ying Through Paint
ying Through Pain
“I appreciate the opportunity you’ve given me to prove myself these past two weeks, Jack said, hisposure admirable given the circumstances. “I understand your decision, and I respect
Emma studied him across the conference table, searching for signs of trVtile Jack she’d grown to expect. Instead, he sat straight backed in his suit, epting the trade news with surprising grace.
“Seattle is excited to have you,” she said carefully. “Their offensive system shouldplement your ying
style.”
“Fresh start for everyone,” Jack nodded, echoing her words from weeks earlier. “When do I leavet
“Physical examination in Seattle on Monday, Alek exined. “Press conference Tuesday if everything checks
out.”
“And the announcement here?”
“This afternoon,” Emma said. “We’ll emphasize this is a mutual decision focused on your career growth” Jack’s eyes betrayed a flicker of something–pain, perhaps, or resignation. “Thank you for that kindness.” The management team dispersed after reviewing final details, leaving Emma, Alek, and Jack alone in the conference room. An awkward triangle of past, present, and futures diverging.
“Can I have a moment with Emma?” Jack asked, ncing at Alek. “Just to say goodbye properly”
Alek looked to Emma, who nodded slightly. “I’ll be in my office,” he said, exiting with characteristic professionalism.
When the door closed, Jack exhaled deeply. “So that’s it. Eight years of marriage, two teams, and a divorceter<b>, </b>I’m heading to Seattle.”
“It’s a good hockey city,” Emma offeredmely
“Is it because of <b>us</b>?” Jack asked, his facade cracking slightly. “Because of what happened between you and Volkov? Be honest.”
“No, Jack.” Emma met his gaze directly. “It’s because it’s the right move for everyone. You need space to continue your recovery away from ourplicated history. The team needs to move forward with yers who fit our current system.”
“And you need me gone so you can finally be with him openly.”
“That’s not fair.”
“Maybe not.” Jack ran a hand through his hair–a familiar gesture from their years together. “But it’s not entirely untrue either, is it?”
Emma chose her words carefully. “My rtionship with Alek developed after our marriage ended. It has nothing to do with this trade decision.”
“I believe you believe that.” Jack’s smile held no humor. “But we both know life isn’t thatpartmentalized Everything bleeds into everything else.”
Jack-
“It’s okay. Em. Really” He stood, straightening his jacket. “Part of recovery is epting consequences. This is just one more
As he moved toward the door, Emma felt a curious mixture of relief and mncholy. Despite everything. they shared a significant chapter of their lives
To
For what it’s worth,” she said, “I hope you find sess in Seattle. On and off the ice.”
Jack paused, hand on the doorknob. “I hope you find happiness with him. You deserve that.”
The door closed behind him with a soft click that somehow felt more <b>final </b>than the divorce papers ever had.
Sources close to the team confirm Reynolds‘ trade was elerated when ownership learned of his early release from treatment against medical advice.”
Emma muted the sports channel, where pundits had been dissecting Jack’s trade for the past three days. Despite the carefully worded press release, leaks had emerged–some surprisingly urate, others wildly spective
“Turn that back on,” Franklin grumbled from his favorite armchair. “I want to hear them squirm trying to analyze my granddaughter’s decisions without insulting her.”
“It’s all noise,” Emma said, setting down the remote in her grandfather’s study. “The team is moving forward.”
“Speaking of moving forward…” Franklin’s eyes twinkled. “When are you and Aleksander making things
official?”
We’re taking it slow, Grandpa.”
“Slow?” Franklin scoffed. “You two move at cial pace. In my day-
“In your day<b>, </b>wornen couldn’t own hockey teams, Emma interrupted with a smile. “Different times.”
“Fair point.” <b>Franklin </b>conceded. “But the world knows you’re together anyway. Might as well enjoy the benefits of being public.”
He wasn’t wrong. Despite their professional discretion, Boston gossip columns hadbeled them “hockey’s hottest power couple.” Photos asionally surfaced of their rare dinner dates, and social media buzzed whenever they were seen arriving at games together.
“We will. Eventually.” Emma changed the subject. “How are you feeling? You seemed tired at the board meeting yesterday.”
“Old,” <b>Franklin </b>admitted. “But functioning. Stop deflecting.”
Before Emma could respond, her phone rang–Lisa’s ringtone.
“Mitchell.“.
“We have <b>a </b>situation,” Lisa said without preamble. “Reynolds just gave an unsanctioned interview to Bos Sports Radio. It’s not good.”
Emma’s stomach clenched. “How bad<b>?</b>”
“He’s implying the trade was personal retaliation, that management used his treatment as an excuse to move him while his value was low.”
Is he naming names?”
Hot directly But he’s throwing around phrases like ‘conflict of interest‘ and inappropriate rtionships: affecting personnel decisions.”
Emma closed her eyes briefly Damage control options?”
I’m drafting a statement emphasizing the mutual benefits of the trade. Sattle’s GM is willing to confirm they’ve been pursuing him for months.
“Good. Send me the draft in thirty” Emma ended the call, turning to find Franklin watching her intently
“Reynolds showing his true colors?” he asked.
“Apparently rehabilitation has its limits.” Emma sighed. “So much for his <b>gracious </b>eptance.”
“People revert to type under pressure.” Franklin tapped his cane thoughtfully. “The question is how you
respond.”
“Professionally Factually. Without descending to his <b>level</b>.”
<b>“</b><b>Smart </b>girl.” Franklin nodded approvingly. “This too shall pass.”
But it didn’t pass–it escted. By evening, Jack’s interview had spawned a dozen think pieces questioning the ethics of Emma’s leadership. Sports talk shows debated whether her rtionship with Alek constituted a conflict of interest. One particrly sensational outlet even suggested Jack’s substance issues had been exaggerated to justify the trade<b>. </b>
As Emma prepared for bed that night, her phone lit up with Alek’s call.
“Have <b>you </b>seen thetest?” he asked without
greeting
“I’m trying not to.” Emma sank onto her bed. “Lisa’s handling the official responses.”
“It’s not just media now. The yers‘ association is asking questions about whether proper protocols were followed regarding Jack’s medical status.”
Emma pinched the bridge of her nose. “Of course they are.”
“I should have anticipated this,” Alek said, frustration evident in his voice. “Reynolds was too calm when we told him. Should have known he was nning something.”
“We both missed it.” Emmay back against her pillows, suddenly exhausted. “What happens now?”
“We weather it.” Alek’s voice softened. “Together.”
“I feel like I’ve dragged you into my mess.”
“Our mess,” he corrected. “I’m as much a part of management decisions as you are.”
“But it’s my history with Jack that’s fueling this. If we weren’t together-
<b>“</b>Stop.” Alek’s voice was firm, “Don’t let him make you question us. That’s exactly what he wants.”
Emma closed her eyes, drawingfort from Alek’s steadiness. “When did you get so wise?”
“I’ve always been wise. You were just distracted by my devastating good looks.” <fn048f> Get full chapters from Find?Novel</fn048f>
Herugh was genuine, the first real one all day. “True. Very distracting.”
“Wantpany tonight?” he asked. “I could be there in twenty minutes.”
AN
n
Despite the temptation, Emma declined Better not with the current scrutiny, we should co
Professional distance in public Agreed reluctantly ut remember Emma we have noting to hide