Chapter 3 Chapter Three

Chapter Three

Kai’s POV

“Kai Dawson, popular rising footballer and New York’s golden boy, is a bully.”

“Kai Dawson was seen having a violent altercation with a lady outside The Palms Club last night.”

“Enough!” I snapped, slamming my hand on the table. “Stop reading that shit to me and stop pacing like a damn idiot, Zach.”

My manager froze mid-step in the hotel suite. Floor-to-ceiling windows showed the glittering New York skyline, but none of it helped.

“You don’t understand how bad this is, Kai,” Zach said, dropping into the leather armchair opposite me. “Netizens are trending hashtags against you. I shouldn’t have let you go to that club without security.”

I leaned back on the couch and closed my eyes. “You’re giving me a fucking headache.”

Zach sighed. “Fine. Tell me what really happened.”

I rubbed my face with both hands. “I saw Trisha.”

“Trisha? Your ex?”

I rolled my eyes. “Yes, Trisha. I was heading to the restroom when she pulled me into the corner.”

“What did she want?”

“Can you let me finish?” I growled. “Stop interrupting.”

He raised his hands. “Go on.”

“She started asking about my welfare, bringing up old shit. Then I saw bruises on her arms and neck. I tried to check them, she kept pulling away, so I grabbed her to see how bad they were…” I paused, rubbing my jaw. “That’s when I noticed someone recording us. That stupid girl Kimberly thought I was bullying Trisha when I was just trying to help.”

Zach stared. “And then?”

“I smashed her phone on the wall,” I said flatly. “She wasn’t going to unlock it.”

“What?” He looked horrified. “Kai, you went too far.”

“She fucking recorded me!” I shot back. “She was about to ruin my image with the wrong impression.”

Zach shook his head. “Doesn’t matter now. People think you assaulted Kimberly outside the club. You’re a top star, you’re supposed to control yourself.”

I laughed bitterly. “I got hit in the face with a shoe, Zach.”

“We need to fix this fast,” he said. “Your father and the team have been blowing up my phone.”

“I swear I’m going to kill that girl,” I muttered. “If she’d minded her own business, I wouldn’t be in this mess.”

Zach’s phone buzzed. He glanced at it and sighed. “Your dad wants to arrange a meeting between you and Kimberly.”

I sat up straight. “What for?”

“He wants you to apologize to her. Publicly.”

“Never!” I barked, shooting to my feet. “I’m not apologizing to that crazy, shoe-throwing bitch.”

Zach gave me a long, tired look. “Your father was clear. Sponsors are threatening to pull out. If you don’t fix your image, it affects your contract and the upcoming season.”

I paced across the room, anger boiling. The thought of apologizing to Kimberly Castell made my blood boil but losing everything I’d worked for…

I stopped by the window, staring out at the skyline.

Zach’s voice came from behind me, quieter. “The meeting’s already being arranged. Whether you like it or not… you’re going to face her.”

I clenched my jaw so tight it hurt.

Kimberly Castell.

She had no idea what kind of storm she’d just walked into.

This time, I wouldn’t just smash her phone.

I would make her regret ever crossing paths with me.