HOPE'S POV

There was no backing out of my choice.

I waited patiently for a fist to be thrown.

I caught his arm with ease the moment I see him raise it. I predicted his actions, to launch me forward and kneel my face from his previous fight, so I swiftly let go and use my legs to kick his abdomen.

Shock registered on his face, slowing him down.

I did not aim for his nose just yet, instead, I went for his chest.

As a reflex, he stumbled back while looking downwards.

Without hesitation, I punched him again, aiming for his nose this time. I was quick to realize that he was indeed fast, but he uses predictions. If I chose to go the way he does not expect, I could win effortlessly.

But every fighter had their weapons. He might merely be tricking me into thinking he was using predictions when he was not, but his fight against Tyler proved otherwise.

After he learns how Tyler fights, he can predict every move he will be making.

I moved my right leg, misleading him into thinking I was going for a kick aimed at his side. When his eyes were focused on my right leg and his left hand was ready to catch it, I used my right hand to deliver a hook to his cheek.

I did not give him the time to register what was going on because right after, I used my legs to sweep him off his feet. A satisfied smile made its way to my face, realizing it had barely been a few minutes and he was already grunting on the floor.

I climb on top of him, knowing he will take any chances to roll out of the way. He was not tired, so he would not give up any time soon. The crowd was cheering, and I wondered if Tyler had a problem ignoring the background noise. I was quite used to it, after all, my parents had never stopped bickering and I was always forced to ignore them.

He raised his arm and used his elbow to push me away as the audience reached the count of three.

He had yet to lay a single punch on my face, and he called himself a professional fighter. He could merely be an underground fighter, who had won a few beginners. I figured it was best to tire him out before I pin him down again. He was a cocky man, and he would do anything to show others he was not weak. If I continue to block his attacks, he will start punching with much more strength and would be exhausted pretty soon.

He launched a sluggish punch aimed for my jaw, which I dodged. That caused him to fly into a rage and throw stronger and faster punches.

I was glad six years of effort did not go in vain, but this fight was nothing compared to the one I will have with my stepfather in the future. I doubt Ajax could catch a knife perfectly on the handle like he did.

Fighting for Tyler in this competition was not what I signed up for, but he did say he was here just for the money.

I could get it for him, just once, as a friend.

Once I see my opponent shut his eyes and take a deep breath - the sign showing he was already worn out, I reached out to grab his left hand just when he threw another punch. I moved speedily, trapping him in a side headlock. He had his arm snaked around his head while bending forwards. I was in front of him, locking him in that position.

Before he could strike my ribs with his elbow and grab my hand, I used force to push him towards the floor, immediately straddling him and swinging my arm, hitting him square in the face. My knuckles were bleeding by now, but his face was so much worse. He already had a black eye forming, along with busted lips.

I was exhausted, and I could not imagine how he felt since all I did was deliver the punches and kicks. He had to withstand it while doing the same actions.

I stopped after the audience finish the countdown and push myself away from the guy helpless on the ground.

"Congratulations on winning the fight against Ajax Cameron..." I could tell the announcer was shocked himself.

"How?" I could barely hear Ajax's voice. The crowd was freaking out, some were clapping, while others had their jaws touching the ground.

Ajax got up with the help of two muscular guys who looked taken aback as well. He pushed the two men away, bending down to take the bag filled with cash and swinging it my way.

I caught it perfectly on the handle.

"I demand a rematch if we meet ever again." He said lowly, shooting me a glare before limping away to the medical room. Scoffing, I made my way back to my previous seat, ignoring the penetrating stares everyone was giving me.

"Hope," Tyler's concerned voice rang in my head. "Are you okay?" he held my hand, inspecting my bloody knuckles.

"No way! He couldn't even lay a punch!" Josh boomed, looking at me in awe. "So what Gray said was true, you do have a scary secret."

"Tyler, you should hire Hope as your teacher," he suggests.

"She is my teacher," Tyler mumbled, still looking at my fist.

"You said you hired someone," he said before putting the puzzle together. I made eye contact with Josh, shooting him a warning look.

"It's okay, the secret's safe with me," he said, and I forced another smile for him.

I removed my hand from Tyler's grasp and grab the bag of cash. I handed it to Tyler, who hesitates before taking it. "You know, you didn't really need to do all of that for this, I came here expecting to go home empty-handed."

I shrug as a response, realizing the crowds had already dispersed and started exited the building. I thought there would not be much audience since there were not many cars parked, but the building was filled with people.

"Let's go, Hope. We'll drop Josh off outside his house before I bring you to my place to clean the wound on your hand," Tyler said, leading me to his car.

"Your injuries are way worse," Josh commented. I nodded in agreement, noticing the bruises which has started to form on his face.

"I'm fine," Tyler reassured. He pulled open the door to his car for me to step in. "Besides, I have to talk to Hope alone."

I frowned, stepping into the car. I had no idea what he needs to tell me - everything was over. After this day, I can go back to seeking something I had planned for a decade.

Revenge.

The car came to a stop outside a cottage, where Josh climbs out with his bag. He gives me a wide smile and a brief nod for Tyler before making his way inside. The vehicle started once again, making its way to Tyler's place. I never thought I would ever be stepping foot inside a house that belonged to someone else. I did not trust him, not now or ever. After this day, we would be nothing but strangers.

I was exhausted from the fight earlier. I could barely keep my eyes open as I let myself get lost in my thoughts, all while we sat in silence.

"We're here," Tyler brought me back to reality, looking into my eyes from the driver seat.

I carried myself out from his car without my bag, still unsure if I wanted to enter his home. It was a relatively big house. I have seen many spacious houses, particularly the home my stepfather and mother were living in.

I followed closely behind Tyler as he fumbles with his keys and unlock his front door, pushing it open for the both of us. I decided to step in, plopping onto his couch and staring awkwardly as he enters his room to drop off the big bag of money and return with bandages and napkins.

"Why did you step in for me?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he settled down beside me. I shrug as an answer, it was more like a reflex to help because I wanted to.

"Hope, I need to tell you something." I eyed him curiously as I let him inspect my knuckles, which was already covered in dried blood. I should have simply washed it off in the building we were in half an hour ago. "About our deal, I don't think I can keep away."

"I mean... instead of ignoring you after this, I want to help you. I want to return the favor," he said firmly. "With anything."

I shot him a look of uncertainty. In all honesty, the best thing he can do to help is stay away. I needed help, but not from him. "I'd do anything, is there anything you need assistance with?" he asked, grabbing my hand and wiping it with a wet napkin.

I shake my head, declining his offer.

"Please?" he pouted, wrapping my fingers with the bandages.

I look into his eyes, contemplating for a moment. If he was a part of my plan, would he be a big help? It was so much more complicated than it seems. I did not want to trust him with my problems but I needed assistance if I wanted to hurt the people who have hurt me.

Was it wise to risk it?