~~~Soraya~~~
The emergency team meeting felt like a public execution. I sat in the Storm locker room the next morning, surrounded by my own teammates. Maya sat on my right, arms crossed like a bodyguard. Priya and three seniors sat across from me, faces cold.
Coach Reynolds stood at the front, looking exhausted.
“This vote isn’t about talent. It’s about team chemistry and focus. Some of you feel Soraya’s situation is becoming a distraction.”
“A distraction?” I laughed bitterly.
“You mean the fact that I’m being blackmailed and harassed?”
Priya leaned forward. “We all saw the news. Your fake marriage is tearing this program apart. Sponsors are calling. Alumni are pissed. And now Blades players are chirping at us during joint practices because of you.”
One of the seniors nodded. “Ri
