“We’re planning to go public soon, Andrea. She’s been a little hesitant, but she knows just as well as I that it’s just a matter of time.”
I’m confident that we’ll make this work; it has to.
“Luke, don’t get me wrong. I really want you to be happy and seeing you in a relationship is wonderful. But this can damage her career. Do you truly want to risk that?” she asks, and I keep silent, my mind racing.
“You’re Luke Hastings. No one’s going to bother you for dating areporter. But her? She’ll be torn apart first by fans, then by her peers in the media, claiming she only got her position because of you.”
“That’s not true! She had that internship long before we even met,” I tell her, feeling my frustrations rising.
“Do you honestly believe anyone will take the time to check that? Give her the benefit of the doubt? Her career will be tarnished by her relationship with you, with everyone questioning her abilities and crushing her dreams even before they’ve begun. Do you want to carry that responsibility?”
I don’t respond, and when Andrea realizes I’m not in the mood to discuss this, she leaves me alone.
The more I think about what Andrea told me, the more I get the sinking feeling that she is right.
A relationship with me will taint Jessica.
The media can be a cruel place, and even though I know Jessica is strong, I don’t want to stand in the way of her dreams.
Thinking over the possibilities we have, every single one ends with Jessica being harmed in some way. Her professional abilities will be questioned.
Even if the people working with her would support her and tell anyone who asks that she’s doing a fantastic job, other media outlets would tear her apart.
Then it’s the aspect of the future.
What happens when everyone learns she’s dating the golden boy of F1?
Will she have more opportunities handed to her, turning it into something nasty rather than something she’s earned through her own merit?
Hearing her pride in her work and her passion for F1 is one of the many qualities I adore about her.
And it’s also the reason why breaking it off with her is the only right choice to make her dreams come true, on her own terms.
Even if it means I’ll get my own heart broken. The thought alone makes me feel physically ill, as I sit in my chair feeling paralyzed from the pain inflicting my body, knowing what’s to come.
Chapter 28
JESSICA
I just dropped Lily off at her hotel after a successful day of shopping for her dream dress. We ended up choosing a tight, light blue satin gown with off-shoulder details. It fit her and her blonde looks perfectly, and I can’t wait to see her shine on Saturday.
She will make Sebastian and every other guy in that room do a double take.
When I get back to Luke’s hotel room, I can tell something is wrong right away.
He doesn’t stand up to greet me at the door like he usually does. He’s looking down at his hands, lost in thought.
I sit down next to him and gently rub his shoulder.
“Hi baby, is everything alright?” I ask, and he looks at me with a pained expression, instantly making me worried.
My nerves start to rise, and he looks away from my face, out into the room, away from me.
“I don’t think I can do this anymore,” He simply says, and my heart breaks in mychest.
I feel tears prickling at the back of my eyes, my throat tightening as I try to find my voice.
“What?” I whisper, feeling my hands shake in my lap.
