My Alpha Mate's Christmas Gift novel Chapter 17

　　Roxanne gritted her teeth as she heard those words from him. With her fists clenched, she could feel two things surging forth from within her. Disappointment… And Anger.

　　“How could you say that?” She managed to mumble, her voice low and deep.

　　“Roxanne, listen to me… I know what I said before. But, after seeing what happened yesterday… We’re really cutting it close. If we decide to proceed to the finals, I don’t know what will happen…” He said with a concerned tone.

　　“What would happen? Didn’t you realise that when we started this?” She asked, still having a downcast expression.

　　“I thought it would be the best thing for you at the time. Plus, you wanted it so badly then. I realise now that I made a mistake. I was wrong. This isn’t the way to go Roxanne…” Donald said.

　　“… Stop it…” Roxanne let out a small voice.

　　“You’re still just in High School. You should be living a normal life…” He continued.

　　“Stop…”

　　“… Your mom doesn’t even know, does she? You’re keeping it a secret from her. Kid, it isn’t too late to opt out” He said, placing his hands on her shoulder.

　　“I said Stoooop!!!” She yelled, stepping backward so his hands fell off her shoulder.

　　Her raised voice attracted the attention of the others in the room. Their attention went straight to her for a moment, but quickly returned to what they were doing.

　　Donald and Roxanne both enjoyed a brief and uncomfortable silence, one which seemed to last an eternity. Donald attempted to speak up, but Roxanne beat him to it.

　　“How could you… You of all people say that. I thought even if no one understood, you would. But, I guess I was wrong.

　　“Kid, I….”

　　“I’ve heard enough. But I’m going to do this, with or without your help. I would appreciate it if you helped me… But if you choose not to, I’ll do it anyway. So, coach, what will it be?” She stood up from her seat and asked him with a deep glare.

　　Donald heaved a heavy sigh. He truly did care about the young girl, but his conscience could not allow him to keep encouraging her in the dark and thorny path that she was choosing.

　　“Roxanne, just… Just hear me out” He said to her, trying to reach out of her, both with his hands and his heart. He truly didn’t want her to get hurt, that’s why he told her to quit. But it seemed that in doing so, his choice had the opposite effect.

　　“I see… So that’s how it is. Fine then… I’ll just do it myself then. I don’t need you to win!” She said with a hurtful tone.

　　Roxanne walked away, her bag in hand, and left Donald still seated on his chair. He wanted to run after her, to chase her and try to convince her some more, but by seeing her eyes he knew she was determined. His heart just couldn’t bear encouraging her anymore.

　　“If I drag this on any further, it’ll cause too much of a commotion, and that won’t end well for either of us” Donald reasoned.

　　“Roxanne… Kid… I’m sorry…” He muttered.

　　Roxanne ran to her house with teary eyes and a broken heart. Not minding the angry and dissatisfied passer-byes as she sped last them, she only focused on getting home that day.

　　She just wanted to go to her room crying out in frustration from the feeling she had within her, burning her chest with an indescribable pain that made her want to break down right there on the street. But she didn’t give in, she kept running to her house and finally she got to the familiar building where only her and her mom lived. A safe place to crumble, especially her room.

　　She quickly flung open the door and ran into her house, not caring for the force she used. However, her entire body stopped moving immediately she got in and froze at the sight in front of her.

　　A man and a woman in passionate embrace as they kissed with clear longing for each other. The man was a stranger to Roxanne, but the woman… She recognized the woman. Her features and even the dress she wore, it was just like her mom’s. Was she in the wrong house? No, that couldn’t be. The picture frame of her family was hanging directly behind her, and a few metres from her was the couch she loved so much.

　　Roxanne’s lips quivered and her hands shook as her entire body remained transfixed on her position, unable to move. With trembling, her mouth opened slowly, not sure of what to make of what she saw.

　　“M-Mom…?!” She asked in a soft and unsure tone, her eyes widening in surprise.