The grand auditorium of the National Science and Innovation Cup was bathed in golden light, the polished mahogany stage gleaming beneath the crystal chandeliers. Hundreds of elite spectators, including top academics, renowned business magnates, and government officials, filled the hall. The air buzzed with anticipation, a mixture of excitement and respect as the final results were announced.
"And the champion of this year's National Science and Innovation Cup is... Seraphina Villanueva from North Crescent Academy!"
A deafening applause erupted. The room became a symphony of cheers and admiration. Cameras flashed, capturing the moment that would forever mark Sera's name in history.
Standing at the center of it all, Sera remained composed, her deep amber eyes reflecting a quiet fire. She clutched the golden trophy in her hands, its weight nothing compared to the magnitude of her triumph. This was the moment she had fought for, the proof that she was never meant to be ordinary.
Elise screamed in joy from the front row, practically bouncing on her feet. "You did it, Sera! I knew you would!" Damian, arms crossed, smirked in approval, though the glint in his sharp blue eyes revealed his begrudging admiration. Even Vivian Montenegro, standing stiffly at the back, had lost her usual air of superiority, her icy green eyes dark with frustration.
Then, as the applause continued, a figure moved through the crowd with quiet but undeniable authority.
Alexander Lorenzo.
Unlike the others, who showered her with surface-level praise, his presence alone commanded attention.
The tailored black suit he wore only accentuated his lean, powerful frame, and his silver-gray eyes held something deeper than admiration—pride. Unwavering, unshaken, and fiercely genuine.
He stopped before her, the noise of the crowd fading into the background as he gazed down at her. His lips curled into a slow, rare smile—one reserved only for her.
"Congratulations, prodigy," he murmured, his voice rich and smooth. "You’ve surpassed all expectations."
Sera met his gaze, something flickering in her eyes. She had expected polite acknowledgment from him, perhaps even subtle approval, but the intensity of his pride was overwhelming. It was as if, in this moment, she wasn’t just a competitor who had won a competition—she was someone truly exceptional in his eyes.
"Thank you," she said, her voice steady despite the rapid beat of her heart.
Xander’s fingers lightly brushed the edge of the trophy, as if confirming for himself that her victory was real.
"This is just the beginning, Sera. The world is watching now, but soon, they'll realize this victory is only a fraction of what you're capable of."
His words sent a thrill down her spine. Unlike the empty flattery of others, he saw her potential beyond this stage, beyond this single achievement. He believed in her in a way no one else did.
A few businessmen nearby took the opportunity to interject. "Miss Villanueva, we would love to discuss future collaborations with you—"
Another added, "Your invention is truly revolutionary. Our firm would be honored to—"
Before Sera could respond, Xander shifted slightly, his presence alone silencing the crowd. He turned to them, his usual cold authority slipping back into place. "If you truly understand the weight of her genius, then you’ll know she is not someone you can approach lightly."
The businessmen hesitated, reading between the lines of his words. With that, they backed off slightly, though their interest in Sera remained evident.
Sera bit back a smile. Even in her moment of victory, Xander had a way of ensuring she remained untouchable, standing above the rest.
"You're being territorial, Lorenzo," she teased softly.
His lips twitched, but he didn’t deny it. Instead, he leaned in slightly, his voice low enough that only she could hear. "I'm just making sure they know who stands by your side."
The warmth that spread in her chest caught her off guard. She had conquered this stage alone, but with him beside her, she realized she was never truly alone.
 
Later that night, after the celebrations, Sera found herself standing on the balcony of the grand venue, the city lights twinkling beneath the velvet sky. A gentle breeze brushed against her skin as she leaned on the railing, letting the weight of her victory settle in.
Footsteps approached, steady and familiar.
"You disappeared on your own victory night?" Xander’s voice was rich with amusement.
She turned to see him standing beside her, hands tucked in his pockets, his silver-gray eyes gleaming under the moonlight. "Just needed a little air," she admitted. "It’s been... overwhelming."
Xander nodded. "You handled it well. You always do."
A comfortable silence stretched between them before he spoke again, this time softer, more deliberate.
"There’s something I wanted to tell you tonight."
Sera tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her amber eyes. "Oh?"
He exhaled, as if gathering his thoughts. Then, with rare vulnerability, he murmured, "Watching you on that stage today, seeing you prove to the world what I’ve always known… It made me prouder than I can put into words. But more than that... it made me realize something."
Sera’s breath hitched slightly. "And what’s that?"
His gaze held hers, unwavering. "That no matter how high you soar, I want to be the one standing beside you. Not just as a mentor. Not just as a friend."
For once, the ever-composed Alexander Lorenzo looked almost... uncertain. As if he had given her all the power in this moment.
Before Sera could respond, a loud voice broke the tension.
"Ooooh, are we interrupting something here?" Ellie’s teasing voice rang out as she and Damian strolled onto the balcony. Ellie’s smirk was practically wicked as she wiggled her brows. "Xander, were you about to confess something? Should we leave?"
Sera smirked, crossing her arms. "Oh, please, Ellie. Don’t act all innocent when you and Damian have been giving each other looks all night."
Ellie’s confidence faltered instantly. "W-What?! No, I—That’s ridiculous!"
Damian raised an eyebrow, a slow smirk forming. "Oh? So, you haven’t been looking at me, Cruz?"
Ellie turned bright red. "Sera, I swear I’m going to—"
Sera laughed, relishing the way Ellie spluttered and tried to deny it. Xander, standing beside her, chuckled lowly, his gaze still warm as he watched her.
Even without a clear confession tonight, Sera had a feeling she already knew what Xander wanted to say.
And maybe… just maybe, she wasn’t ready to hear it yet.
But when she was, she knew exactly where he would be.
Right by her side.