Tayvis: Twists of Fate

Chapter-13: A new problem

As Travis and Donna accompanied Taylor to Joe's office to investigate the funds, Travis's resentment burned like a wildfire, his every glance at Taylor fueling his anger. He couldn't bear to be in her presence, the reminder of her husband's betrayal a constant thorn in his side.

Taylor, sensing Travis's animosity, felt a pang of sympathy for him. Despite their differences, they were both victims of Joe and Betty's deceit, their lives irrevocably changed by their actions.

As Joe's partner explained the dire financial situation of the business, Taylor's mind raced with possibilities. "I could take over the business," she suggested tentatively, her voice filled with determination. "I could turn things around."

Travis scoffed derisively at her proposal, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "You? Take over the business? Don't make me laugh," he taunted, his words laced with contempt. "You'll only make things worse."

Taylor bristled at Travis's barbed remarks, her jaw set in determination. "I can do this, Travis," she retorted, her voice tinged with defiance. "I won't let Joe's mistakes dictate my future unlike you totally consumed by alcohol"

Donna, caught in the crossfire, interjected with a note of caution. "Travis, Taylor, please," she implored, her voice tinged with concern. "Let's try to find a solution together. Fighting won't help anyone."

But Travis remained unmoved, his anger burning brighter with each passing moment. "I don't need her help," he snapped, his voice sharp with bitterness. "I'll find my own way out of this mess."

Taylor sighed, her heart heavy with frustration. She knew that earning Travis's trust would be an uphill battle, but she was determined to prove him wrong. "Fine, Travis," she said evenly, her voice tinged with resignation. "But remember, we're in this together, whether you like it or not."

After the tense meeting at Joe's office, Joe's partner turned to Taylor with a stern expression. "Ms. Swift, you need to decide soon. If you don't, we will take over everything you have left—your money, your house, everything."

Travis, barely containing his frustration, rushed out of the room as soon as the meeting ended. Donna, looking worried, approached Taylor. "Taylor, could you join me at the nearest coffee shop?" she asked gently.

Taylor, though exhausted, agreed. They walked in silence, the weight of their shared grief hanging heavily in the air. At the coffee shop, Donna's eyes filled with tears as she spoke. "Taylor, if you're serious about taking over Joe's business, please consider making Travis your business partner."

Taylor blinked in surprise, unsure how to respond. "Donna, I don't know if that's a good idea..."

Donna's voice broke as she continued, "Travis is in a bad place, Taylor. He's suspended from the team and he's drinking all the time. I'm so worried about him. He needs something to focus on, something to help him heal. Please, help me bring my son back to normal. I would do anything for that."

Taylor felt a pang of empathy for Donna, seeing the raw pain of a mother desperate to save her son. "I... I'll consider it, Donna," she said softly. "I promise I'll think about it."

When Taylor got home, she talked to her mother, Andrea, about Donna's plea. "Mom, Donna is so worried about Travis. She wants me to make him my business partner if I take over Joe's company. I'm not sure what to do."

Andrea looked at her daughter with understanding. "Taylor, if you can help Travis, you should. He's going through as much pain as you are. Maybe working together can help both of you heal."

Taylor nodded, feeling a sense of clarity. She picked up her phone and called Donna. "Donna, I've thought about it, and I'm willing to take Travis on as my business partner."

Donna's voice trembled with gratitude. "Thank you, Taylor. You don't know what this means to me. I promise, I'll convince Travis that this is the right thing to do."

After ending the call, Taylor felt a strange mix of apprehension and hope. She was stepping into unknown territory, but she knew it was the right thing to do. As she sat in silence, she couldn't help but wonder if this unexpected partnership could be the key to healing both her and Travis's shattered lives.