Page 61 of Reputation (Tempt)

“I didn’t ask for your opinion,” I said, hating that I felt the need to defend myself to him. All my life, I’d looked up to my dad. I’d sought his approval. His praise. “And I could really use your support.” My voice cracked. Why wasn’t my best ever good enough?

“Look, kiddo,” he sighed. “I get it. You can’t control what they print about you. And I’m sorry if I was harsh, but I’m worried about you.”

“Really? I wouldn’t have guessed that.” Despite his words at the beginning of our conversation. “You haven’t even asked if I’m okay.”

“Are you?” he asked. “Okay?”

I blew out a breath. “Yeah. At least, the doctors seem to think so.”

“When do you think you’ll be able to return to the track?”

I peered up at the sky through the skylight, the bridge of my nose stinging.That’swhat he cared about? Not what had landed me in the hospital or if it might happen again?

I thought back to the hospital—Nate’s anger and frustration with the doctor. He’d been outraged on my behalf. And as much as he tried to pretend it was because he was my fake fiancée, I wasn’t buying it. At least, not completely.

“I don’t know,” I sighed. It didn’t matter right now. “Nate arranged for me to practice at an indoor track in Abu Dhabi.” At least he had before my hospital stay. “I’ll try to go once we’re settled in.”

Dad groaned, letting out a sound of frustration. “You’re still going, then.”

“Yes. Nothing’s changed.”

“Everything’schanged,” he gritted out. “Astrid and I were mobbed on the chairlift. I found out you were engaged from a reporter. A fucking reporter had to tell me that my daughter was marrying her boss. And proceeded to try to question me about your relationship.”

I hung my head, trying not to cry. This was everything I’d never wanted. “I’m sorry.”

He was quiet a moment, then more softly, he asked, “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I…” I hesitated. What could I say that wouldn’t jeopardize the narrative Nate and I were working to create without fabricating an even bigger lie? And then the answer came to me. “You’ve never liked him. How could I possibly think you’d be supportive of our relationship?”

“You’re right. I don’t like him. And I don’t like this.”

I scoffed. “Because you’re afraid it will affect my training.”

“Damn right, I am. We’ve talked about needing to focus, and this is a huge fucking distraction. I want you back on the track soon. Back practicing shot put and javelin.”

I didn’t know when I could commit to that. I didn’t know if I’d ever be ready because I was positive the next time I stepped on the track, there would be a lot more eyes on me. Even if it was just practice.

So instead of committing, I said, “It’s getting late. I should go.”

“You promised you’d give your all at the Indoor Championships before making any decisions.”

“And Iwill,” I huffed, still regretting that I’d ever made that promise.

“What’s the point? If you’re not going to give it one hundred percent, you might as well retire now.”

I sighed, sick of having this argument. Sick of feeling guilty over a decision that I knew deep down was best for me.

“You know what? Maybe I should.” It would make things a lot easier in some ways. Hell, I was half convinced my anxiety over the upcoming competition was to blame for my reaction that had landed me in the hospital.

“I guess it’s a good thing you’re engaged to a billionaire, huh?”

I disconnected the call before I could say something I’d regret. He had no idea what he was talking about. I couldn’t even explain the real reason I’d agreed to Nate’s proposal. And even if I could, I wasn’t sure my dad would understand or support me.

I sighed and stared down at the screen. There were countless missed calls and texts. Social media notifications that continued to rise. How had so many unknown numbers gotten my contact info?

I couldn’t deal with it. I couldn’t deal with any of it. So, I switched off my phone and pushed it away. I wrapped my arms around my knees and curled into myself, letting the tears fall.

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