Matchpoint

Chapter 46:

I feel like a prisoner in my own home. The first meal after the arrangement was the most awkward experience I've ever had. Mother kept trying to get my father and I to engage, but it wasn't happening. I wasn't talking.

And since then, I've simply been stalking the halls like a ghost haunting a house. It's ironic, truly, because this house does feel haunted, all thanks to my father. Haunted by memories. Haunted by pain. Haunted by him.

"I did this for you, Clove, be grateful that I'm even attempting to save your reputation," Father had said when I passed his office this morning. My parents are preparing for their live press conference, where they will announce my resignation without me being there.

"Right, because you want what's best for me," I smiled sarcastically. My father's eyes were still as he stared at me.

"I do what is best for our family." He stated bluntly, eyes falling back down to his notebook.

"You do what's best for you," I seethed before turning on my heel and heading straight to my room.

Now I'm sitting in my room, a live feed streaming in the background of my laptop as I await the announcement.

My parents had little to say to me before they left. A simple small smile from my mother and a glower from father and they were out the door.

I expected nothing less.

"Dominic, thank you for taking the time to join us today, we hear you're making an announcement?" A single journalist must be the bravest of them all to start the questioning. I change tabs on my laptop so that I have a full screen of the media room.

Dom's sat at the table alone, his face is pale, eyes dull and mouth turned downward. I can tell he'd rather be anywhere but there right now.

"Yep," Dom agrees without further commentary. I can make out my parents standing just to the left of the screen, Stack beside them as well.

I just know dad will be fuming at Dom's dissmissiveness.

"What do you have to say about Clove Dunn?" Brutal. No smooth entry, just straight questions.

Dom squirms in his seat, eyebrows knitting together as he folds his arms across his chest.

"What do I have to say about Clove?" Dom repeats the question as if it couldn't be more pathetic. "What happened between Clove and I was our business and media involvement is fucking..."

"Thanks Dominic," My father has stepped up onto the panel and grabbed the microphone from Dom. "I'll be taking it from here. It's been a rather big shock for the whole academy, and there are many emotions involved. So we'd appreciate your patience with Mr Fraser and his team."

I can hear the crowd mumble in concern as Dom just seems to sit back in his chair, a look of disgust struck across his face.

"So, we noticed Clove's absence. Does this mean we'll see Dominic with a new coach?" Someone off screem asks.

My father's face flashes with utter pride, and he instantly puffs out his chest like some prestige peacock.

"Well, yes, sadly, Clove has decided to step down. She knew it was best for the academy and Dominic heading into some of his biggest matches, yet " I'm clenching my fists without even realising. No fucking way, he made it seem like my idea. "So, it is my greatest pleasure to announce that my wife and tennis superstar, Aria, and I myself will co-coach."

The room simmers with excitement. Of course, they're joyful for the return of my parents. A tennis love story. The only one that's supposedly allowed in my father's eyes. Fucking ridiculous.