ManyWriters

I am the youngest Empress Fist in the world, and my boyfriend is a three-time championship belt holder.
People say we're a power couple, a match made in heaven.
But just as I finished an important match, I overheard my boyfriend talking with a woman outside the locker room.
"You're still the best fit for her. What am I compared to that? She could probably kill me with one punch."
The man's voice was seductive and husky, yet when mentioning me, it carried a hint of disdain.
"Of course, you and I are the perfect match. Look at her, there's nothing womanly about her at all. She won't even agree to have a child. What kind of woman is that?"
"I've been tired of her for years now. You're the kind of little temptress that really captures my heart."
In that moment, the dream I'd been living for ten years finally shattered.
I took a deep breath and called the gym manager who had been inviting me to join.
"Manager Bennett? Remember when you asked me to sign with your gym? I'm in."

Half a Life Adrift, Half a World Empty

"You cannot win like this. The finals are tomorrow, and we've been preparing for this match for so long. You know that, don't you? Don't you understand what this match means for our gym?"


I stood frozen in place, tears finally breaking free and falling in heavy drops.


Even at this moment, Zoran's first concern was still tomorrow's match, still his gym, and not me.


I closed my eyes tightly, struggling to hold back the tears.


When I opened them again, I didn't spare another glance at Zoran or Aria. I turned and left the emergency room.


The next day at noon, I showed up at the venue right on time. Britta's face was a mix of surprise and worry.


"Boxing is my own career. It has nothing to do with men. Besides, I have my reasons for needing to win this championship."


There was confusion in Britta's eyes, but considering the finals were about to start, she ultimately didn't ask.


Zoran also approached at this moment."Faye, I was wrong yesterday, but that's because I was angry you didn't trust me. We both made mistakes. I shouldn't have lost my temper at you. Let's both take a step back. Can you please not be mad anymore?"


"Focus on getting in the right headspace and win this championship. I've prepared a celebration dinner for you tonight. I promise I'll make it up to you properly."


I took a deep breath, feeling like I'd never truly known the man standing before me in all our twenty years together.


He offered no explanation for not coming home last night, and now all he seemed to care about was this championship.


I didn't respond to Zoran's words, following Britta to the backstage prep room instead.


In the penultimate round, blood had clouded my vision. All I could hear was my own labored breathing and the referee's ten-second countdown.


"...3, 2, 1! Red corner wins by knockout!"


The referee's booming announcement and the shrill end-of-match whistle sounded simultaneously. The fight was over.


As the referee raised my hand to declare the champion, through my blood-red, blurry vision, I saw Britta's tear-filled eyes, her hand covering her mouth in concern, and Zoran throwing his arms up in jubilation.My heart, in this moment, crumbled into complete ruins.


After the team doctor gave me a quick treatment for my injuries, Zoran jogged over to me.


"Faye, you were absolutely incredible! With you clinching this championship, our gym's reputation is going to skyrocket! I've arranged a victory celebration. I'm heading over there with the team now, so make sure you join us soon."


Zoran hastily planted a kiss on my forehead before turning and leaving without a backward glance.


Watching his retreating figure, Britta clenched her fists in anger.


"Faye, I still don't understand why you had to fight this match today. What was that reason you mentioned about having to win the championship? You're not actually planning to go to that celebration, are you?"


I stood up, gently patting Britta's head to comfort her.


Perhaps it was because the injuries on my face looked too horrific, or maybe it was a mix of heartache and frustration, but Britta didn't press further. She resignedly followed behind me.


Chapter 4