Jena hadn't come out of her room all morning.
Elian was pacing the hallway just outside her door, arms crossed tightly over his chest. "I shouldn't have yelled at her," he muttered, mostly to himself. "She's just a kid."
Salim leaned against the opposite wall, trying not to smile at his twin's frustration. "A very dramatic kid. She'll come out."
"I told her she couldn't follow us to the races, and then I yelled when she got lost. What did you expect her to do? Applaud me?"
Salim chuckled. "I mean, you were yelling like she burnt down the house."
Inside the room, Jena sat stiffly on her bed. Her eyes were dry, but her face was blank as she tore apart a colorful drawing of their family a messy sketch she'd been working on for days. One by one, the paper pieces floated to the ground like autumn leaves.
They thought she was a child.
But she was old enough to know when her brothers were disappointed in her.
The house phone rang. Salim answered. Their mother's voice, warm but concerned, crackled through the line. "Is Jena ready for school? She has piano lessons."
"She's… getting ready," Salim lied smoothly. "We'll take care of it."
After hanging up, he gave Elian a look. "Okay. Time for plan B."
Ten minutes later, a knock came on Jena's door. Still nothing. But then her nose twitched. Something smelled sweet. Chocolate? Strawberry frosting?
She hesitated… then cracked the door open.
Standing in the hallway were both brothers Elian holding a life-size cutout of her favorite cartoon character, and Salim balancing a tray of pancakes topped with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and fruit.
"Jena Vance," Elian said in a mock-serious tone. "We've been awful. Please don't exile us."
Salim added with a grin, "We bribed your entire cartoon squad to come apologize."
Her arms folded, but her lips twitched.
"You're forgiven," she mumbled. "For now."
---
Later that afternoon, Red was out with someone. A new someone he met and couldn't stop talking about since he got back from Dubai.
She was bold, funny, and always wore her skates, even when not skating.
"So you're really performing tonight?" Red asked between bites of sushi.
She nodded. "It's an amateur showcase, but if I can get some attention maybe sponsorship it'll mean everything."
Red grinned. "You need an audience with class? You're talking to the right guy."
She arched a brow.
"I'll text a few friends. Some interns, maybe even a few Vance boys. You'll have the loudest support section in the arena."
"Impress me" She said
Red winked. "Exactly."
---
In the Vance estate lounge, Chloe and Lian were flipping through channels when Chloe's phone buzzed.
Red: "Skating showcase tonight at Westview Arena. Free tickets, open rink after. Bored kids Bring yourselves."
Chloe leaned forward. "You skate?"
"Barely," Lian laughed. "But sounds better than dying of boredom here."
"Then it's settled."
---
Jena tugged on Elian's sleeve as they entered the stadium later that evening. "You think they'll have cotton candy?"
"If they don't, I'll sue them," Elian replied.
Salim smirked. "Very mature."
When Lian and Chloe arrived, the crowd was already forming around the rink.
Red was in the front row, chatting excitedly with his mystery girl, who looked more nervous than ever. She kept peeking around, and her eyes widened when she spotted a few VIP faces from the Vance network seated near the judges' row.
She turned to Red, stunned. "Did you…?"
He shrugged, like it was nothing. "Told you. You shine, and people will show up."
Her performance was flawless. Smooth spins, clean landings, and a final pose that earned a roar of applause.
When she came off the ice, she ran straight into Red's arms and kissed him on the lips.
From their spot, Elian groaned. "Get a room."
Salim laughed and quickly covered Jena's eyes. "Too much romance for one night."
"Boys are weird," Jena mumbled.
Once the main event ended, the rink opened for free skating.
"Let's go!" Chloe said, dragging Lian along.
They all laced up Jena's helmet was adjusted tightly by Elian.
"Just in case you fall."
"I won't," she replied confidently, grabbing his hand as they stepped onto the ice.
Lian, on the other hand, was already struggling.
Her feet slid awkwardly, arms flailing. She nearly toppled over twice. Out of instinct, she looked around. Salim was nearby, watching.
For a second, it seemed like he might move. Like he might step forward. Like he cared.
But he didn't.
He turned away.
Professional.
Unbothered.
Her breath caught, not from the cold, but from something else something heavier.
Just then, Chloe swooped in.
"Careful, rookie! Let's not break our legs on day one."
She looped an arm around Lian's and helped her find balance.
Lian forced a laugh. "Skating is evil."
"Spoken like a true beginner," Chloe smirked.
The group glided through the ice in scattered pairs. Jena laughed as Elian spun her gently. Red posed theatrically on his skates, making his mystery girl burst into giggles. Chloe showed off a practiced twirl, nearly knocking over an older couple. She was just glad she was better than Lian.
And Lian… watched.
Watched Salim skate slowly, alone.
Watched him keep his distance.
Watched as the night refused to give her the moment she thought they might have.
But he turned away.
Her chest stung, just a little. Not enough to break her just enough to remind her."
The chill wasn't from the rink anymore.
It was in the silence between them.
But it was also the thing that made her curious.
Because distance… wasn't the same as indifference.
And that cold look he wore?
Wasn't distance.
It was armor.
And she wanted to know what it was protecting.