OFFSIDE HEARTS: His Dr. Anchor

Chapter 5 The Gala Trap

Word Count: 979 | Released on: 13/08/2026

turned our photograph into headline news. The silence insid

sleek, modern furniture looks immaculate because nobody ever sits on it. I spin the lucky silver ring around my neck, watching my reflection. To the world, I am Ethan Cross

es. Julian is already there making statements. Do not mess this up. I let out a low growl, shoving the phone into my tuxe

is a blinding sea of flashing lights, clinking champagne glasses, and fake smiles. The moment the gold-trimmed do

Look t

simple, elegant Emerald green silk dress that flows down her slender frame. Her dark hair is styled in loose waves, tumbling over

y sliding into place. "Smile, Mr. Cross," she murmurs through her teeth, her lips bar

cool, and trembling just a fraction. I squeeze it, anchoring her to my side

notorious sports journalist named Harrison, a man paid to des

moment your reputation started falling apart. Is Dr. Bennett just the club's latest attempt to repair your image after what happened with Julia

VIP bar, holding a glass of champagne, a smug, mocking smirk plastered across his face. He is waiting for me to lose control, to th

r clinical instincts kicking in to diffuse the

one. I don't let her finish. If she gives a clinical, defensive a

's space, and wrap my hand around the nape of her neck. Maya's eyes widen in sheer

f her lips and the sudden, breathless gasp she lets out against my mouth. The instant my lips meet hers, her entire body goes rigid. For one suspended heartbeat, she doesn't mo

tom lip for a heartbeat too long. I can still fee

ia goes absolutely feral. The camera shutters sound like machine-gun fire. I turn back to Harrison, my arm wrapping tightly around Maya's waist, pulling her possessively against my side

I demand, my voice low, dangerous, and utterly c

he press line, my hand is still locked firmly around

bsolute fury radiating off the woman next to me, I realize a terr

Chapter End

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OFFSIDE HEARTS: His Dr. Anchor

MeryKendy Romance

“"I don't care about your Number 9 jersey, Ethan. I signed a contract to save your career. I'm standing here because of the man hiding beneath it." Ethan Cross has everything the world envies. A record-breaking football career. Endless wealth. Global fame. But after a violent outburst explodes across live television, the man once worshipped as football's golden king becomes the sport's biggest scandal overnight. Sponsors disappear. Fans turn against him. One more mistake could cost him everything he's spent his life building. The club has one last solution. Dr. Maya Bennett. Brilliant. Unshakable. Impossible to intimidate. As one of the country's most respected sports psychologists, Maya has built her career on one simple rule: emotions are weaknesses waiting to be exploited. She refuses to be impressed by celebrity, power, or money. Until she receives an offer she cannot refuse. The club will fund the spinal surgery that could change her younger brother's life if she agrees to rehabilitate the most difficult player in professional football. When another scandal threatens to end Ethan's career for good, the club forces them into an arrangement neither of them wants. A fake relationship. One public image to protect. And one rule neither of them is allowed to break: Don't fall in love. But cameras only capture smiles. They don't see the panic attacks hidden behind Ethan's perfect image. They don't see Maya's own carefully buried scars. As jealous teammates, ruthless executives, and relentless media pressure close in around them, Ethan and Maya realize that the biggest threat to their carefully planned fake relationship isn't the headlines; it's what they're beginning to feel for each other. A dangerous attraction is growing between two people who promised themselves it wasn't real. Because sometimes the most dangerous thing an elite athlete can lose isn't the championship.”