Chapter 16
Right from the start of the international tournament, I was on fire.
My reflexes were insane, my strength off the charts. I was breaking through defenses non–stop, dragging the entire team to crush our opponents.
The coach on the sidelines was losing it, slamming the table. The media couldn’t get enough of it. Fans were going wild.
[Langford’s back, baby!]}
[Is this really the same Langford who’s been in a slump forever?]}
[He’s playing like he’s hacked the game!]}
! really did look like I was hacked.
Until–after the third match, the international anti–doping agency released a goddamn notice.}
[Daxon Langford tested positive for banned substances.]}
Within a single day, I was permanently banned from football, stripped of all athletic qualifications, and my records… were voided.}]
Then the sponsors started dropping me, one after another.
They were suing me for over a hundred million!
All my endorsement deals were gone. Even my old commercials got pulled from TV.
Just like that… I went from being a star to a fucking total disgrace!
I barged into my apartment, absolutely losing it.
“Where the hell is my money?! What happened to all the prizes I earned?“}
She was lounging on the couch, her legs crossed, her freshly done hair, casually painting her nails. She looked at me, acting all innocent.}
“Babe, don’t be so harsh. I just… used it for some investment stuff for you, you know, like financial planning…”
“Investment?!” I grabbed her wrist, my knuckles white from how hard I was squeezing. “What investment?! I checked the damn accounts. You took over 20 million out–on luxury goods, cars, and even renovated two apartments!“}
She went pale, then turned away with a cold laugh.}
“You’re a useless man banned from competing, and now you come to settle accounts with me?”
“I took drugs to compete. And now what? You spent all the money I risked my life to earn, and now you pat yourself on the back and say I’m worthless?“}
“Daxon, what the hell do you think I am to you?“}
“Oh yeah? And what the hell am I to you?” My voice came out hoarse, my eyes narrowing in rage. “I gave fucking everything! My career. My future. My life. And now you want me to keep giving?!“}
We went at it, throwing things everywhere in the living room.}]
Then Cleo seemed to realize she’d gone too far. She quickly composed herself, put on a charming face, and held my hand, pouting.
“Babe, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean it. I’ll figure out a way to get us some cash back, okay? You’re still in great shape–we could do some underground fighting, make some quick money, and get back on top.”
As she spoke, she pushed me toward the door. “Come on, let’s call this our big comeback plan.“}
I stood there at the door for what felt like forever.”
Finally, I nodded.
The next month, I fought like a machine.
It was brutal–no gear, no rules, just blood and sweat.
I barely made enough to get by.”
And all that money still went straight to Cleo.
She said she was going to “manage it” for me.
Then, one day, after a fight, I saw her.
She was with another guy, holding an Hermès bag, dressed in high–end fashion, laughing seductively.
I stood there in the comer, feeling like a damn fool.
Back in my crappy apartment, the realization hit me hard.
“You need to leave,” I said.
That night, my voice was low and rough.
“Cleo, I’ve paid you back for everything I owe. What you owe me–starting now, we’ll settle it, one by one.“#
She didn’t expect me to actually turn on her. Her face went pale, then flushed with anger. She tried to sweet talk me, but I was already throwing her stuff out the door.
“If you ever come near me again, I swear I’ll bum everything down!”
The door slammed shut. Cleo was left outside, screaming and cursing in the hallway.
But this time… I didn’t come for her.
had int
1:22 PM
I sold off everything I had just to keep myself out of jail.
At three in the morning, I was sitting at the window of my run–down apartment, staring out at the neon lights.3
Then, I scrolled through my contacts. Finally, I stopped at that familiar name: [Davina]
I hesitated for a second before swallowing my ego and sending her a message.%
[Can you lend me some money? I’ll pay you back soon.]%
Davina’s POV
I saw Daxon’s message right after I wrapped up a long day of official events.
I didn’t respond immediately.”
When Humphrey saw the message, he grabbed my phone with a frown.
“This bastard has the guts to contact you?“%
I stayed quiet.
He said, “I’ll cover it. But forget his name.“%
Daxon’s POV
Not long after, I got an incoming payment notification./
The amount was just enough to cover my debts.”
The transaction came with a note.2
{This is the last time.]
I stared at that message for a long time.”
Finally, I lowered my head.”
I knew what it meant. ‘I’ll never… be able to win her back.”
