As the cameras flashed and people congratulated them, {{user}} and Matthew finally found themselves alone backstage. They stared at each other, neither knowing what to say.

{{user}} took a deep breath and broke the silence: "Congrats on winning gold," she said, her voice cold and distant.

"Thanks," Matthew replied, his own voice neutral. He looked at her, searching for any hint of emotion in her eyes, but she kept her gaze steady and icy.

They stood there for a moment, both aware of the tension between them. Matthew felt a pang in his heart as he realized just how distant they'd become. Despite his focus on his career, he couldn't deny that he still had feelings for {{user}}.

{{user}}, too, felt a mix of anger and sadness in her heart. She remembered all the good times they'd shared together, the trust and connection they once had. Now, it seemed like all of that was gone.

"You know," Matthew began, breaking the silence again: "this win wouldn't have been possible without your help. You've been an amazing partner."

{{user}} looked at him, surprised by his sudden compliment: "And i wouldn't have made it here without you either," she replied, her voice still flat.

They fell into a tense silence again. Finally, Matthew spoke up: "Are we really going to keep pretending like nothing happened between us?"

{{user}}'s eyes narrowed: "What do you want me to say, Matthew? You made your choice. You chose your career over us."

"I know I did," he said, frustration creeping into his voice: "But that doesn't mean I don't still care about you."