You Before Me |Neymar Jr.|

Chapter 41

I'm reeeeaaally sorry I haven't updated in over 2 weeks. I caught a case of writers block and I honestly had no idea how to move forward with the story. I hope you enjoy it and just FYI I may make some changes to this chapter. My apologies once again 🥺.

Natalia's POV

"Meet me at Hippodrome d'Auteuil at noon tomorrow," my father said before abruptly ending the call. I sat staring at my phone, processing what had just happened.

"I did of course."
"I did of course."
"I did of course."
"I did of course."

The words rang in my head like a broken record. Arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me into their chest. I hadn't realized I was crying until tears began to soak the material of the shirt under my cheek. My breath came in short gasps as my vision blurred. Hands smoothed down my hair, trying to soothe me.

"Natalia, Natalia!" a voice called, trying to make me snap out of my state. Here we go, panic attack.

"I-I'm ok now" I gasped after a few moments, finally calming down. My heart rate slowly returned to normal.

"What happened?" Neymar asked, leaning back to look at me carefully. His eyes held worry and his lips were curved into a frown.

"My father, h-he was the one who wrote the letter."

"What?! Why would he do that?"

"As a test," I scowled, thinking of how he'd played me so badly.

"That's messed up," he sighed, pulling me to my feet.

"I'm going to have to meet him tomorrow," I said, taking the bottle of water he offered me.

"We'll worry about that later," he dismissed, "Go get some rest, I'll make dinner."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah I got it," Neymar assured. Seeing my hesitant look, he took the empty glass from my hand and shoved me up the stairs.

"Ok, ok, I'm going," I laughed lightly, trudging up to my bedroom.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The next day...

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Neymar asked for the 10th time.

"Yes! I got it," I chuckled, grabbing my keys.

"Ok, call me if you need anything alright?"

"Yes sir," I saluted. I said a quick goodbye and hurried to the car. As I was driving, I started to think of all the ways this could go wrong. My father wasn't the easiest person to talk to. I hadn't seen him in almost 3 years. You would think he would be here for my graduation in 3 days but instead he was here to explain to me why he faked my brothers suicide note. A part of me hoped Elliot was still alive and all of this was just some cruel twisted joke my parents played on me.

I carefully watched from across the street as I sat in my car. The sun was bright as people hurried through the streets rushing to get to their lunch breaks. Afternoon rush hour was in full swing as tourists and locals came out to enjoy the nice weather. Bubbles floated through the air as two little kids chased after them, their older sister laughing as she made more. My phone pinged, tearing my eyes from the children playing.

I'm by the main tree across from the stand entrance

I looked around trying to spot a tree. My eyes landed on one of the largest trees, sheltering a family from the sun as they had a picnic. Opposite to them was a tall lanky man who stood, sunglasses covering his face. The man I knew to be my father.

Quickly hopping out of the car, I made my way towards him. My palms were clammy and my heartbeat increased with each step I took. I wasn't prepared for this. I was dreading this encounter. I came to a stop directly in front of him, keeping the expression on my face impassive.

"Natalia," he smiled, but it didn't seem to reach his eyes. Not that I could see them behind those ugly sunglasses.

"Father," I replied shortly.

"Nice to see you again."

"Wish I could say the same."

"Now, now, no harsh feelings right?" he grinned, lifting his palms up to the sky.

'is he retarted?' I thought to myself.

"What do you want?" I sighed, already tired of his antics.

"I want your badge and gun," he stated, wiping the smile from his face.

"Excuse me?"

"Do I need to repeat it in French Natalia?" he asked, holding his hand out.

"Wha-why?" I asked, completely bewildered.

"You have been stripped of your rights. You no longer have the power to possess weapons."

"What the fuck how am I supposed to do my job?" I demanded.

"How stupid can you get?" He snapped, taking off his sunglasses. An irritated look took over his face. "You're being demoted. You're fired."

"Excuse me??!" I shrieked, taken completely off guard.

"You've shown a lack of professionalism and you broke the number one rule of the agency, no strings attached."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

He barked out a laugh, "do you think I'm stupid. The agency keeps track of everything. Now hand it over."

I let out a defeated sigh. Maybe it was for the best.

"I expect you to be back home two weeks after graduation."

"What no! You ca- hey I'm not done taking to you!" I exclaimed as he began to walk away.

"Nice seeing you sweetheart," he called back, waving his hand. He never glanced back. I watched as he walked away, taking with him my whole future. It always happens to me.