untamed hearts

CHAPTER 12 : THE BREAKING POINT

A month had passed since Riley and Jax's confrontation with her father. While they had found some semblance of peace together, the tension from the outside world continued to creep into their lives. Riley's father wasn't the only one attempting to discredit their relationship—word had spread through her business circles, and now Riley found herself fighting battles on multiple fronts. Jax, on the other hand, focused on his designs, pouring himself into his work as an escape. His gallery opening had been a success, and he was finally beginning to feel like he had something to offer. But despite his growing confidence, he couldn't ignore the shadows lurking in their relationship—doubts that Riley was keeping things from him to shield him from the worst of the backlash. ### ***An Unexpected Invitation*** One morning, Riley woke to a surprising notification on her phone. Her father had invited her and Jax to a gala he was hosting—a charity event that was a cornerstone of her family's public image. The invitation felt more like a challenge than an olive branch, but Riley saw it as an opportunity. "They'll have to see us for who we really are," Riley said as she showed the invitation to Jax. "We'll walk in together, show them we're strong, and leave them speechless." Jax hesitated. "Riley, are you sure this is a good idea? What if it's a trap to humiliate us?" "It might be," she admitted, placing her hands on his shoulders. "But I don't care. I'm tired of playing defense, Jax. We need to take control of the narrative." Jax nodded, though unease settled in his chest. He trusted Riley, but something about this felt wrong. ### ***The Gala*** When the night of the gala arrived, Riley and Jax walked in hand in hand, heads held high. Riley wore a sleek black gown that radiated confidence, while Jax stunned in a tailored suit that complemented his natural grace. All eyes turned toward them as they entered, whispers rippling through the crowd. Riley could feel the weight of their gazes but refused to falter. As the night progressed, Riley moved through the room with ease, introducing Jax to key players in her father's circle. While some offered polite nods, others barely concealed their disdain. Jax handled it with poise, his quick wit and charm winning over a few skeptical faces. But the moment of calm didn't last. ### ***The Confrontation*** As Riley and Jax approached the bar to get a drink, they were intercepted by none other than her father. Dressed in an impeccable suit, his face was a mask of cold disapproval. "Riley," he greeted, his tone clipped. "I'm surprised you came. And even more surprised you brought him." "I thought it was time everyone saw the truth," Riley said, her voice steady. "Jax and I are together, and nothing you say or do will change that." Her father's eyes narrowed. "Do you really think this... experiment will last? You're risking your legacy for someone who doesn't belong in our world." Jax clenched his jaw but stayed silent, refusing to give her father the satisfaction of a reaction. Riley stepped closer to her father, her voice low and dangerous. "Jax belongs wherever I am. If you can't accept that, then maybe it's time we redefine what it means to be family." Her father smirked, his expression icy. "Family isn't something you can redefine, Riley. It's built on loyalty, respect, and tradition. None of which this relationship upholds." Before Riley could respond, Jax spoke up, his voice calm but firm. "With all due respect, sir, you're wrong. Family is about love and support, not control and manipulation. Riley deserves better than your outdated views, and so do I." Her father's expression darkened, but before he could retaliate, the crowd around them erupted in whispers. Riley turned to see a group of reporters had gathered, their cameras flashing. Someone had tipped them off. "Riley!" one of them called out. "What do you have to say about the rumors that your relationship is a PR stunt to repair your image?" Jax froze, his face pale. Riley immediately stepped in front of him, shielding him from the barrage of questions. "This isn't a stunt," she said, her voice strong. "Jax is the most genuine person I've ever met, and anyone who questions our relationship clearly doesn't know us." The reporters continued to press, their questions growing more invasive. Jax's breathing quickened, the attention overwhelming him. "Riley, I can't—" he whispered, stepping back. She turned to him, her heart sinking as she saw the panic in his eyes. "Jax, wait—" But he was already moving, weaving through the crowd toward the exit. Riley turned back to her father, fury blazing in her eyes. "You'll regret this," she said, her voice trembling with anger. "I won't let you destroy the best thing in my life." Her father's smirk returned. "We'll see." ### ***The Fallout*** Riley found Jax outside the gala, leaning against a lamppost with his hands trembling. She approached him slowly, placing a hand on his arm. "Jax, I'm so sorry," she said softly. "I didn't know they'd pull something like that." He shook his head, tears brimming in his eyes. "It's not your fault, Riley. I just... I don't know if I can do this. The cameras, the questions, your father—it's too much." Riley's heart broke at his words. "Jax, I know it's hard, but we can get through this. Together." He looked at her, his expression filled with doubt and pain. "I don't know if love is enough, Riley. I feel like I'm drowning." Her chest tightened as she realized he was slipping away from her. "Jax, please... don't give up on us." He reached out, cupping her face gently. "I love you, Riley. But I need time to figure out who I am, outside of all this." And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Riley standing alone under the cold glow of the streetlights.