Hearts in Play

The Bet

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of Seraphina's office, casting a warm glow on the polished furniture. Seraphina, seated at her desk, contemplated the events of the previous night as she dialed Dominik's number. She couldn't deny that the unexpected dinner had left a mark on her, both in terms of frustration and intrigue.

As Dominik answered the call, his voice carried a hint of curiosity. "Seraphina, to what do I owe the pleasure of this early morning call?"

Seraphina couldn't resist the opportunity to banter. "Well, Dominik, I was thinking it's about time for that private ab exploration we discussed last night. What do you say?"

Dominik laughed. "As tempting as that sounds, I think we might need to schedule that for another time."

Seraphina smirked. "Pity. Maybe after the upcoming game against Man City. But speaking of the game, I wanted to talk to you about your performance."

Dominik's tone shifted, becoming more attentive. "Go on."

Seraphina leaned back in her chair, her expression serious. "I've been observing your play, Dominik. You have skill, there's no denying that. But the unnecessary winking at the camera and the occasional sloppy pass after – those won't cut it. You're not here for show; you're here to win games. So cut out the theatrics and focus on your game."

Dominik chuckled. "Noted, Seraphina. But you know, to keep up my performance, I might need a little extra motivation."

Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "Extra motivation? What do you have in mind?"

Dominik with a smirk through the phone. "How about a little bet? If I score at least one goal and make one assist in the upcoming game, you end the icy attitude and let me prove myself to you. And if I don't, you get to do whatever you please."

Seraphina couldn't help but be intrigued by the proposal. "You're confident, I'll give you that."

After a few seconds of pondering, Seraphina couldn't help herself. "Fine, Dominik. Let's make it interesting. If you meet the criteria, I'll give you a chance to prove yourself. But if you don't, well, be prepared for whatever I have in mind."

Dominik grinned. "Deal. I look forward to proving you wrong, Seraphina. Get ready for a show."

As they hung up, Seraphina couldn't shake the sense of anticipation that lingered in the air. The bet had added a new layer of complexity to their already intricate relationship. Little did she know that the upcoming game against Man City would not only be a battle on the field but also a pivotal moment that could change the dynamics between her and Dominik in ways they never imagined. The game was set, and the stakes had been raised.