Page 69 of Wrangling the Orc Cowboy

“It’s practically guaranteed to break view records,” she said. “It's straight out of a second chance romcom.”

“Then I hope you both enjoy filming it,” I said flatly. “You'll have to find Gregory a new bride, though, because it won't be me.”

“Do you even understand what’s at stake here?” Dad snarled. “You think you can keep ignoring us, living your little influencer fantasy, but we’ve built you up, and we can as easily tear you down.”

My fingers froze on my lap. “Excuse me?”

“Do you think people would still adore Gracie if they knew how ungrateful you really are?” Mom snapped, going for the throat. “Who do you think paid for your life before you stormed off? This family. We carried you.”

“Carried me?” My voice cracked, and I gripped the edge of the chair, steadying myself. “I carriedyou. Your paychecks, your fame, all the deals you signed in my name, that was me. I earned every penny.”

I thought I’d nailed the last word to the wall, but Mom’s laughter cut like shattered glass. “And who do you think kept that money safe? Do you have any idea what people like us, people who’ve actually succeeded, could do if you keep dragging your feet? We’ve protected you from the public. From yourself.”

“Protected me?” Incredulity spiked through me like I'd dumped a glass of ice water over my head. “I don’t need your protection. I need independence. I need to stop being a pawn in your game, and frankly, I’m tired of you using my name for your own gain. Don’t think I haven’t seen you using that in promo for your new show.” A show that wasnotsuccessful. I’d be stunned if they were signed for another season.

“Independence?” Dad grunted. “You mean your life with that nobody you’re riding on green beasts with?”

Had they seen me and Tark together?

“What’s his name again? Don’t think he'll pull you out of this mess. That's laughable. Just like always, right? Hoping someone else will give you an out.”

There it was, the stab at my personal life, designed to shake me. I fought back my anger, focusing on the walls of the room. Making something of Lonesome Creek was my dream, and nothing could ruin how I felt about it, not even my parents’ cruel insinuations. “Tark is a good man who’s building something real here. Not some scripted drama.”

“Real?” Mom said. “You mean a tourist place where the cameras aren’t rolling. He’ll send you on your way when they run out of money. You think that’s what your followers want to see, your face plastered alongside a silly cowboy town like that? Give this up before you ruin your acting career. Your precious influencer lifestyle will evaporate into thin air if we decide to leak a few unflattering stories. The world is watching, and so are your fans.”

“You wouldn’t…” Oh, but they would.

“Try us.” Dad’s voice oozed through the line. “We’ve got people ready to show up there and take unflattering photos. Your precious Tark? He’ll be the last person your followers want to see you with once they learn more about him. A failed business, that’s what it already is. Nobody’s interested in an orc ranch. We could make the whole thing an absolute joke, Gracie.”

My heart raced, my veins burning with fury.

“Stop,” I shouted, the word a plea and a battle cry. “Enough. You two can’t come here and tear down my life just because you need to feel in control again. These are my choices to make, not yours.”

“Choices?” Mom asked. “You call this pathetic little life a choice? You think running off to this place, playing with animals after living a life of luxury is a good thing? You’re betraying thefamily, Gracie. If you don’t cooperate, the choice will be taken from you. Don't think we won't do it.”

Tears threatened in my eyes, but I forced them back. “Betraying the family? This is the family and life that you stuck with me, not the one I picked for myself. I’m finally being true to who I am. I’m a fucking adult!”

She tutted at the swear.

“I’m happy,” I shouted. “Doesn't that matter to you?”

“If you truly believe you're happy, then you’re delusional,” Dad said. “We can paint this in whatever light we choose. I assure you, the world would love watching your pathetic struggle against the odds. Or perhaps the fading TV star chasing a male with a failing business. The tragic downward spiral of Gracie from child star to washed-up influencer. That’s the story people will eagerly click on, and that’s the reality show we’ll give them if you don’t come back. All because you chose to be ungrateful.”

The realization that they could do this sent horror through my veins. “I can’t believe you’d go so low.”

Mom scoffed. “We only have your best interest at heart. This is it, Gracie. Come back and marry Gregory. Film the reunion season. If you don’t, we'll ensure the world sees exactly what kind of person you’ve become.”

“We’ll give you two days to return home,” Dad chimed in. “I expect you to do what’s right.”

They ended the call this time instead of me.

I sat in the chair, resisting the urge to throw the phone across the room.

Tears trickled down my cheeks, and I sniffed.

What was I going to do? I couldn’t let them come here and ruin Tark and his brother’s dream. But going back…

Marrying Gregory?

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