Zephany's stomach twisted. She hadn't known.
Kendrick had never mentioned this part of his past. The well-natured, kind-hearted man who loved his mom and sister had once been a martial arts genius? And now they mocked him like he was a joke?
She turned her head slightly, her voice soft but steady.
"Kendrick..."
He looked at her, and she gently squeezed his hand.
I'm here, her gesture said.
Kendrick felt something pull deep in his chest. A warmth. Zephany's fingers in his, her quiet strength, made the humiliation sting a little less.
He turned to the man with the smirk and said calmly, "I didn't realize you kept track of my career so closely. Should I feel honored?"
The man chuckled. "You should feel embarrassed. I mean, look at you now. We all kept pushing. We became champions, joined elite schools, got recognized. And you? You gave up."
Kendrick's smile was faint but real. "I didn't give up. I just chose a different path."
