My Brother, My Spouse

Chapter 7 Dirty Play

Brian slapped his forehead, wondering if Sylvia would embarrass him in the game. After all, he had been the best basketball player for three years running.

"Alright," Brian sighed, "I'll go, but I'm not going for you. Understand?"

"Of course," Vincent replied with a smirk, secretly thinking, 'Sylvia clearly still likes me. She says she's going to watch Brian, but it's me she'll be watching on the court.'

Sylvia donned the basketball jersey, finding it surreal that she would actually be playing in a boys' basketball game.

Daniel patted Sylvia on the shoulder, causing her to instinctively flinch. Confused, Daniel asked, "Dude, what's up with you today? Dodging me like that?"

Recognizing him as Brian's best friend, Sylvia stammered, "I'm just... a little nervous."

"Nervous? You?!" Daniel chuckled confidently. "Come on, man, you've been our MVP for three years. Vincent will be a piece of cake."

"Wait—did you say Vincent? Are we really playing against Vincent?" Sylvia's voice was laced with disbelief.

"Of course," Daniel nodded. "I know you hate the guy—he's always stringing Sylvia along, treating her like a joke. Take him down on the court today, and it'll be payback for Sylvia."

Sylvia frowned, "I think you're wrong about Vincent. He's definitely not like that."

Daniel looked at her, stunned. "Defending Vincent? This is front-page news!"

"I just..."

Sylvia began but was interrupted by another teammate who shouted, "Hey, there's a super hot chick outside asking for you!"

Daniel grinned, nudging Sylvia. "Go on, Prince Charming. Don't keep her waiting."

As Sylvia headed out, thinking of a way to turn down her 'admirer,' she was met by Brian himself.

Brian wore a spaghetti-strap top and a mini skirt, with dramatic makeup. "Hey, I came to cheer for you," he announced.

Sylvia sighed, exasperated. "That 'super hot chick' is you, isn't it?"

"Of course, but it's not just me," Brian gestured to a crowd of girls on the bleachers. "They're all here to cheer you on too."

Brian leaned closer and whispered, "Listen, once you're on the court, pretend to twist your ankle or injure your knee—whatever it takes to get out of this game!"

Sylvia frowned. "Why? Don't you trust me?"

Brian held up his hands. "You're not exactly athletic. You could end up ruining this game."

Sylvia's expression turned resolute. "I'll help you win this game. Don't underestimate me."

"Fine," Brian relented. "I hope so. But if you mess this up, you'll have to do things my way from now on."

"I won't!" Sylvia retorted.

When the game started, Vincent dribbled confidently. "I've been training hard, Brian. This year's MVP will be mine."

A chorus of cheers rang out. "Go, Vincent!"

Sylvia, despite her feelings for Vincent, held her ground. "Sorry, but your dream isn't coming true."

"Go, Brian, go!" The girls screamed, their cheers louder than those supporting Vincent.

Sylvia found the attention thrilling—being popular felt amazing!

Energized by the crowd, she played with renewed enthusiasm, while Vincent silently fumed, determined to beat Brian.

From the bleachers, Brian looked on in despair, certain that his reputation with his admirers was taking a severe hit with Sylvia on the court.

"Hey, Sylvia. I'm Daniel." Daniel, who was benched as a substitute, greeted her. "Why the doomsday expression?"

'Doomsday is indeed coming,' Brian thought bitterly.

Pointing toward the court, Brian said, "I'll bet you Brian is going to play horribly today."

"No way," Daniel scoffed. "He's our best player."

"Are you scared to bet?" Brian taunted.

"Fine, I'll take that bet," Daniel said confidently. "But I'm sure I'll win."

Brian was certain Sylvia would fail, but to his astonishment, Sylvia was playing far better than he expected, even outshining Vincent.

"Nice three-pointer!"

Brian's mouth hung open. He was completely stunned.

Daniel chuckled, "See? Never underestimate him."

"I guess I did," Brian admitted.

On the court, Vincent's frustration was mounting. He had trained for this game, but he couldn't keep up with "Brian."

When he saw Sylvia brimming with energy, a sly idea crossed Vincent's mind.

Focused on the ball, Sylvia was completely unaware of Vincent's next move.

"Ah!"

Vincent deliberately slammed into Sylvia, causing her to fall hard. Her ankle twisted painfully, and blood trickled from scrapes on her leg.

The referee called a foul on Vincent, but he didn't care—injuring the strongest player meant he had a better chance of winning.

"What the hell are you doing!" Brian stormed onto the court, furious. "Why did you deliberately knock him down?"

Vincent, seeing his 'dream girl' angry, tried to explain calmly, "I was just playing within the rules. Now, you should leave the court—it's game time."

"Is that so?" Brian sneered, landing a punch on Vincent's face. "Well, if hitting is allowed during games, you'll be unrecognizable when I'm done with you."

Vincent gaped, shocked. "Are you crazy? You'd hit me for him?"

But Brian wasn't finished. He couldn't stand the sight of Vincent bullying Sylvia.

Driven by fury, he landed another punch on Vincent's stomach, snarling, "I'm not just hitting you—I'm going to knock your teeth out, you cowardly rat!"

Feeling a wave of disappointment, Sylvia couldn't believe Vincent would stoop so low just to win. She watched as Brian continued to pound him, only stopping when Vincent fled in disgrace.

Afterward, Brian helped Sylvia clean her wounds, muttering, "That scumbag Vincent should be banished from the pack."

Sylvia looked at him, puzzled. "You seem really mad."

"Of course, I am!" Brian replied, voice firm. "I won't let anyone bully you."

Sylvia raised an eyebrow. "Coming from the person who's bullied me more than anyone else, right?"