Paradise In Portugal {Cristiano Ronaldo}

15. The Unexpected

This chapter of the story may contain events that may be easily triggering for some readers. Contains: domestic violence (physical and emotional).

{Adelina POV}

"Can we please just talk about this without arguing?" I spoke calmly. Gareth had been sat at the kitchen counter, I on the other side. He had decided to stay for a few extra days before flying out to his next match in Spain. The conversations leading up to now had been filled with tension so sharp it could be cut through like a knife.

"Okay, so start. Why were you at his house? Simple enough, right?" he said. The tone in his voice was sarcastic, just enough to tick me off a bit.

"Gareth, please. I'm trying to have a relaxed conversation so I can explain."

"Ok, I'm sorry. Please continue."

Gareth glared at me, a look I hadn't seen before. His tone was dull, as if he hadn't felt emotion in quite some time. This was unfamiliar from the Gareth I had been so used to.

"Umm, alright," I started quietly. "Cristiano invited me and the boys to dinner, just as friends... to catch up. That's all. Nothing between us happened; it was mostly for the kids to hang out."

I looked up at Gareth, catching his eyes roll in the process. He let out a scoff and readjusted himself in his seat.

"Oh c'mon, Lina. It's not like he's their father. What do you owe this guy anyway?" he threw his hands in the air, in disbelief.

Taken back from his statement, I stayed quiet. My eyes left his, feeling frustrated by his statement. But somehow, I knew he was right. I hadn't had an excuse to give or explain myself.

"You're right. And I'm sorry. You guys are teammates, and get along. I didn't think it'd be a huge deal," I said, shrugging my shoulders a bit.

He slammed his hands down on the countertop, catching me off guard as I took a step back. He got off the bar stool he had sat on and made his way in my direction, stepping just a few inches away.

"It doesn't matter whether we are teammates or not, Adelina! Doesn't mean that we're all buddy-buddy. You get that?"

Gareth rose his voice to the point of unfamiliarity. I hadn't seen this side of him before, and frankly it wasn't a good one. I took another step back, only to realize that I had reached the wall.

"I-I, U-Uhm, okay..." I quietly hesitated.

Gareth took another step towards me, closing the space between us. I felt a strong hold on each of my shoulders as I slowly looked up at him.

"I don't need to see you talking to him anymore, understood? If you see him or so much as talk to him behind my back, things are not going to end well. Okay?"

Taken back by his statements and the harsh tone in his voice, I gulped and nodded my head slowly. I took my eyes off him and stared at the ground. I felt his hands release my arms, leaving a slight pulsing pain from how tight he had held me.

"Alright, now, I'm sorry for yelling. I just don't want to lose you after all this time Lina."

His voice had been calmer now, more soothing than just a few minutes ago. I nodded my head, keeping my gaze away from him. This whole conversation had rubbed me the wrong way, but I couldn't dread on it for too long once I felt his gentle touch on my cheek. I developed the courage to look up at him and see apologetic eyes. I gave him a soft, warm smile.

"It's okay. I should've told you instead. I'm sorry."

"Let's not fight anymore. The kids might wake up," he said, placing a kiss on my forehead.