REBEL IN MY HEART

Chapter one: Not yours to control

I stormed into my father’s office, slamming the door behind me. “I’m done!” I shouted, my hands gripping the edge of his desk.

“Done?” He asked, visibility confused.

“Yes, dad.” I am done with this mistake of a relationship.”

He gave a cold laugh. “If I understand you clearly, you are throwing away everything I built for you. That is not going to happen.”

“I’m not marrying him, dad!” I shot back with a sharp voice. “Derek is toxic. He cheated on me, lied to me and manipulated me..”

He leaned back as his jaw tightened. “Vivienne, men are naturally unfaithful. This marriage isn’t about feelings. It’s about strategy and securing our legacy and your future.”

I laughed bitterly, stepping closer. “And you?” I asked, my voice trembling with anger. “Are you natural too, dad?”

He froze, eyes narrowing. “I…”

“I thought so. Look, if you don't cheat, there will be a man out there for me who won’t cheat,” I said, my voice rising. “And if there isn’t, I’m fine just the way I am but I will not settle for lies or control. I refuse to be forced into something I don’t want!”

“You cannot trade this marriage for anything!” He barked. “Your duty is to this family and to our name. You will do as I say.”

“No!” I yelled, my fists clenched. “I refuse. I will not be a pawn in your schemes. I am not yours to control!”

Angrily, I turned around and walked out slamming the door behind me as I left him frozen in the room.

I stormed to my car, jammed the door, and sped out into the streets, my mind racing and my pulse hammering. Blinded by my rage, I didn’t notice that the traffic light had turned red until it was too late.

The crash was sudden. My car hit the motorcycle, sending the rider swerving to keep balance and I instantly stepped on the brakes.

“Watch where you’re going!” he shouted, steadying the bike.

I rolled down my window and shot back. “Maybe you should learn to watch where you ride! Next time, don’t block the road!”

The man didn’t flinch. He had scars along his jaw and a fire in his eyes, and as he leaned closer his voice boomed. “Do you even see me?”

“I see you perfectly,” I said, lifting my chin. “And I don’t care who you think you are.”

“Who do you think you are?” he shot back, his tone sharp. “You can’t just run through the city like this and walk away scotfree”

“Maybe I can,” I said, smirking despite my racing heart. “Or maybe you should stay out of my way.”

“You’re lucky I didn’t throw you off your car just now,” he yelled, voice edged with warning. “Do you know who I am?”

I scoffed, leaning back in my seat. “Do I need to?”

The tension drew a crowd and whispers began buzzing around us but neither of us would listen and back down.I pulled out my phone and dialed my father’s office even though my chest still raced.

“Hello, there's a man harassing me at the traffic. I need you to have him arrested,” I muttered under my breath when the line picked up. I thought that would scare him but he was adamant, insisting that no one could touch him.

It was only a matter of minutes before a black car pulled over and he was whisked away. Watching him being taken away gave me a tiny thrill, but also a flutter of unease. There was something about him… He moved like someone who lived on the edge, the way his shoulders held tension and his hands never seemed to waste a gesture. I kept seeing the angle of his jaw and how he was undaunted as the car disappeared through the traffic. The smell of burnt rubber and oil lingered in the air where he had stood. People around me were already returning to their routines but I could feel my pulse slowing and then picking up again, like a drum that would not settle. I had this stupid, sharp sense that the moment had not ended. It felt unfinished.

I drove away, still trembling with adrenaline. The city lights blurred past and the sound of horns faded behind me. My grip on the wheel was tight and my thoughts kept slipping back to the way he had looked at me. Even when I told myself it was over, my stomach clenched with the memory of his voice.

Immediately I pulled in the garage, I headed to the kitchen to cool my parched throat. I had barely pushed a gulp down when my phone buzzed insistently on the counter, and I snatched it up with a sigh.

“Vivienne Anna Hart!” my father’s voice barked before I could even greet him. “What is this I heard you did?”

I rolled my eyes, leaning against the kitchen counter. “You mean the motorcycle accident?”

“Yes, that one.”

“ I don’t see what the big deal is.”

“You don’t see the big deal?” His voice was tight with rage. “That man was arrested! You hit him and locked him up there after?”

“I am just teaching him a lesson to respect women. He won't be there for long.”

“Darn right he won't. He’s out. I asked them to release him.”

His words sent a cold wave through my body. “You what? Come on dad. Why would you do that? Why do you keep trying to control everything in my life? Why?”

“Because I built the name you bear with blood and sweat and I will not let you and your spoiled character ruin it.”

There was a pause, and I could hear him freezing. His words hit me deeper than I cared to admit.

“Vivienne, this is serious. You can’t just run around causing chaos and then pretend it’s nothing.”

A long silence followed. I knew he was livid, but he said nothing for a moment. I exhaled slowly, feeling a small rush of satisfaction.

“This life is mine and if you think you can come and run the show, I am sorry dad but I won't let you. You either let me live my life, or lose me for good.”