laughter. “There is no us, Mark. And yes, I am quitting the show. My notice will be on your desk tomorrow morning.”
“I also just finished writing my witness statement for Matilda’s workplace harassment case.” Luca’s words caused me to jump as he chimed in from behind.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mark demanded, looking between us.
“Oh, I forgot to say.” I held my hand to my chest, feigning innocence.
“I reported you to the channel for harassment. Not only have you been derogatory and manipulative to my face, I know what you’ve been saying behind my back.
And Luca witnessed it too. And”—I crossed my arms—“when I spoke to a few of the other girls around the rink, they said you’d been the same with them. ”
Lauren’s gaze shifted, just a fraction, before she quickly masked it. But for a split second, I caught the smallest flicker of approval in her eyes.
Mark’s snicker sliced through the air, sharp and cold. His lips twisted into a cruel smirk as he delivered his response. “Good luck with that.”
I didn’t bother arguing about it. The man wasn’t worth my breath.
“Taylor, you’re more than welcome to come and hang with us.” I squeezed her hand, and she looked up at me.
“We’re leaving. She’s coming with me.” Lauren’s voice was flat, but there was a brief hesitation as if she wasn’t completely certain.
“We can take you home later, Taylor,” Luca offered. “It’s no problem.”
Lauren narrowed her eyes, her jaw tightening as if she was fighting with herself. Her gaze flickered to me, then back to Taylor.
“Go.” Lauren spun on her heel to walk off, then paused. “Drop her home by midnight.”
Despite my surprise at her lack of fight, I wasted no time taking Taylor’s hand and following Lauren’s lead in departing. We didn’t bother saying goodbye to my mother or Mark. There was no point dragging the conversation out.
Instantly spotting Lily and Jack, we made our way over to them.
Luca draped his arm over my shoulder on one side, while Taylor held my hand on the other. As we navigated the crowd, Luca chuckled at whatever Lily and Jack were arguing about.
Surrounded by Luca’s familiar warmth and my friends’ laughter, I had never felt more like myself.