untamed hearts

CHAPTER 15 : THE ULTIMATE TEST

Riley and Jax's newfound harmony was put to the test sooner than they expected. A week after their victory with the board, Riley received an unexpected call from her father. "I need to see you. Urgent," he said in a clipped tone before hanging up. Riley sighed, her father's dramatic demands always striking a nerve. But this time, she felt a pang of unease. Her father rarely called her directly unless it involved something serious. When she arrived at his sprawling estate, she was greeted by his usual cold demeanor. "Riley, sit," he commanded, gesturing to a leather chair in his study. "I don't have all day, Dad. What's this about?" she asked, crossing her arms. Her father leaned forward, his expression grim. "Your relationship with Jax is becoming a liability—not just for the company but for the family name. You've already proven you can't keep your personal life out of the spotlight. I'm giving you an ultimatum: end things with him or lose your position in the company." Riley's eyes narrowed, fury bubbling beneath the surface. "You can't be serious. Jax is the best thing to happen to me, and you want me to throw that away for *what*? A title?" Her father's gaze hardened. "It's not just about you, Riley. It's about protecting the legacy your mother and I built. You're risking everything for someone who doesn't belong in our world." Riley stood, her voice unwavering. "Then maybe I don't belong in your world either." She turned on her heel and stormed out, leaving her father speechless for the first time in years. ### ***Jax's Decision*** When Riley returned home, Jax immediately noticed her tension. "What happened?" he asked, concern etched across his face. She recounted the conversation with her father, her voice trembling with anger. "He wants me to choose between you and the company. Can you believe that?" Jax's expression darkened. "I knew your father didn't approve of me, but this... Riley, I don't want to be the reason you lose everything you've worked for." She grabbed his hands, her grip firm. "You're not a reason, Jax. You're my *choice*. If I have to walk away from the company to be with you, so be it." Jax shook his head, his voice soft but resolute. "I don't want you to lose your dreams for me. Maybe... maybe we should take a step back. Give your father time to see that this doesn't have to be a choice between us." Riley stared at him, her heart breaking. "You're asking me to walk away?" "No," Jax said, his voice cracking. "I'm asking you to fight for yourself, Riley. You don't need to prove anything to me—I already know you love me. But if we're going to make this work, it has to be on *your* terms, not your father's." ### ***The Fallout*** The days that followed were some of the hardest Riley had ever endured. She threw herself into work, determined to show her father—and the world—that she could thrive without bending to his demands. Jax, meanwhile, focused on his designs, using his heartbreak as fuel for his creativity. His latest collection, aptly titled *Resilience*, was met with critical acclaim, solidifying his place in the fashion world. But no matter how successful they were individually, both Riley and Jax felt the void left by each other's absence. ### ***An Unexpected Ally*** One evening, Riley received a call from her younger brother, Ethan, who rarely got involved in family matters. "I heard about Dad's ultimatum," Ethan said. "He's being an ass, as usual." Riley sighed. "What else is new?" Ethan hesitated before speaking again. "Look, I'm not great with all this emotional stuff, but I know this much: Dad's wrong about Jax. He makes you happy, and that's what matters. If you need backup, I'm here." Riley smiled for the first time in days. "Thanks, Ethan. That means more than you know." ### ***The Stand-Off*** With her brother's support, Riley decided it was time to confront her father once and for all. She returned to the estate, this time with a clear plan in mind. "Dad," she said, her voice steady as she stood in his study. "You gave me an ultimatum, so here's mine: either accept my relationship with Jax, or I'll walk away from the company permanently." Her father stared at her, his expression unreadable. "You're willing to throw everything away for him?" Riley met his gaze without flinching. "I'm not throwing anything away. I'm choosing to build a life that makes me happy. If that doesn't fit into your version of success, then so be it." After a long silence, her father sighed, leaning back in his chair. "You're more like your mother than I thought. Stubborn to a fault." "Is that a yes?" Riley pressed. He waved her off with a resigned expression. "Do what you want. Just don't expect me to clean up the mess if it all falls apart." ### ***Reunion*** Riley didn't waste a second. She drove straight to Jax's studio, bursting through the door. Jax looked up from his work, startled. "Riley?" She crossed the room and pulled him into a fierce hug. "I told him. I chose us." Jax's arms wrapped around her, holding her tightly. "You didn't have to do that for me." "I didn't do it just for you," she said, pulling back to look him in the eyes. "I did it for *us*. For the life we're building together." Jax smiled, his love for her shining in his gaze. "Then let's make it count." ### ***A New Chapter*** With her father's reluctant blessing and Jax by her side, Riley felt unstoppable. Together, they began planning their next steps—not just in their relationship, but in their careers. As they stood on the balcony of Riley's apartment that evening, looking out at the city lights, Jax took her hand. "Whatever comes next, I'm ready." Riley squeezed his hand, her heart full. "Me too." For the first time in a long time, they weren't looking back. Their future was theirs to create, and they were ready to face it together.