AGAINST the ODDS

Chapter 22: A Warning I Can't Ignore

(Lillian's POV – The team's management warns her about getting involved with a player.)

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I follow Coach Reynolds down the hallway, my stomach twisting into knots.

I knew this was coming.

The moment I saw the headlines, I knew there would be fallout. But I didn't think it would happen this fast.

Or feel this personal.

He leads me into his office, closing the door behind us before turning to face me. His expression is unreadable, but his silence is enough to make my nerves spike.

I sit stiffly in the chair across from his desk, waiting for him to speak.

Finally, he exhales, crossing his arms. "I'm going to cut straight to the point, Carter."

I nod, bracing myself.

"The front office isn't happy."

My throat tightens. "I understand."

He leans forward slightly. "Do you?"

I swallow, forcing my voice to stay steady. "I didn't do anything wrong."

His brows lift slightly, like he's impressed by my nerve. "No one is saying you did. But perception matters, and right now, the media is painting a picture that could put us in a difficult position."

I clench my jaw. "It was just dinner."

"Doesn't matter," he says firmly. "The second your name was linked to Jaxon's in any way outside of his medical treatment, it became an issue."

I stay silent, my nails digging into my palm beneath the table.

"This is the NFL, Carter. Players get involved in scandals all the time—injuries, fights, contract disputes. But staff?" He shakes his head. "That's a different story. We have a standard to uphold, and we can't afford unnecessary distractions. Especially with someone as high-profile as Monroe."

A sharp pang hits my chest.

So that's all this is.

Jaxon isn't just a player. He's a star. And the team will do whatever it takes to protect their investment.

Even if that means making sure I stay in line.

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An Ultimatum

Coach Reynolds exhales, leaning back in his chair. "Look, Carter, I know you're good at what you do. That's why we brought you on board. But let me be clear—if there's even a hint that this is more than just professional, it's going to be a problem. Not just for you, but for Jaxon too."

My stomach tightens. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that if this continues, you're going to have to make a choice." He levels me with a steady look. "Your job or Jaxon Monroe."

The words hit like a slap.

I should have seen it coming, but it still knocks the air out of me.

I work too hard for this. Spent years grinding through med school, residency, proving myself in a field dominated by men.

And now, one dinner with Jaxon Monroe is enough to put all of that at risk?

It's not fair.

But fair doesn't matter in the NFL.

I nod slowly, pressing my lips together. "I understand."

Coach Reynolds studies me for a moment before sighing. "Good. Then I expect this won't be an issue moving forward."

He stands, signaling the conversation is over. I push to my feet, keeping my expression neutral.

But inside, something cracks.

Because I know what I have to do.

And I hate it.

⸻

The Distance I Have to Keep

By the time I return to the rehab center, Jaxon is already waiting for me.

The moment he sees me, his brows knit together. "What happened?"

I force a small smile, ignoring the ache in my chest. "Nothing. Just a reminder to keep things professional."

His jaw tightens. "They talked to you, didn't they?"

I shrug. "It was bound to happen."

His eyes darken. "Lillian—"

"Jaxon." I cut him off, inhaling sharply. "We can't do this."

His expression hardens, but I see the flicker of something else—hurt.

"We haven't done anything," he says, his voice lower now.

I nod, my throat tight. "And we're not going to."

For a moment, neither of us speaks.

Then, finally, he nods. But it's not in agreement—it's resignation.

I turn away before he can see how much this hurts me, too.

Because I already made my choice.

And it wasn't him.