I Will Defend My Own Glory
On the eve of the "Valiant Expedition" Global Finals, my fiancé and team owner, Calvin, pulled me aside. He announced he was giving the starting position to a new player, Skylar, and that I was to be her support.
I froze. This wasn't just my final match before retirement; it was the ultimate showdown for my sixth world championship, the win that would cement my legacy. I had fought for this team for six years, single-handedly dragging it from the brink of bankruptcy to the pinnacle of the e-sports world. And now, they wanted me to step aside for a rookie.
I refused.
"This is my match. I won't give it up."
Calvin's brow furrowed.
"Skylar needs this championship more."
"You already have five," he added, his tone dismissive. "What's one more to you?"
His expression hardened.
"Camille, this is a team decision."
"If you don't comply, you know the consequences."
I laughed.
"Fire me?"
Calvin didn't deny it. And the teammates I'd carried to five championships stood by, their silence a deafening consent.
The realization hit me. It wasn't that Skylar needed the championship; it was that they no longer needed me.
I unhooked the key card to our gaming empire from my neck, slid the engagement ring from my finger, and pushed them both across the table toward him.
"In that case," I said, my voice cold.
"I don't want the team. And I don't want you."