untamed hearts

CHAPTER 13 : PICKING UP THE PIECES

The silence in Riley's apartment was deafening. She sat on the couch, staring at the door as if willing Jax to come back. The echoes of his words—*I need time to figure out who I am*—played on repeat in her mind. For the first time in years, Riley felt powerless. She had fought for Jax, stood up to her father, and risked everything for their relationship. Yet, it hadn't been enough. The next morning, Riley threw herself into work, using it as a distraction from the ache in her chest. Her meetings were a blur, and her sharp wit seemed dulled, her mind wandering back to Jax's retreating figure. Her assistant, Mia, finally broke through her haze. "Riley," she said gently, "I know you're going through a lot, but bottling it up isn't going to help. Take a day, talk to someone." "I don't have time for that," Riley replied curtly, though her voice lacked its usual bite. Mia placed a steaming cup of coffee on the desk and gave her a look. "You don't have time *not* to." ### ***Jax's Journey*** Meanwhile, Jax found himself back in his small apartment, surrounded by his sketches and fabric swatches. The space felt emptier than usual, as if Riley's absence had taken the light with her. He sat at his worktable, trying to lose himself in his designs, but his thoughts kept drifting back to her. He hated leaving, but the weight of their relationship—the expectations, the scrutiny—had grown too heavy. Jax's best friend, Noah, stopped by later that day. "Dude, you look like you've been hit by a bus," Noah said, plopping down on the couch. Jax sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I might as well have been. Riley and I... we're taking a break." Noah raised an eyebrow. "Taking a break, or you panicked and ran away?" Jax glared at him, though there was no malice in his expression. "I didn't run. I just... needed space." Noah crossed his arms. "Space to do what? You love her, Jax. Why are you letting everyone else's opinions get in the way of that?" Jax hesitated, the words catching in his throat. "It's not just opinions. It's her father, the press, the whole world telling me I'm not good enough for her. And maybe they're right." Noah leaned forward, his tone firm. "That's crap, and you know it. Riley chose you. You think she'd do that if she thought you weren't good enough? Stop doubting yourself, man. You're worth more than you give yourself credit for." Jax stared at his friend, the truth of his words sinking in. ### ***Riley's Realization*** A few days later, Riley found herself at the gallery where Jax's designs had been showcased. She wandered through the space, her fingers brushing against the intricate fabrics and sketches. The gallery owner approached her with a warm smile. "You must be Riley. Jax talked about you when he set up the exhibit. He said you were his biggest supporter." Riley felt a lump in her throat. "I hope I still am." The owner tilted her head, sensing the sadness in Riley's voice. "He's an incredible talent, but what stood out to me most was how much he believed in your support. It's rare to find someone who inspires that kind of confidence." Riley left the gallery with a renewed sense of purpose. She had fought for Jax before, and she wasn't about to stop now. ### ***The Gesture*** That evening, Riley called Mia into her office. "I need you to contact the PR team. We're organizing an event—a public celebration of independent designers. And I want Jax at the center of it." Mia hesitated. "Do you think he'll agree to it? After everything..." "He will," Riley said confidently. "Because this isn't about me. It's about showing him that he belongs. That his work deserves recognition, no matter what anyone else says." The event came together in record time. Riley personally invited industry leaders, media outlets, and fashion enthusiasts, ensuring the spotlight was on Jax's creations. When Jax received the invitation, his initial reaction was shock, followed by skepticism. But as he read Riley's handwritten note attached to the invite, his resolve wavered. *Jax,* *I know you needed space, and I respect that. But I also know that the world needs to see what I see in you—a talent and heart that deserve to shine. This event is for you, no strings attached. Just come and let them see how incredible you are.* *—Riley* ### ***The Reunion*** The night of the event, Riley stood at the entrance, greeting guests with a professional smile. But her heart raced with anticipation, hoping Jax would show up. An hour into the event, she spotted him across the room. He looked nervous but determined, dressed in one of his own designs—a sleek, modern suit that exuded confidence. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the rest of the room faded away. Riley made her way to him, her heart pounding. "I wasn't sure you'd come," she said softly. Jax offered a small smile. "Neither was I. But your note... it reminded me why I fell in love with you in the first place." Riley's breath caught, tears glistening in her eyes. "Jax, I—" Before she could finish, Jax closed the distance between them, pulling her into a hug. "I'm sorry I doubted us," he murmured. "I let my insecurities get in the way, but I'm done running." Riley clung to him, relief flooding her. "You're my world, Jax. Nothing else matters." As the crowd began to notice them, whispers filled the air, but neither of them cared. In that moment, they were untouchable. The event was a resounding success, not just for Jax's career but for their relationship. They had faced the storm and come out stronger, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead—together.