Payton Moormeier

I went to a basketball game, trying to take my mind off my ex-boyfriend, Chris, who had cheated on me. We'd been together for six years, and there he was, my ex, standing in front of me, a smirk on his face. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as he leaned against the barrier and began to sneer.

"So, have you found yourself a new boyfriend? "*

He said, his voice full of sarcasm.

I gritted my teeth, trying not to give in to the provocation. It was difficult to answer him - too much pain was stored in my heart. Instead, I just turned away and began to watch the game. But Chris did not calm down.

• "You're not alone, are you? Or have you already forgotten what it's like to be with someone? "*

He continued, laughing.

At that moment, I felt a surge of anger. How could he say that? I opened my mouth to answer, but suddenly a man I never expected to see approached us - Payton Moormeier, a basketball star and Chris's idol. He was tall and confident, his charisma literally filled the space around him.

• "Hello! "*

He said, turning to me with a smile. I froze in a stupor, not believing my eyes.

Peyton leaned over and kissed me. The whole stadium fell silent, and then burst into a standing ovation. I felt the color rush to my cheeks. It was unexpected and completely incredible.

Chris turned pale, his face distorted with bewilderment and envy. Peyton pulled away and, with a smirk, handed Chris his autograph.

• "Let this be a reminder that pretty soon that will be her last name too. "

He said it with slight contempt.

Peyton's words came out of nowhere. I stood there dumbfounded, unable to comprehend what was happening. Why did he do this? We'd never spoken, and I couldn't figure out his motives. Perhaps he wanted to protect me from Chris's teasing, or perhaps he was simply trying to play a prank on him.

Chris was silent, his eyes blazing with anger. I felt both embarrassed and excited. The admiring cheers of the onlookers echoed around us, but I couldn't pay attention. All my thoughts were focused on Peyton.