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Chapter 335 Gold Trophies
Chapter 335 Gold Trophies
“I didn’t realize I was this good at sports,” Aiden said as he headed up to the stage to receive his award.
Freya leaned over and whispered to Louis with a grin, “Also–just saying, you looked really good today. I had no idea you were that athletic.”
Among all the parents, Louis was in a league of his own. Some still looked decent, even if they weren’t exactly/
Others were clearly well past their prime. Compared to the rest, Louis stood out without even trying–confident, put–together, and effortlessly sharp.
“You weren’t too bad yourself,” Louis said, giving her a side glance. “You held your own. And more importantly–Aiden’s happy.”
Even if Aiden played it cool on the outside, Louis could tell from the sparkle in his eyes–he was genuinely thrilled. And that, Louis knew, was mostly thanks to Freya.
“As long as Aiden’s happy, that’s what matters,” Freya said. “He’s a kid–he should be making memories and living fully. Just because his parents aren’t around doesn’t mean he should miss out on anything. And hey, he really earned that win today.”
Freya had always loved sports days growing up. They were never family events, but still fun in their own way. Back then, she mostly just enjoyed not being in class or doing homework. Looking at Aiden and Louis now, she couldn’t help thinking. Yeah, I really wasn’t the model kid.
Aiden stood up on the stage, grinning as the announcer praised him over the loudspeakers. He looked out at the crowd, feeling the quiet envy and admiration from the kids around him. He had to admit–being in first place felt pretty great. He was the champion.
Then his eyes landed on Freya, sitting in the crowd, smiling up at him. His chest tightened.
This is all because of her.
If Freya hadn’t come today–if she hadn’t encouraged Louis to come–he knew his uncle wouldn’t have bothered with any of this. In Aiden’s heart, Freya wasn’t just family anymore. She was the light that showed up when everything else had gone dark. She was his angel.
As tradition dictated, the first–place winner had to say a few words. Even in elementary school, they didn’t skip the formalities.
Aiden took the mic, sniffed once, and launched into a surprisingly heartfelt speech. He thanked his teachers for guiding him, his classmates for cheering him on, and most of all-
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Chapter 335 Gold Trophies
Louis and Freya for their love and support. Freya listened, stunned. Where did that come from? He sounded so grown–up all of a sudden.
As people around her gushed about how impressive Aiden was, Freya felt herself sit up a little straighter, pride blooming in her chest. That’s my boy, she thought, smiling.
Aiden came down from the stage and walked straight to her, proudly handing over his trophy. Freya took it, nearly dropping it. “Why is this so heavy?” she asked, wide–eyed. “It’s barely the size of my hand!”
“It’s real gold,” Louis said casually, weighing it in one hand. “Here, I’ll hold it.”
“Real gold?” Freya blinked. Of course. Only at a school this rich would a field day trophy be made of actual gold. Just when she thought she couldn’t be surprised anymore.
“Freya, let’s just eat lunch here today,” Aiden said, tugging at her sleeve. “They’re probably serving something good.”
“Sure, that sounds fun,” Freya said. She understood the feeling. He wanted to linger in the moment, to show off a little–and honestly, she couldn’t blame him. She’d been even more dramatic about it when she was his age. Still, she turned to Louis. “Are you free to stay?”
Louis nodded. “We’ve got to eat somewhere.”
The cafeteria was already crowded when they arrived. Aiden buzzed around, happily asking what they wanted and rushing off to grab food from the counters.
Freya started to get up to help, but Louis gently pulled her back and nodded toward an open table. “Let him handle it. He’s got it. He grabs his own lunch all the time when we’re not around.”
Seeing how excited Aiden looked, she decided to let it go.
But just as they were about to dig in, Chloe appeared–dragging her parents behind her.
“Aiden! There you are! You walked off so fast–I just went to the bathroom for a second, and when I came out, you were gone! We’re supposed to eat lunch together. I’m sitting next to you.”
She dropped into the seat next to Aiden without missing a beat. Then she started assigning seats. “Dad, you sit there. Mom, you go on that side.”
Freya watched as Chloe settled in like she owned the place–chatty, confident, and totally unbothered. Girls at that age sure know how to make an entrance, she thought with a smirk.
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Chapter 335 Gold Trophies
Aiden looked like he regretted everything, especially not claiming the seat between Freya and Louis while he had the chance. Now he was stuck with Chloe at his side.
Chloe’s parents gave a polite, helpless smile and followed their daughter’s lead without protest. And just like that, their quiet lunch turned into a one–sided conversation–Chloe talking nonstop, and Aiden just sat there, taking it all in with quiet patience.
After lunch, it was time to head home. Chloe said goodbye like they were parting for the summer. Aiden played along and waved back.
But the second they were in the car and out of sight? Aiden was back to his usual, lively self.
