The National Champion

Jason Hayes took his sister inside the Convex Arena and found themselves a seat. With confusion, Emery glanced at the match which was just about to start.

Was it a judo match?

Even more confused, she turned to her brother who said, "We are right on time. The most awaited match is just about to start."

"How did we switch from getting yourself a girlfriend to watching a judo match?" Emery asked her brother with a frown.

Why didn't Marcus tell her that her brother love Judo? He only talked about tennis!

Her brother maintained his silence and watched the match that just started. With a displeased face, Emery also shifted her attention to the match. She thought that the match had just started but... it ended in less than two minutes!

"What was that?" She muttered, blinking. She had never watched a judo match before and she had no idea about the rules. "Is it over?" She asked, turning back to her brother. She noticed him... smiling.

Finally, Jason's attention was on her and he nodded. "The one in blue... I mean, the winner," he said and looked down at the floor again. "She is the one I'm talking about. The one with high standards."

Blinking once again, Emery Hayes looked down at the floor and observed the beautiful woman in blue who was declared the winner.

This was the final of the National Championship for god's sake!

"Catherine Sage," Jason muttered the name of the woman. "She became the country's youngest 1st-degree blackbelt holder at the age of 7. She's currently a 5th-degree blackbelt, the one she obtained when she was 21. And now, she's 26."

Her brother's knowledge of the National Champion rendered Emery speechless! How long had he liked her to know such information in detail?

Once again, she turned to look at the woman. "What is her high standard you're talking about?" She blurted out.

Jason rubbed his temples and replied, "She once said in an interview that she would only consider dating the guy if he could beat her." With a sigh, Jason said, "You saw her performance just now, Emery. Though my combat skills aren't that bad because Father made me learn since I was young, it's nothing compared to her skills. Besides, her family is no joke either."

"What's with her family?" Emery promptly asked with her curiosity growing once again.

"Sage Security," Jason said. "They are the top security company in our country and among the top 10 in the world. They are in charge of the security of almost every well-off family in our country, including us. They also have many clients abroad."

"No wonder she's so great in judo," Emery remarked as she shifted her attention back to the gorgeous woman who resembled a celebrity rather than a judo player. With an exciting smile on her face, she looked at her brother once again. "Does she know you, Jason?"

"I hope so," Jason Hayes muttered with a defeated voice. "We've met a few times for business purposes. Sage Security provides security guards not only in our mansion but also in every branch of our Hayes Group. We are one of their biggest clients."

"I see," Emery replied with a nod. She quietly glanced at her brother who stared at the woman called 'Catherine Sage' with a genuine smile on his face. Then she came up with an idea.

"Jason."

"Yeah."

"Can you tell the doctor to come a bit late than planned?"

Jason shifted his gaze to his sister, confused. "Why? Is there a problem?"

"I think it will be great to stay here a bit more," Emery replied.

Hearing this, Jason Hayes slightly smiled. "No problem."

Emery's smile grew wider and she glanced around their surroundings. "If I don't ask you about dating, do you plan to miss her match? It's the final," she pointed out.

"Your treatment comes first," Jason Hayes simply said to her. "Besides, I know that she will win. She always does."

"What about the World Championships then?"

"She said the procedure to represent a nation is too complicated and she doesn't have time for that." With a little smile, he added, "She even refused to participate in the Olympics because she has no time to train in the national training camps. She is busy as the CEO of Sage Security. Her father is the Chairman and the founder."

A few more minutes passed and Emery spent those time reading some articles about the National Champion, hoping to know more about her. Her gaze was glued to her phone while her brother was still busy staring at the woman.

Seeing such a side in him still surprised Emery. With his status, background, and handsome looks, it was obvious that many ladies will be vying for his attention but... he was just a man who was hopelessly in love with a woman who wasn't even aware of his feelings for her!

Around half an hour passed and the victory ceremonies were over. Jason Hayes glanced at his wristwatch and rose from his seat. "We should go now, Emery. If not, we will keep the doctor waiting."

"Alright," Emery said and her brother brought her out of the bleachers.

When the exit of the Convex Arena was right ahead of them, Emery saw that Catherine Sage was about to leave too. Thinking of the plan she had in mind before, she suddenly sped up her wheelchair, causing her brother to run after her in panic!

"Miss Sage!" Emery Hayes called out with a pretty loud voice that was indeed heard by the woman.

Halting her steps, Catherine Sage turned around to see a young woman in a wheelchair who was behind her. Though she was only 26 herself, it was pretty obvious that the woman was way younger than her. Despite feeling a bit confused, she flashed a smile and narrowed her eyes at Emery.

"Emery, why did you do that? It's dangerous!" Jason Hayes who just caught up with his sister exclaimed with concern written all over his face. He was so worried when she suddenly sped up but... when he saw the woman standing before his sister, his anxiety was replaced by bewilderment.

"Mr. Hayes, it's been a while," Catherine Sage greeted him with a nod and a polite smile.

"Miss Sage, I watch your match with my brother and you are really great," Emery spoke up before her brother could say anything.

"Thank you," Catherine responded with a friendly smile. "Is your brother... " Her voice trailed off as she shifted her gaze to Jason Hayes.

"This is my sister, Emery Hayes," Jason enlightened her.

"Oh! I have no idea about that," Catherine Sage uttered and looked down at Emery again. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Hayes."

"You too, Miss Sage," Emery replied with an exciting smile. "I went after you because I want to ask if you could join us for dinner tonight."