Our fingers were still intertwined as we stepped onto the ice. The rink was alive with the energy of the crowd and other finalists. We glided toward the colossal trophy shimmering in the center, the hum of the audience fading, leaving only the sound of our synchronized movements and the pounding of our hearts. We took our places to the left of the trophy. The host followed, transported across the ice on a buggy.
The cameras zoomed in, their red lights blinking to life. The show’s theme music rang through the rink, signaling the start of the next segment.
“Welcome back to the final ofStars on Ice.” The crowd cheered and I couldn’t hide my smile when Luca’s hand squeezed mine.
“You have voted for your champions, and we are about to be given that result,” the host declared dramatically, her voice echoing through the rink as she addressed the camera.
“Third place in season ten ofStars on Icegoes to…Sophia Arnold and Noah Fitzgerald.”
The crowd cheered and clapped as they were given their medals. Noah and Sophia hugged each other, their faces lit up with joy, then turned to the camera, blowing kisses to the audience. That left us and Asha and Alice standing on either side of the trophy.
“And the winners of season ten ofStars on Iceare…”
You could have heard a pin drop.
“Luca Vasvault and Matilda Stevens!”
Cannons of confetti exploded overhead, gold streamers cascading down like shimmering rain.
My heart soared and my feet were swept off the ground as Luca pulled me into his arms. He squeezed me so tight, with so much love, that I felt like I could burst.
Luca’s laughter rang in my ears as tears of joy rolled down my cheeks.
We’ve done it—we’ve actuallywon.
He placed me on my feet again but wasted no time cradling my face in his hands. He pressed his lips to mine and undiluted joy swept through every inch of my body. We stayed like that for a few seconds before pulling away.
As my gaze held Luca’s shimmering eyes, the crowd’s cheers still roaring around us, I knew in that moment I’d never been prouder of us—but also, never prouder of myself.
We’d won with the performancewe’dwanted to do, not the skate my mother had wanted us todo.
We’d won because it was important to us—and no one else.
My whole body buzzed—I’d doneit. 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 tieup.
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 wassoexcited. 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 thecar.
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—hugecongrats on your win. You must feel on top of the world right now.” The journalist held out a microphone forus.
“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?”
